Page 53 of Restored

I look at him and then back at his father. “I’d like to try again.” I turn back to the bed, my stomach churning nervously.You can do this.“What is his name?”

“Callum,” Ledger responds.

Taking a steadying breath, I close my eyes. My shoulders relax and clear my mind. The relief that courses through my veins as my power begins to vibrate through me is immeasurable.

Opening my eyes and tracking my still trembling hands, I hover them over Callum’s body. A soft glowing mist begins to emit from them as I move, a buzz of power rippling through the room.

My mouth tugs down when I feel absolutely nothing from him; his body doesn’t react to me. I try again, to no avail. This had never happened to me before. Bodies always bend to my will, react, and change.

Ledger’s eyes are intently set on his father, hope lining his features.

“What exactly is his power?” I question as my power prods at the unconscious man.

Ledger’s face falls, his skin instantly paling. “Is something wrong?”

“He’s not responding to my powers.”

“Well, try harder. I did not bring you here for you to fail.” I can see as he slips his carefully crafted mask on. The one he uses when he’s feeling any emotion he doesn’t know how to handle.

My mouth snaps shut; now is not the time and place to argue. I open the lid on my powers and let it flow throughme, my palms grow brighter. The hum of power in the room increases.

Nothing, I feel absolutely nothing from him, his body remains the same. His breathing is shallow, his skin still damp and sallow. I exhale, defeated, and cap my power, turning back to Ledger.

“Why are you stopping?” I can hear the desperation in his voice, can almost feel his internal panic.

“It’s not working.” I touch his arm gently and he averts his eyes. “Answer my question.” I recall what he’d asked me in Grimwood, the odd timing, how specific it was. So, it’s no surprise when he answers.

“He can nullify powers.” There is a long silence in the room before Ledger continues, “I thought with him being unconscious, maybe you’d be able to get through.” Anguish flashes across his beautiful features.

An ache forms in my chest for him. He already lost his sister and his mother, and by the looks of it, his father doesn’t have much time.

His torment is almost tangible as he turns to his father, grasping at his bony hand.

My mind is languid, a feeling of helplessness washing over me as I watch the two of them.

“It’s been a long couple of days. Orion will take you to your room. We will try again tomorrow.” He doesn’t look at me as he speaks.

Not knowing what else to do, I accept his dismissal, pushing open the heavy doors. Orion waits outside, the towering prince’s guard. I wonder how I had never seen it before.

He must see the disappointment on my face because his own falls before he turns.

I follow him in silence until we get to a room with a smaller ornate door. He opens it and motions for me to go inside.

“Welcome to Westray Miss Sutton. Get some rest.”

“Thank you, Orion.” The door closes.

I toss and turn,restless in the comforts of the luxurious bed I lay in. I can’t stop thinking of Westray’s king and Ledger’s devastating disappointment. I had utterly failed them, and that wasn’t a feeling I was used to. It left me feeling raw and helpless, emotions that gnaw at my mental sanity.

I need to find the library and the serenity only books and research can bring. I creep from my bed, the marble floors chilling my bare feet.

The door swings open with a loud creak against the quiet of night. A guard stands at attention on the other side.

“Hello,” I start. “Um, I was hoping you could escort me to the library?” He eyes me warily, taking in my nightgown and bare feet. “I wanted to do some research. I won’t be long.”

He nods in answer and starts walking down the hallway, his metal armor clinking. I scurry after him, barely closing the door. I follow him down the hallway until he turns and stops in front of two grand doors.

“Uh, through these doors?” I ask, and he responds by opening one. I pass him, walking through. “Thank you.”

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