A Misunderstanding?

I roll my eyes as Bolins grits his teeth and says, "Lyra, can we talk in private?" I nod my head and follow him to his office. Fei Yue waves at us before turning away and walking back to the inner courtyard with a pep to his step.

I really don't know what to make of this odd deity that just showed up out of nowhere. He didn't seem like he had ill intentions, but I don't have the best track record when it comes to judging people's characters.

As soon as we're in the office, Bolin's shadows fly past me and slam the door shut. Bolin keeps his back to me before turning around and asking, "Are you serious? Are you really going to teach him magic?"

I give him a strained smile before saying, "Well, I'll try but to be honest I don't think it's possible. I will try and teach him a few things and once he realizes that he can't learn it, he'll move along." Bolin gives me a dark smile as he asks, "Do you really think that's going to be the end of it? If he was going to leave that easily, he would have already left! He's probably only doing this as an excuse to stay here."

I slightly tilt my head, watching him closely as I ask, "Why do you think that? Why would he want to stay here?" He takes a deep breath, calming himself before continuing, "Weimin sent him, we can't trust him. I also don't like the way he so readily called you 'Master'! It's ridiculous!"

I slightly nod my head and say, "While I do agree on not trusting him, I don't really see a problem with him calling me master. Sure, it's annoying but it's not that big of a deal. I want to know why you two keep sharing a knowing look. What's going on Bolin?"

He sighs and says, "I can't tell you that right now, but I will when I can." Even though I don't like it, I try to respect it as I nod my head. Suddenly, I remember something. I look back at him saying, "That reminds me... back in the palace you said that you had old matters to settle with the King. Did something happen between you two?"

Bolin's handsome face becomes pensive as he says, "I can't tell you that either." My eyes narrow on him a bit before asking, "And Haoyu? Can you tell me more about him? Why or how you have a dragon?"

His jaw clenches and his eyes darker. He softly says, "I can't tell you that either, but I promise that in time, I will tell you everything." We stare at each other in silence but neither one of us was willing to break it.

So I could tell him about me... about my family, about my power but he can't tell me a single thing about himself? My insecurities and anger surge through me as I struggle to remain understanding, but I felt like I had been slapped with reality.

Almost losing him made me realize just how much I cared for him and then with us falling asleep together... I obviously let myself get carried away. Maybe I misread the whole thing and he didn't feel the same way I did? I'm clearly getting ahead of myself.

I break the silence first as I say, "I see. Well, you do your thing then and I'll do mine." Bolin flinches as if I slapped him, but I refuse to feel any pity as I turn and walk out of the office without looking back.

My chest feels stuffy as I keep walking but when I make it back to the inner courtyard, Fei Yue sits up straighter and eagerly asks, "Are we going to start today?" I want to snap 'NO!' but if I want the guy to stop hanging around me, I need to get this over with. The sooner, the better.

I walk over in annoyance and say, "Sure, let's start today. Why not?" The last half was said with sarcasm, but it seems completely lost on him as his eyes practically glow with excitement. He quickly stands up and bows as he says, "This humble student is grateful. I will do my best to make you proud."

I struggle not to roll my eyes as I wave him off and say, "Enough with the weird formalities. Give me your hand." He stands up straight and blinks in surprise. I sigh and say, "The fastest way for you to get a feel for magic is to feel it from the source. Give me your hand."

He blinks again, slightly confused and awkward. He steps forward and holds his hand out with clear eyes. His hand is much bigger than mine, but it will still work. I slide my hand under his and hold it as I say, "Close your eyes and focus on the feeling."

He still looks at me with confusion, but he closes his eyes. I push my magic up through my hand and then through his. His eyes fly open in shock as he instantly jerks his hand back. He looks at me with amazement and slight fear.

His reaction slightly startles me, causing me to jump. I look up at him in confusion and ask, "What?" he swallows hard and reaches out again saying, "I apologize, I don't know what I expected but that wasn't it. I won't do that again." I narrow my eyes but let it go. It must be jarring to feel magic for the first time.

I slide my hand back under his as I say, "Close your eyes and focus. I won't do this again if you freak out again." He solemnly nods his head as he closes his eyes. I focus on my magic again and push it through our hands.

I feel his entire body freeze up once again but true to his words, he doesn't jerk his hand away. As I continuously push a small trickle of power through his hand, I softly ask, "What does it feel like to you?"

He's silent for a few moments before opening his eyes. He looks down at me and says, "Unlike anything I've ever felt. It also feels like... life and death rolled into one." I blink in surprise, not expecting that.

I guess it's not entirely wrong. Magic can breathe life and can cause death. Before I can say anything else, a chill runs down my spine. I feel a dark pair of eyes burning into the side of my face. I turn and find Bolin glaring at the two of us holding hands.