Page 19 of Fated for Flames

I swallowed dry before replying, “As well as one can be under the circumstances.”

Rafe’s gentle voice cut through the heavy atmosphere. “We’re here to help, Evelyn. We believe there might be a way to release the magic that binds you.”

A glimmer of hope flickered to life within me. Even if I couldn’t use my magic, I still wanted the binding gone—perhaps it would reveal more answers.

“How?” I asked, my gaze darting between the two of them.

Professor Lucien cleared his throat, “There are multiple incantations, Rafe and I can try to release the binding. However, it might take time since we will have to test different methods. But I’m confident we’ll unravel it.”

My heart leaped with hope. “Incantations… Will these sessions be risky for me?”

Professor Lucien leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. “It carries its own set of dangers, as most things in our world do. But with Rafe’s unique abilities and your resilience, we may have a chance. Still, I have to warn you, the process might be a sort of…painful.”

I swallowed hard, memories of my previous torment flashing through my mind. “I’m used to pain,” I assured. “I’ll do everything it takes to remove this binding.”

“Very well,” Rafe said, his voice soothing like a soft melody. “To begin the process, I need you to trust me completely, Evelyn. Are you comfortable with that? If you’re not, the magical binding will fight back, and it will be more painful for you.”

I blinked at him a few times as I analyzed my emotions. Trust was something that I had lost. Still, every time I looked at the hybrid angel, I felt a connection. He had saved me the last time I had been in this office. His presence irradiated trust.

“We have only met each other once. Naturally, you might have doubts about this…”

I raised my hand, so Rafe stopped talking. “Even though I haven’t known you for long, I don’t have anyone else I can rely upon.” I looked at Professor Lucien. “You could have reported me to the school council, or worse, called the Luminarymatriarch, but you didn’t. Instead, you’re willing to risk your safety once again to help me.”

“Have you had any more seizures?”

I shook my head. “Do you trust Rafe?”

“With my life.”

Inhaling deeply, I tried to calm myself. “Okay, let’s do this. I’ll try not to blow up the academy and us this time.”

“Not funny, Evelyn,” Professor Lucien muttered.

I smirked at him before gripping the edge of the table for support. “I trust you and Rafe.”

“Then let us begin,” Professor Lucien said.

Rafe reached out, his fingers lightly touching my forehead. A sensation like cool water washed over me, and I closed my eyes. His energy wrapped around mine as he tried to unravel the binding on my magic.

As Professor Lucien began an incantation and Rafe brought his palm to my forehead and the other to my stomach, the air around hummed with power. I could feel the magic swirling around me, caressing my skin like a living entity. Until a wave of pain surfaced.

It started as a dull ache, a throbbing in my temples that quickly escalated into a searing, all-consuming agony. I cried out as the magic seemed to tear at the very fabric of my being.

I clenched my jaw, determined to see this through, no matter the cost. My eyes flew open, and I watched as Rafe’s eyes focused on me, their depths holding a calm determination that somehow soothed my agony.

But something fought back. A force that surged and coiled within me like a cornered beast. It lashed out at Rafe’s probing energy, resisting his attempts with a fury that sent shock waves through my system.

I heard Professor Lucien’s sharp intake of breath and Rafe’s quiet grunt of exertion. I gritted my teeth, trying to push back against the invisible force tearing through me.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rafe withdrew his hands, stumbling back slightly, fatigue etching lines onto his face.

Rafe’s gaze returned to mine. “I’m sorry,” Rafe breathed out, disappointment clouding his features. “I couldn’t break it.”

Defeat washed over me as I sank back into my chair.

I needed to break this binding, and I needed to get answers.

But as I looked to Professor Lucien and Rafe, I was grateful not only for their knowledge and help but also for not having to face this alone. Though they might not know much, their awareness of the binding and their willingness to stand by me meant everything. Having them in my corner, especially after the betrayal I experienced and was now trying to prevent, felt incredibly reassuring.

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