Page 61 of A Blaze of Fire
“Don’t try to do anything different, Violet. Just breathe as you normally would,” she whispered.
I did as instructed, focusing on the crushing waves, the whooshing wind, and the cries of gulls that wheeled overhead. It wasn’t until I’d cancelled out my distractions that I heard myself breathe. I just went with the flow, following the steady rhythm of my breaths. I stayed just like that for thirty minutes until I felt like I had it memorized.
“I got it!” I shouted and opened my eyes, adding a fist pump.
Calypso beamed at me. “I knew you could do it.”
“How do I write it down so I don’t forget it?” I looked around as if a piece of paper and pen would magically appear.
Calypso laughed. “You don’t. This is something you’ll practice every chance you get until it becomes second nature.”
I deflated. With my Swiss cheese memory, I had little hope I’d remember it.
“Don’t be disheartened. Before long, you’ll be sitting in the dining hall eating your next meal and practicing your breathing patterns at the same time.” She laughed as if it had happened before.
“I guess I’ll have to take your word on it.”
She nodded and gave a conspiratorial wink. “Soon, you’ll be using your air elemental magic. Just you wait and see.”
“Fingers crossed!”
She motioned to the boardwalk. “Come on; your guard is here for you. Looks like our training session is over for today.”
I peered over my shoulder to find Alec standing on the boardwalk, watching us. For some reason, I got the impression Calypso was bothered by Alec and his overbearing presence. It was just a gut feeling, but I’d learned those were rarely wrong.
“I guess training tomorrow will be postponed because of the public showing,” Calypso said. “I’ll be there for moral support.” She patted my back. “Good luck.”
I watched her walk away, passing by Alec without a nod or word of greeting. She entered the castle and disappeared inside. Yeah, she really didn’t like him. After a moment, I collected my swirling thoughts and walked over to where Alec waited … obviously annoyed.
“What took you so long?” he urged. “Is all this meditation and deep breathing filling your head up with air?”
I glared. “I don’t like your insinuation,” I gritted between my teeth.
He smirked. “And what might that be?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“That I’m an air head. I’ve had mental health issues all my life and I’m no stranger to those sorts of barbs. I don’t appreciate them,” I answered stonily.
His expression turned serious and he straightened. “You didn’t have mental health issues, Violet. You weren’t crazy.” His voice was a low growl, as if it angered him that I said it.
I scoffed and looked away. “Tell that to all of New York City.” After a minute, I met his eyes again. “It doesn’t matter what you think, and it doesn’t matter if it was true or not. It’s what I endured. So don’t make those kinds of comments.”
Alec watched me for a few seconds before nodding stiffly. He spun on his heels and headed toward the castle, silently telling me to follow him. I hesitated for a second before following him inside, though I walked a few paces behind him. That was why I didn’t notice when he stopped up ahead, nearly making me crash into him. Irritated, I peered around him and saw Ansel standing in front of us in the castle’s courtyard.
Ansel nodded to his brother. “Are you going to the dining hall?”
Alec nodded.
“How’s her training going?”
Alec shrugged. “Ask her yourself.”
Ansel sighed and dropped his head. “Come on, don’t be a dick.”
Alec mock gasped. “Moi? I wouldn’t dare.”
Shaking my head at the childishness exhibited by these two grown-ass fae, I walked around Alec and stood beside him, glaring at him before giving Ansel my full attention. “Everything is fine,” I said softly. “My training is going well.” I bit my lip to hide the smile I wanted to send his way, knowing we were probably being watched by dozens of curious eyes.
Sounding as ferocious as a feral animal, Alec growled beside me and like a trained dog, I released my lip. Quickly schooling my expression, I tried to wipe the shock from my face. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew there was something wrong with the way he and I interacted, but this was neither the time nor place to think about it. I was rarely ever given the opportunity to see, much less talk to Ansel. I had to take advantage of the time I was given.
