"It didn't work," he breathed.
Behind him, Aspen pulled in a deep breath only to push it out slowly.
"Tor!" I said, grabbing both of his shoulders. "Let it go, man. Stop thinking about it."
"That's not how it works!" he snapped.
So Wilder shoved me aside. "The palace is white. The walls, the halls, and even the massive arches over the windows. Those fuckers are twenty feet tall." Then he shifted to Faeril, but his words kept going. "The throne is as clear as ice, but colors reflect in it. Outside, the apple orchards are everywhere, and in the spring, just as our power wanes, the scent of so many blossoms is the sweetest perfume." He smiled at the memory, but it was a sad look. "It's not even cold most of the time."
Torian pulled in a breath, then nodded. "What about the gardens?"
"Massive," Wilder told him. "There's got to be a few hundred acres around the palace. In the middle of winter, it's covered in evergreens and red berries. Some plants have red leaves at that time of year too. The Assassins are one, and their thorns turn pale. At night, the Moon Shines light the decorative paths."
The trembling was starting to subside. Even better, the cafeteria was mostly empty, but Jayden and Camila had only retreated to the doorway, hovering with a few of their friends. A group was stuck at the back, most likely waiting for a chance to get out the doors on that side. And slowly, the rattling of dishes and tables began to fade.
Which was when Camila snorted in amusement. "See, told you he wouldn't level the school. No way a fucking jevadu could be that strong. It's why the wildlings need a champion."
Wilder was still talking in his elegantly woven Faeril. The guy's accent was impeccable, making me realize how lowborn our teacher must be. Sadly, those calming descriptions he was giving weren't enough to drown out Camila's words.
Between one second and the next, Torian turned, his eyes locking on the girl.
"Tor, no!" Aspen screamed.
The purple-white light was nearly blinding. I flinched, my training kicking in, and threw up a shield around all of us. The bolt crashed against the side, sizzling around the surface - but on the inside. As the glare of it faded, I slowly turned back to Torian with my mouth hanging open.
"That would've killed."
"They deserve to die," he said, his voice completely calm.
I could hear the jesters scrambling. The clank of someone hitting the door rang out, along with so many feet, but I didn't dare look away from the guy before me. His face was beautiful in its stoniness. His body was relaxed. I couldn't see a single hint of guilt as he stood before me. It was almost as if he was curious to see what I'd do next.
"Keir?" Aspen asked, moving closer.
"Dispel the magic!" Ms. Rhodes demanded as she stormed into the room. "Who - " She stopped hard.
"Keir?" Aspen asked again. "Please let go of my brother?"
Because I was holding his arm. I'd hoped to keep him from gesturing again, since most of us did that when casting, but Torian hadn't. He'd simply looked, and it had been all he'd needed to send out enough power to destroy everyone who'd just taunted him.
I gently lifted my hand. "Sorry. I was trying to help."
"I," Torian said, "do not need your help."
"No, you need mine," Ms. Rhodes said, her heels clacking on the floor as she closed the distance between us. "Where are Rain and Hawke?"
"They left," Aspen said. "Hawke got triggered so Rain took him away."
"Mhm." She crossed her arms under her breasts, giving Torian a stern look. "I like my school, young man."
"Today, I don't," he told her before turning and walking away, not seeming to care at all that he was ignoring the fucking headmistress of Silver Oaks Institute.
I turned to follow, but Wilder grabbed my arm. "Let him go."
"Aspen?" Ms. Rhodes asked.
"On it," she said, jumping up just to run after her brother.
I had to close my eyes and breathe so I didn't snap someone's head off. "Wilder? Don't you need to do something about him?"
