The Secret of Spellshadow Manor by Bella Forrest (classic english novels txt) 📗

class aren’t entirely without merit. Each one teaches a different way of molding your energy. This most recent one, Alaman’s, creates a spout of energy that bursts from the hand, for example. Once you know how to mold it, it’s all about knowing how to hold each piece in your mind and bring it into the form and essence you desire.”

“I see,” Alex said slowly, considering this. “So, I would assume, the more detailed the spell, the more difficult it is. And magic could take the form of anything—physical, visual, auditory, depending on your intent?”

Aamir gave him an appraising look, a flicker of excitement dancing in his eyes. “Essentially, yes. You are grasping the concept quickly. Once you master summoning and molding your magic, I have some books you should read. They’ll really explain all this better than I can.”

There was a moment of silence in which a couple more leaves snapped into existence, drifting lazily to the floor.

“So, what about the other instructors here?” Alex continued. “I’ve only met three of them, and they seemed, uh, peculiar.”

“Well, you won’t have much to do with them for a while yet. Renmark and Gaze are senior instructors and only hold classes where the students are in their second year and up.”

“What are they like?” he asked, disappointed he wouldn’t be able to gauge them for himself.

“Renmark is stern. And Gaze is very strange.”

Alex made a mental note, then led up his next question carefully, trying to sound casual.

“What about the manor? How do the hallways work? How would you get outside, for example?”

Aamir looked at him for a long moment, eyes slightly narrowed, and Alex knew he had sounded too eager.

“The hallways just require memorization; they are pretty simple.” Then he picked up his book again, leaving Alex’s real question unanswered.

Chapter 13

It took Professor Derhin two days to finish explaining what he insisted were the very basics of Alaman’s Inner Enlightenment and Fire, and even after that, he was leery about letting them practice it. He eventually agreed to oversee the process as his students sat upon their desks and lifted one hand to the air as though they were “holding up invisible pineapples,” as Derhin put it. The other hand they placed over their hearts.

“Now, eyes closed,” Derhin said, in a voice one might use on an easily startled horse, “and breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth. Cycle the energy between the brain and the chest. Stoke it into a whirlpool.”

Alex sat upon his desk, giving it a try. He closed his eyes, breathing in, then breathing out. He tried to visualize chakras moving within him alongside the air in his lungs, but nothing happened. He only felt the familiar cold, pressing against his gut. He sighed. If he couldn’t figure this out, they would realize he had snuck in.

Seated in his usual spot in front of Alex, Jari had started to glow faintly. Little lines of fiery golden energy raced up and down his upheld wrist, and his hair was standing up. Shooting a sidelong look at Aamir, Alex almost groaned. The older boy was engulfed in little spouts and lashes of power, his whole body shining like some kind of great statue.

At an exclamation, Alex turned to survey the back of the class and was surprised to see Natalie similarly ablaze. She sat, eyes closed, a serene expression on her face as she billowed with radiance. The girls around her had opened their eyes and were uttering exclamations of surprise and awe. At the front of the room, Professor Derhin looked up from where he had been writing upon a sheet.

“Lovely aura, Chevalier,” he said, though he didn’t sound particularly pleased—almost put out. “You too, Nagi.”

Alex was satisfied to see her succeeding. With a smile at him, she had chosen to sit with the girls from her dormitory today, which was a good sign. She was blending in well.

Professor Derhin’s eyes swept the room and found Alex, sitting on his desk, his hand stuck in the air, looking firmly non-magical. “Webber,” he said, rubbing at his temples, “while I have been told by your other teachers that you have…difficulties, in these matters, I do insist that you at least try.”

A titter of laughter ran through the classroom. He shut his eyes once more, refocusing, making a stronger attempt.

Come on, he thought.

Nothing happened.

What will they do to me if they find out?

What will happen to Natalie if I’m sent away?

Still nothing.

Sitting in the dining room after class, Alex was again absorbed in thoughts of escape. Trying the gates was still the only idea he had, but he had not yet been able to master the hallways. Aamir was clearly unwilling to help, but perhaps Jari would know the way…The question was how to convince the boy to show him and Natalie. He would need to be more careful when broaching the question this time, as he didn’t want a repeat of Aamir’s reaction.

“It’s all right,” said Aamir suddenly, clapping him on the back. “You’ve still got a little time before your first examination. I’m sure you’re just nervous.”

“What?” said Alex. “Oh. Yes, I’m sure that’s it.” Aamir must have mistook his look of concentration for one of dismay.

“I’d be nervous,” said Jari. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone failing their first examination. Do you think they’d kill him?”

Alex looked up sharply, and Aamir glared at Jari. “They would not kill him,” he said. “Alex isn’t non-magical. He’s just having a hard time focusing his energy.”

“Is that what happens to non-magical people here?” They hadn’t harmed him yet, but he wouldn’t put it past them.

Jari laughed, speaking around a mouthful of bread that sent crumbs scattering over the tabletop. “Non-magical people don’t come here,” he said. “There are barriers. Spells and stuff that keep them out. Anyway, I don’t think that’s Alex’s problem. I think his problem runs a little deeper.” His eyes twinkled mischievously.

Aamir turned with an