Page 117 of The Immortal’s Mark

“I see it.” His amusement makes my smile grow.

The vice around my lungs loosens. I can’t remember the last time I felt this…capable.

Not able to tear my gaze away for long, I look back at my creation. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to hold it before it vanishes. But it looks steady. Like it wants to stay.

I could stare at it all day.

“Try to increase its size,” Mistress Lola instructs, shifting closer. “Lift your hand like so, and aim to trickle more power into it.”

She mimes the action.

I nod and raise my arm. With my palm facing the delicate shape, I furrow my brow and concentrate. I imagine the orb is a ball of yarn, and I’m wrapping more thread around its electrifying surface, layer by layer, careful not to tangle the strands.

Nothing happens.

I bite my lip, willing the power to obey my mental image. My pulse thrums loudly in my ears. Sweat trickles down my back. After a few more seconds of intense focus, a thin tendril of light finally seeps out of my palm.

Relief hits so hard it makes me dizzy.

The strip of power stretches slowly toward the suspended orb, closing the space between my hand and the light. It sizzles when it makes contact before seeping into the orb.

My arm begins to shake. The muscle strains, burning with effort.

“That’s it,” Mistress Lola murmurs, watching closely. “Now, carefully cut off the lingering strand. Good. That’s it. Gently guide the last portion into the ball.”

I listen, gnawing on my lip without realizing it until I taste blood.

I don’t stop. Not until the last bit of light merges into the orb and the strand disappears.

My arm drops with a shaky sigh, but the orb remains.

“Incredible.” Mistress Lola beams. The orb is now twice its original size. “Absolutely incredible. That was amazing progress, Darcie.”

“I don’t know how I did that,” I admit, still staring, afraid that it’ll vanish if I blink. “I didn’t do anything different from the other times.”

“Sometimes, all it takes is a new day with a fresh start,” Mistress Lola says knowingly.

Then she adds, “The amount of control and restraint you demonstrate rivals those of our kin with years more experience. I am very impressed.”

I straighten my spine despite the exhaustion in my limbs. “Should I try something else? Maybe I can try to rein in the orb?”

She shakes her head. “You have done enough for today. We do not want you to overexert yourself after such an impressive display.”

She lifts her own arm and flicks her fingers toward the orb.

The ball disappears instantly. Clean. Effortless.

Envy grips me.

Mistress Lola notices and smiles softly. “Do not worry. Soon, you will be able to manipulate power just as efficiently.”

I don’t quite believe it, but I say, “I hope so.”

With that, the afternoon session ends.

“Want to get out of here and go check out some sights?” I ask Gregory as we walk back into the safehouse. Mistress Lola has already hurried away somewhere. My gut says she’s off to report on my training success.

“I’m sorry,” he says, “but I have work to do.”