Ava: Is That Normal?

It feels like an eternity of struggle. Of push and pull, and evil over light. Eventually, Grimoire's cool touch and its guiding force help restrain my magic and pull me back.

The sensation of temptation leaves me ill, but my focus returns to the small patch of ground in front of me.

My hands shake with relief over feeling like myself again, and I pull frigid air in short, panting breaths. "I don't understand how you resist it so easily."

Who said anything about easy? The taint affects everything it touches. The difference lies in how we respond to its call.

He never seems affected. If anything, it's like he's almost removed from the effects.

I refuse to bow to it, that's all. The same way you refuse to bow to those who would control you.

The comparison kind of stings, knowing how easily he can shrug it off and how I was almost sucked in.