Page 32 of Realms of Shadow and Sun
Renya kept her face blank and emotionless, though inside she was rejoicing at their escape. “I don't know anything. I was in my room all night. And as far as I'm concerned, I don't care what happens to them. Sion clearly left to save his own hide, and I have no allegiance to a man that would abandon his only daughter in the human world.”
Cressida's eyes flashed to Renya's, no doubt looking for sincerity on her face. She must have been pleased with what she saw. “You don't wish to know more of your precious father?”
Renya treaded carefully. She knew too much flattery would make Cressida suspicious, but she had to act like her mating bond was broken and she was still bound in loyalty.
“No. I suffered in the human world. I was...attacked. I had no magic, and part of me was missing. My father—if you can even call him that—ripped me from my rightful place in this world.”
Cressida pursed her lips, and Renya hoped she hadn't taken it too far.
“Magic should never be locked away,” Cressida agreed, tapping her nails against the throne. Renya noticed that it was a habit for her. “We are nothing without our magic.”
“It was horrible in the human realm. I never felt like myself until you freed the magic inside of me.” This, at least, wasn't entirely a lie. Renya did feel more complete with her magic, though she knew it wasn't Cressida she had to thank for that.
Surprisingly, Cressida nodded. “I understand that. Let's get training. I still have much to teach you, daughter.” The word 'daughter' sent a chill down Renya's spine, a mixture of longing and revulsion.
Their practice session lasted much longer than usual. Cressida was still harsh, but at times, she was more patient with Renya. Renya couldn't help but wonder if her act was working, if Cressida was starting to see her as more than just a tool.
“To weave magic, you need more than just your thoughts. Your magic is the magic of the Sun Realm, so your powers will always prefer the light.”
Renya looked at her, confused. “What does that mean?”
“There's light and dark magic. Not in the sense you're thinking, of evil and good magic. But dark magic tends to be more earthbound. It uses the forces in the ground and darkness of night. My magic is far more powerful here in the Shadow Realm. Yours is more powerful in kingdoms and lands where the sun plays a dominant role. The Sun Realm, obviously. The Tidal Kingdom. The Spring Lands.”
Renya chewed the inside of her cheek thoughtfully. It was only a day since she pledged to get closer to Cressida, and she already pieced together some valuable information. She filed away this knowledge, hoping it might prove useful in the future.
“What other types of magic are there?” Renya asked. She wanted to directly ask about Grayden's magic, but she didn't dare. As far as Cressida was concerned, Grayden no longer held any claim over Renya's heart.
“There was earth and fire, but that magic has all but disappeared.”
“What happened to the Sun Realm?” Renya asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Cressida shot her a warning look, and Renya halted her questioning quickly. The subject was clearly off-limits, and Renya made a mental note to approach it more carefully in the future.
“I want to show you how to properly shield yourself,” Cressida said, changing the subject.
Renya braced herself, knowing that Cressida had no qualms about hitting Renya with her magic at full force. She quickly let her magic flow, and tried to imagine a web of her magic around her, like Kalora had tried to teach her at the Twilight Kingdom.
As soon as Cressida unleashed her magic, Renya got flustered and dropped her shield. She closed her eyes and braced herself for the impact, but it never came. When she opened her eyes, she saw Cressida pulling her magic back into herself. Renya tried to hide her surprise. Perhaps Cyrus was right, and Cressida would start to trust Renya.
“Perhaps it's best if we took a break. You're obviously worn out.”
Renya nodded and tugged at her sleeve. She was perspiring heavily from the warmth of her magic, and she was nervous that too much moisture would cause the make-up covering her mating mark to melt.
“Come. I want to show you something.” Cressida moved towards Renya, and grabbed her hand. Renya wanted to pull back, disgusted by her hard, boney fingers, but she didn't even have time to react before Cressida spun and her dark magic transported them.
It was a strange sensation, almost as if Renya's belly button was being pulled towards her back while she was spinning quickly. It only lasted a second, but it was jarring.
When the world stopped spinning, Renya looked around. She was in a damp, darkly lit room with a massive door in front of her. A pulsating sensation radiated from the door, and Renya realized it was enforced by magic.
“Where are we?” she asked Cressida, trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice.
“You'll see soon enough,” she replied, as she unlocked the magic encasing the door with a flick of her fingers.
Cressida moved through the door and Renya followed behind, entering a long, dank passage. The walls were wet and dripping, and puddles of muddy water lined the stone walkway. Renya skirted around them and shivered as they walked farther down the path. The air grew colder and damper with each step, and Renya felt as if they were descending deep into the heart of the mountain.
“Perhaps we'll need to have some warmer clothing made for you,” Cressida said, watching Renya's teeth chatter.
Renya didn't say anything, but her spirit lightened slightly. She couldn't care less about what she was wearing, but Cressida's offer was another step in the right direction. Perhaps this would be easier than she thought.
