“I disagreed with your parents’ decision to keep your magic hidden. Argued strongly with them, in fact. It was ultimately their choice, and I got behind it, as that is the role of an advisor. But it pained me—still pains me—to see how closed off and afraid of the world their warnings made you.” My body is frozen, unable to do anything but look at Admon as he makes this confession. I’m not sure where he’s going with it, not sure if I want to hear the advice that’s coming, but I listen intently to the male who has always been my teacher. “My advice is this—don’t let their warnings about what might happen if the world sees how brightly you shine scare you away from forming real relationships and alliances with the Velmaran Prince and his entourage. I sense something special in them, and I think you do too. Be cautious and smart, of course. But there may be a real alliance there if you set aside the stoicism and secrecy you think you have to hold on to.” My mouth hangs open slightly at his words. I consciously close my jaw. What am I supposed to say to that? Admon sees right through to the absolute core of who I am, and I don’t know how I feel about that. Before I can muster a reply, he stands and stretches. “Well, I’ve bothered you long enough for one day. Thank you for the tea.”

I walk him out, my mind racing as I close the door behind him. The mist barrier pricks at my consciousness, a subtle alert that someone needs to exit or enter Thayaria. Merchants. Good. All is well, it whispers to me, and I grant the access needed to whoever is trying to cross the wall.

Once again, I’m reminded of the way the mist whispered to me when the Velmarans entered Thayaria. Good. Trust. Light. Home. Somehow, I got the feeling that it was sighing in relief as they crossed. Shaking my head, I try to push thoughts of Hawthorne and Admon’s counsel aside, but my thoughts won’t stop swirling. Hawthorne offered to train with me, and that could be the perfect opportunity to get to know him.

He’s your enemy, another voice whispers, the one that sounds like my mother and father. He could see too much if you train magic with him. It would put Thayaria at risk.

But I’m curious about him, can’t keep him out of my thoughts. Nemesia would tell me that’s a reason to stay away, while Admon would apparently encourage it. And what if he could teach me something new about my magic? Could he be the key to unlocking whatever it is I need to lift the mist?