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“Thea, why don’t you teach Panda how to play fetch?” That rich voice I only just remembered was strong and clear, as if it really were coming from my father’s lips once again.
“He doesn’t like fetch.” Little me bounded after the black and white puppy, determined to snatch him and give him cuddles, only to release him and do it all over again.
“How do you know, Princess? You haven’t taught him yet.”
“I just know. I can tell he won’t like it.”
“Alright, if you say so.” I could hear the laughter in his words, a perfect harmony with my mom’s chuckle at his side.
The happy sounds pierced my heart. Mom had laughed plenty in our life together after Dad died, but that one, that low, sweet chuckle… it was something that must have been reserved only for him. I never heard it again after that day..
“What do you see around you, Thea? Describe it to me.”
Brodgan’s voice roused part of my consciousness back to the present, reminding me everything I was seeing was a shadow of a past I could never reclaim. I didn’t want to tell him. It was innocent, pure, and entirely my own. But what could I say? Try to make something up? Seemed pointless to lie, despite my instinctive need to protect my memories from this intruder.
“I’m at my house, where we lived when my dad was alive. We’re all together.”
“What season is it?”
“Fall.” There was the barest chill in the air, not enough to require a jacket, but that perfect temperature where we’d shudder at the warmth of the house as soon as we headed inside again.
“Tell me about the plants, the grass, the trees.”
This time, I knew what he was looking for. “They’re green. All of them, still green.”
“And the surrounding area?”
“Oranges and browns, leaves falling from the breeze.”
“Remember this, Thea. Remember how you felt at that moment, how full of life you were. It’ll help you harness your power in the future.”
“Yes, Professor.” I wasn’t sure what else to say to him. This didn’t feel much different from the first memory, so I couldn’t tell what his purpose had been in making me relive it.
“I want you to hold this in your mind now, Thea, and extend your hand toward me. Hold it out straight and let the memory flow over you.”
Awkwardly, I lifted my arm in his direction and held it there, waiting for whatever the hell he was about to do. Something brushed my fingers, and I recoiled in surprise.
“It’s fine, keep your eyes closed and let go of the leash you keep on your ability. Allow the energy to come up and outward, direct it through your palm and into the world.”
Again, I followed his instruction, even as my fingers tingled with energy that always filled my heart with dread. My power was definitely rising to the surface, but which side of the coin would it be? Because if I unleashed death this close to Brodgan, not only would I be exposed, but there was no telling what would happen to him.
“Outstanding.” His whisper echoed through the room, something brushing my fingertips again and testing my resolve to keep my eyes closed as instructed. “Open your eyes, Thea.”
My lids snapped up in a heartbeat, panic clawing at me about what I was going to see. Before me was a flourishing potted plant. There were blooms erupting all over it, the leaves a vibrant green that contrasted with the riot of color from the flowers.
I recognized it. The pot had been on Brodgan’s desk since the school year had begun, the sickly plant in it barely clinging to the last vestiges of life.
“Your mother will be so proud. You’re exactly like her.” The soft words came out on an exhalation, and I wasn’t sure he even meant to say them aloud.
What did he know about my mother? Yes, I was a lot like her, but how would he have any idea? He’d never met Evelyn Keres, so how could he know what would make her proud?
He was staring at me, gaze boring past the surface to something that lay beneath. Was that part of his aptitude? Could he actually see my power moving beneath my skin?
The thought made me shudder, and the movement seemed to shake him from whatever stupor had befallen him.
“I, uh—” He cleared his throat and sat back, setting the plant on the table beside his chair. “I think we’ve done enough for the day. I know the process can be draining and a bit invasive, so I appreciate your hard work.”
I was on my feet before he’d finished the sentence, and my hand was on the door when I realized I was being ridiculously rude.
“Thank you for your help, Professor. I’ll keep practicing.”
“Glad to hear that, Thea. We’ll have our next session soon.”
“Great.” If he noticed my smile was forced, he gave no outward sign. “See you in class.”
I pulled the door open, eager for escape, only to find my path blocked by a familiar figure, hand poised to knock.
“Kate, what are you doing here?”
