key from his pocket and tossed it to me. “On the top shelf of the bookcase, you’ll find a mahogany box. Please bring it to me.”
I did as he asked. The box was large and heavy, but I was able to carry it, and I placed it on top of Mr. Liam’s desk. He halted adjusting gears on the transfer machine to lock the lab door.
Walking back toward me, he said, “I don’t think I want to know all the details just yet, but I’ve suspected your power is stronger, different.” He paused, checking the machine’s levels as my crystal was drained. “If I’m questioned, I know nothing about you. So, it’s best to explain at a later date.”
“Agreed.” I placed my hands on the crystal and took a deep breath. “If for any reason I become a danger”—I glanced at Mr. Liam—“knock me out.”
For the first time, I unleashed my Shythe Charge at full power.
The power grew inside me, and my body trembled. I focused on the crystal, infusing my full strength into it.
Glancing down, I watched as my hands illuminated, glowing the brightest blue I’d ever seen. My arms began to shake, the power overwhelming. But I fought hard, holding onto my purpose, my need. I felt a surge beneath my hands. Charge sparked, firing in bolts. I shivered as the crystal absorbed the power.
Overjoyed, I pulled back, trying to douse my power, but I couldn’t. It was too strong. I panicked. “Hit me or something!” I shouted. Charge arced from my palms, reaching toward the ceiling.
Mr. Liam rummaged behind me, and then I was knocked to the floor. The power was still growing. Crap! Why didn’t he knock me out?! I sat up, my mind reeling. I thought back to Reese and our training—our meditation. I closed my eyes, seeing Reese’s hand holding mine. I saw our peaceful river, and my mind quieted. I felt the power pulling back. I concentrated harder, stilling my body. When I opened my eyes, the blue glow was subsiding from my arms.
“Okay,” Mr. Liam said, staring at me from across the room. “One day, you’ll definitely have to explain.” He shook his head once, clearing it.
I bounced up, smiling. “I controlled it.” I looked down at my hands, amazed. My heart fluttered. Because of Reese. Without him even knowing it, he’d been the one here for me when I needed help. My chest ached.
If I could just do that with my White Flame after I shifted…but I didn’t have time to think of the possibility. At least I’d controlled my Charge at full power.
I shook off the feeling and walked toward my crystal. It hummed, pulsing with blue light while currents crackled over its surface. “We don’t have much time. Can you put this into some kind of weapon? Something another Kythan can use?”
Mr. Liam nodded. He walked to the wooden box, opened it, and pulled out a brass hilt. It didn’t look like the typical handle of a sword or knife. It was perfectly round and fit in his palm.
He looked at me, a boyish smile playing at his lips. “This is going to be cool.”
I met Jace, Lana, and Nick at the back of the Academy. It was Friday evening, and students were getting ready to leave the Academy. Most would be returning at curfew, but we wouldn’t. Mr. Liam had agreed to cover for us, saying we were spending the night at our homes. He was leaving a secret side door unlocked, but we had to be back before dawn, when he’d lock it before anyone would notice.
I fingered the tiny crystal in my pocket. Although I’d ultimately controlled my full Charge at the last moment, I wasn’t confident I could do that during the mission. I needed to be focused on finding documents, not concentrating on my power. If I was attacked and under extreme duress, I didn’t know if I could rein it in again. And worse, if I panicked—shifting in the process—I knew without a doubt I wouldn’t be able to control my White Flame. I had plenty of time after this crazy stunt to learn to control it. But for now, I needed the security the crystal brought.
I strapped my leather belt bag around me and clipped the waist and shoulder straps. Then I glanced over to Lana. “Everything’s set.”
“Devon hooked us up, too,” she said, securing her goggles over her eyes. “I can’t believe you recruited Mr. Liam to be a part of