Page 37 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)
Al y
The last bell ring s , echoing through the halls of the academy and signaling the end of another long day. I stretch in my seat, letting out a sigh of relief as I gather my things. My final class of the day has been about Air magic, which, while interesting, always leaves me feeling as lightheaded as a balloon drifting far too close to the sun.
“We actually worked on summoning gusts of wind today, but I think my gust might’ve come out as more of a pathetic breeze,” I say to Jared, who’s already halfway to the door, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
“I mean, it’s hard to be dramatic when You’re blowing away dandelions, Aly,” he quips, chuckling as he exit’s the classroom. “At least You didn’t summon a tornado and blow away the snacks in the cafeteria!”
“Hey, those snacks are sacred! I’d never commit such a crime!” I protest, but the laughter bubbling in my chest only makes my words less convincing.
Once the room clears out, I take a moment to collect myself, Gods I suck at fire magic. gag. I have my training session with Vin in the Fire training grounds, and the thought of it ignites a spark of excitement in my chest.
As I walk towards the training grounds, I reflect on my attempts to manage fire magic. I am quite good at lighting fires, but it would in fact not be a good idea to keep doing that. As I approach the grounds, I spot Vin on the training field, his curly blonde hair is flopping around as he runs laps around the center. Vin Astor is one of the most beautiful men I've ever seen, he's tall and lean. You know now that I'm thinking about it, he's too pretty. “Hey, Aly! Just in time!” he calls out, his voice carrying over the field.
“Am I late? I swear those dandelions were plotting against me!” I reply, half-joking as I approach. “How are You?” I ask as I step up to his open arms. He wraps me in a tight hug.
“Good, I’ve missed You.” He motions for me to join him at the center of the field, where a ring of fire dances around a sandy area. My stomach flutters with anticipation. “We’ll focus on controlling the flames and using them in tandem with Your will.”
I laugh nervously. “So, I know you know this but maybe I should remind You. Me + fire= Wildfire.” I grimace
“I remember, but I'm here so I can put it out if it gets out of hand but if You don't try, you’ll always be a liability,” he replies, a warm smile on his face that instantly puts me at ease. “You need to harness Your power, not fear it. Nothing bad is going to happen.”
“Ugh fine, just don't let me burn the school down.” I grin, my nerves settling into a comfortable rhythm alongside Vin's calm energy.
“Let’s see what You can do!” he encourages, motioning for me to step forward. I take a deep breath, grounding myself, feeling the flicker of energy within me, like the embers of a fire just waiting to be ignited.
“Okay, just remember focus,” Vin instructs. “Feel the fire within You and let it flow outward.”
I nod, concentrating on the familiar warmth pooling in my hands. Slowly, I begin to summon the flames, visualizing them swirling around me like a protective cocoon. I raise my hands, channeling the magic, and the fire erupts in vibrant colors—reds, oranges, and yellows swirling together.
“Good! Now, try to shape it.” Vin encourages, pacing beside me. “Let it become an extension of You.”
As I focus, I attempt to guide the flames into a small sphere, but it flickers before growing bigger. I huff in frustration, “Why does it feel like I’m over filling the circle”
“Because You might just be! Flame can be playful, but it also demands respect. Try to connect with it more.” Vin steps closer, demonstrating with graceful fluidity, dancing through the fire in a way that makes it look effortless.
“I do respect it! I mean, have You seen me in the kitchen?” I joke, but he doesn’t laugh. His serious expression urges me to concentrate again.
I focus on the energy sparking within me and picture it as an extension of me—the center of my being. Slowly, the flames respond, beginning to take shape, flickering with vibrant energy.
“There You go!” Vin says, his tone encouraging. “Feel the connection—let the fire become part of You!”
It’s as if the fire recognizes my intentions, swirling higher into a controlled spiral. I’m amazed by the sensation—like a dance choreographed perfectly between my instincts and the magic itself. “I think I’m getting the hang of it!” I exclaim, a grin breaking across my face.
“Don’t get too cocky just yet,” he teases, holding up his hands. “Let’s see You maintain that while we add some complexity.”
“Complexity as in?” My excitement momentarily dims.
“Why don’t we try to move with it?” Vin suggests, stepping back. “Create a path of fire through the space without losing control.”
“Shit.” I say murmur, my stomach knots at the challenge.
Vin watches as I take a deep breath and begin guiding the flames in a sweeping arc. I focus, feeling the heat push against my skin as I try to maintain control. The flames flicker and dance to my will, and for a moment, I’m on top of the world—until a sudden gust of wind sweeps through.
“Whoa—hey!” The fire suddenly flares wildly, nearly spiraling out of control, and I scramble to stop the flames.
Vin steps closer, his eyes steady but full of concern. “Calm down. Breathe.”
I take a deep breath, my heart racing, and focus on stabilizing the flames. “I’m trying! But it’s about to explode!”
“Just remember: You’re stronger than the fire. You control it, not the other way around.” He scuffs his foot against the ground, shaking his head slightly but maintaining that calm demeanor.
“Yes, wise teacher! Can I have my ‘Masters of Fire’ diploma now?” I exclaim, trying to lighten the tense moment.
He cracks a smile, and I feel my anxiety fading as he steps back to let me try again. “One step at a time, Aly.”
I focus once more, channeling the flames until they respond effortlessly to my will. A small spark of pride ignites in my chest—each flame I control feels like a small victory.
“Now we’re getting somewhere,” Vin encourages, watching me with a mix of pride and admiration.
“Mind if I just put You in my backpack so You can help me in class?” I giggle, my confidence surging.
As we continue to train, a comfortable rhythm forms between us.
“You know,” I say, pausing for a moment, “I think I need a catchy title for today’s lesson. ‘How to Dance with Fire without Losing Your Eyebrows.’ What do You think?”
Vin laughs heartily, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he replies, “I’d say we’re off to a great start. Maybe even add, ‘And Still Look Fabulous While Doing It!’”
“Thank You for helping me today. I've been really struggling.”
“Technically it's my job but I would help even if it wasn't. So, I'll take payment in kisses and maybe cookies.” smiling I walk closer to him and push to my toes. I hover my mouth so close to his I can feel his breath feather across my face. His eyes watching me closely. I move closer just briefly before turning my head and walking away.
“I’ll grab some cookies from the campus store before class tomorrow.” I sass over my shoulder.
“I’ll remember that.” Vin grumbles behind me. Before grabbing his bag out of the sand and walking me home.