Emotional outburst

"It's her, Melanie. We just found her. You know what needs to be doe. Don't hesitate" A voice said in Melanie's head and she stopped walking, standing motionless.

"She's not just an Amazon after all" Melanie thought smiling.

Charlene snapped her fingers at Melanie's face "we're behind schedule already"

"Oh sorry" Melanie chuckled awkwardly. "Let's hurry up"

"I'm Charlene by the way" she smiled.

"Melanie" she replied mirroring Charlene's smile.

They both hastened their steps and once they were in front of their class, a sharp gasp escaped Charlene's lips.

"The Master is already in class.. What do we do?" She whispered nervously.

"Relax...we'll just walk in, and apologise for being late" Melanie replied confidently.

"He looks really strict" Charlene pouted and Melanie chuckled before grabbing her hand, and walking into the class.

The moment they stepped in, the class went dead silent "you're late on your first day"

Master Arnold thundered "what's your excuse"

"We apologise Master" Melanie said nudging Charlene.

"W...we're sorry,M...Master" She stuttered.

"Show off your gifts to the class, then you can go sit anywhere you like" Master Arnold said firmly but gently.

Charlene panicked, knowing well enough that she couldn't control her gifts

Melanie walked to the front of the class and demonstrated her gifts; she opened her palm and got water out of it, then froze the water with her mind before causing it to disappear.

"Awesome" Master Arnold remarked ad she bowed, teleporting to her seat.

Cheers and applause filled the classroom.

"Charlene it's your turn" Master Arnold said .

Charlene's nervousness intensified as she faced the expectant class which was new dead silent.

"What do I do?" She thought with trembling hands.

Melanie's reassuring smile bolstered her confidence.

"I can do this" Charlene whispered, her gaze on the chandelier.

Her mind wandered to the day she glared at the Chandelier in the infirmary and it crashed.

Her glare intensified on the chandelier but instead of controlling it, a mightier force pushed her against the wall.

Laughter and taunts erupted and the class grew noisy.

"Quiet everyone" Master Arnold intervened. "You're all here to learn, not mock each other. Does Love mock?"

The class grew silent although little whispers still flew around. Master Arnold approached Charlene.

"Are you okay child?"

Charlene nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Don't worry, we'll work on controlling your gifts. You're not alone" he assured "go sit beside Melanie"

Melanie's expression changed, a flicker of concern crossing her face.

"This should be the last time something like this happens" Master Arnold said.

"Let love lead" The class chorused.

"Now let's continue" he said and glanced shortly at Charlene and Melanie before going ahead "Now let's discuss The Power Of Concentration and Meditation in Utilizing Your Gifts."

**

The senior class was noisy, buzzing with chatter and noisy sounds as they awaited Master Ryan's arrival.

Layla gazed across the classroom, her eyes fixed on Blake who was sitting beside Louis, engrossed in a whispered conversation.

Lyra's focus drifted, her mind consumed by Blake. Why does he ignore her yet effortlessly converse with Louis and Hazel and the new girl too.

She tried to catch his eye, but he didn't glance her way.

Frustration got within her.

Ava who was sitting beside her noticed her scowl and traced her gaze. "You're thinking about Blake again right?" She whispered.

Layla's voice dropped alongside her eyes. "What am I going to do...Blake doesn't want anything to do with me, yet he was in the garden with her, he patted her hair and they spoke freely like it was some sort of a date"

Ava's grin spread mischievously "take a deep breath" she smirked "what do you intend to do?"

Layla sighed sadly "I don't know"

"Well.. I do" Ava smirked and leaned in, whispering something only Layla could hear.

Layla's eyes sparkled as Ava's words registered.

"Why didn't I think about this?" She mumbled a cunning smile creeping onto her lips.

Ava's eyes glinted with amusement. "I guess you were too scared to."

Delaney Windsor, 21 years old- beautiful calm and matured sat beside Diamond Hart; her best friend. Observing her stealing glances at Aiden Cross as he chatted with Midas Jake, his best friend.

"You're falling for him, little by little and I can see it" Delaney teased, smiling knowingly.

"Oh please, I'm not" Diamond scoffed "I'm so angry at him, in fact I hate him."

Delaney chuckled, "just keep saying that,until you believe it."

Diamond shut her a mean glare.

"Don't give me that look" Delaney said, unfazed "you're obviously into him."

Diamond snickered, "you know what? You can keep blabbering all you like. Keep talking to the desk."

She rose, grabbing her belongings, and walked to an empty seat in the back row.

Delaney called out, "Running won't change your feelings Diamond!"

Diamond didn't look back, her face burning as almost everyone in class took their gaze to her.

Blake and Louis were chatting and laughing, adding to the noise in the class. when Blake finally told Louis what transpired in the garden.

"That's... I don't even know what words to use" Louis chuckled trying to picture Blake's reaction "so are you finally going to tell me why you enjoy going to the garden?"

Blake's countenance suddenly changed "Mind your own business."

Louis' frustration boiled over. "Damn, why are you so difficult? I only know little about you, and each time I ask, you push me away. Are we even friends ? Or am I the only one invested in this friendship?" His voice cracked, hinting hurt.

Blake's expression faltered.

"You think it's fun keeping to myself?" He muttered painfully. "You think it doesn't hurt me too? Each day I'm haunted by memories,dreadful nightmares...and the garden is my solace. It eases my pain" He explained his voice trembling.

With that, he teleported away.

Louis groaned, guilt washing over him "what have I done? Was I too harsh?"

****

Master Kang and Shaman Dean sat in the temple,their whispers veiled by shadows. They gazed out at Blake sitting all alone in the garden.

"Should we inform him of his destiny, so he'd be prepared for the outcome?" Master Kang asked, his brow furrowed.

Shaman Dean's expression turned grave. "No. The Almighty will reveal everything in due time. Let him discover his path naturally"

Master Kang's eyes narrowed. "And the Nickels? Won't they hesistate to strike?"

Shaman Dean's voice dropped a whisper. "They may strike when I'm gone."

Master Kang's gaze snapped to the Shaman, alarm etched on his face.

Shaman Deans eyes went distant "Kang I must leave, my time draws near." He said his voice laced in so much emotions.

"What do you mean?" Master Kang's heart sank as he hoped he misheard.

Shaman Dean's gaze drifted out the window, his eyes lost in the fading light. "I must depart Almerita before the full moon"

The temple grew silent and oppressive, heavy with so much unspoken words and thick with tension...