Page 16

“Curiosity killed the cat, you know.” Jack takes a sip before continuing. “If you ask me, you should probably stay out of things and let us handle it.”

“Excuse me? How can you say that?” I sit up, horrified.

“I just mean, it’s good to have the info but you should be putting your time to better use than worrying about the logistics of it all.”

“Is that so? And how should I be spending my time?” My voice is dripping with venom.

“You just seem happy is all; you should be enjoying it.”

Jack’s answer catches me off guard; it almost seems endearing despite the cocky look on his face. I open my mouth to say something when Gen walks in.

“Hey, you ready?” she says, looking between us both.

“Uhh—”

“The training, remember? We talked about doing it today.” She gives me a look that tells me to go with it.

“Oh! Right…” I simper awkwardly. “Yep, ready! Let’s go.” I jump up and follow her to the sliding doors to the backyard when I hear Kai’s voice.

“You leaving?” he asks, coming into the library.

“Yeah, actually Genni is going to teach me a few things. Have I introduced you guys?”

“Not yet.” Kai offers his hand. “Kai, pleasure to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you.” Gen side-eyes me with a smirk.

“Right, well, we have to go. Bye!” I grab Gen’s hand and exit the double doors to the backyard.

“Holy shit, he’s hot!” she says, grinning widely.

“I know, it’s a fucking problem.” I laugh.

“So you and Jack. That seemed a bit layered.” Her face softens.

“Yeah… I’m not too sure what to make of Jack right now,” I say honestly.

“You wanna talk about it?” She grabs my hand and squeezes in solidarity.

“Not really.”

“Okay, I’m here if you do though.” Gen pauses. “So you ready? I thought we could start with the basics.”

“Yes. Let’s do that!” I say, grateful for anything to get my mind off all the men in my life.

“Okay, stand over there.” She points a few feet to her right, facing me away from my unfinished garden, and guides my hands outward.

“First off, where does your magic come from?”

I stare at her for a moment blankly.

“I mean, where do you feel it? For me, it starts in my chest and spreads to my arms and hands.”

“I’m not sure, I suppose it always starts with my head.”

“Perfect, I want you to try and summon it and move it into your hands, okay?”

“I’ll try,” I say hesitantly.