Chapter 13: A New Understanding

Maxim and Daniel had been working diligently on unlocking the mysteries of Maxim's abilities, spending every spare moment testing different techniques in their secluded clearing. So far, their progress had been slow, filled with moments of frustration and small victories that were few and far between. The shadowy woods had become their secret haven, where the two could experiment without fear of being caught.

Today felt different, though. Maxim could sense it as they walked into the forest. The air was cooler, crisper, and the usual hum of nature seemed to settle into a quiet calm, as though even the world itself was waiting for something to happen.

"We're getting closer," Daniel said, more to himself than to Maxim, but the excitement in his voice was palpable.

Maxim nodded silently, his thoughts elsewhere. He had been thinking a lot about Lila lately. Since the accident at the museum, she had kept her distance from him, even though her eyes always seemed to follow him whenever they crossed paths at school. He couldn't blame her for being confused or scared. The incident with the car was something he didn't fully understand himself.

After a while, though, Lila had become bolder. She had started approaching him more often, always under the pretense of casual conversation, but Maxim knew better. She was trying to figure out what had happened that day.

He shook the thoughts away as they reached their clearing. He needed to focus.

"Let's try something new today," Daniel suggested, already unpacking the items they had brought for testing. "Maybe instead of focusing on stopping or moving things, you should focus on energy—like, projecting it outward. We've been so focused on control, but maybe we need to start by just understanding what you're even dealing with."

Maxim nodded in agreement. They had been approaching everything so cautiously, trying to refine his powers before he even knew their full extent. Maybe it was time to push the boundaries.

As Maxim began to concentrate, focusing on the space in front of him, Daniel stepped back, giving him room. He could feel something stirring inside him, something he was learning to recognize as his power. It was subtle, like a ripple beneath the surface of a pond, waiting to break through.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then, suddenly, there was a shift. Maxim's body tingled, and before he could even process it, a soft glow appeared around his hands. The energy was faint, but unmistakable. It pulsed in time with his heartbeat, like it was part of him, yet separate. He had never experienced anything quite like it before.

"Max, are you seeing this?" Daniel whispered, his voice filled with awe.

Maxim nodded slowly, eyes wide with concentration. The glow flickered and danced along his fingertips, and for the first time, he felt like he had some semblance of control over it. He wasn't just reacting anymore—he was directing it.

Before he could explore it further, though, a sound behind them made both boys freeze. A twig snapped, followed by the soft rustle of leaves. Someone was there.

Maxim turned, half expecting to see a stray hiker or some wildlife, but his heart stopped when he saw Lila standing at the edge of the clearing. Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted in shock, but she didn't seem afraid. If anything, she looked... intrigued.

"Lila?" Maxim's voice cracked slightly as he stepped back, the glow around his hands quickly fading.

Lila hesitated for a moment before walking toward them. "I knew something was different about you," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I just didn't know what."

Maxim's pulse quickened. He exchanged a panicked glance with Daniel, unsure of how to respond.

"I didn't mean to interrupt," Lila continued, glancing between the two boys. "I just… I followed you. I needed to know for sure."

Maxim swallowed hard, his mind racing. How long had she been following them? How much had she seen?

"You shouldn't be here," Daniel said, stepping forward protectively. "This isn't something you can just get involved with."

Lila crossed her arms, unfazed by his warning. "I'm already involved, whether you like it or not. I saw what happened at the museum, Maxim. And I know it wasn't just some freak accident. You did something."

Maxim's shoulders tensed. He had hoped she would eventually forget about that day, or at least chalk it up to coincidence. But Lila was too smart for that.

He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Lila stepped closer. "Look, I'm not here to expose you or make this harder for you. I want to help. I have resources—money, connections. I don't know what this is," she gestured vaguely to where the glow had been moments earlier, "but I think I can help you figure it out."

Maxim blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that. Of all the things Lila could have said, offering to help was the last thing on his mind.

"Why?" he asked, unable to keep the suspicion out of his voice. "Why would you want to get involved?"

Lila looked him directly in the eyes, her expression softening. "Because I think you're different, Maxim. And I think that difference matters. Besides…" She paused, her gaze flicking down for a moment before meeting his again. "You saved my life. I owe you."

Maxim didn't know what to say. He had spent weeks trying to keep this secret from everyone, including Lila. The idea of letting her in felt reckless, but something in her tone made him believe that maybe she really could help.

Daniel, sensing the tension, spoke up. "Max, it might not be a bad idea. She already knows something's up. And she's not going to let it go."

Maxim hesitated, his mind racing. He glanced between Lila and Daniel, weighing his options. Lila was determined, and as much as he wanted to keep her out of this, he had to admit—having someone else on his side might make things easier.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he nodded. "Okay. But you can't tell anyone. This has to stay between us."

Lila smiled, relief washing over her face. "You have my word."

With that, the three of them stood together in the clearing, the weight of their newfound alliance hanging in the air. Maxim knew that this was just the beginning, but for the first time since his powers had surfaced, he felt like he wasn't alone in figuring them out.

And with Lila's help, maybe—just maybe—he could finally start to understand what was happening to him.

But as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest, Maxim couldn't shake the feeling that the deeper they went, the more dangerous this would become.