4 Chapter 4

We trekked through the high grass towards the Training district, and eyes followed as we went. Dany was always in the spotlight. Wherever she went, eyes followed and heads turned. Her piercing blue gaze could bring a full grown man to his knees, compliant with any request she may have. Boys would crash into each other, walls of buildings, and even trip over their own feet just to catch a glimpse of her. She would proceed with an innocent smile, as if she wasn't aware of her astonishing beauty.

I always envied the way boys looked at her, the way everyone looked at her. When I met their gaze, they grew fearful and uncomfortable. The only person that ever seemed to see me the way everyone viewed Dany, was Caeden. Even after training for hours, sticky with perspiration, his soft eyes fell on me the same way they had when we played as children. As we neared the arena, I glimpsed a head of black hair, cut just above his ears with a delicate swoosh across his forehead, and I couldn't help the smile that formed on my face. When he turned, his deep blue eyes greeted mine, and he replicated the smile on my face. He waltzed over, and rest a hand on the small of my back.

"Looking lovely as always, Miss Cia," He murmured, his eyes locating my lips before darting back to meet my eyes. I gave a slight curtsey, and smiled sweetly at him. My cheeks grew scorched, and surely depicted the color of a rose in full bloom.

"Yuck! Get a room." Dany yapped, then rolled her eyes so fiercely that I swore they might fall into the back of her head.

We proceeded into the training arena and Professor Kariah darted over to us, her dark hair pulled into a tight bun on the top of her head.

"You're late, again." She hissed, glaring into my utter being.

I responded with an innocent smile, and she huffed and stalked to the front of the group of students gathered in the center of the arena. I heard a snicker escape from Dany's throat behind me, and I turned and poked her playfully in the ribs. A giggle crawled out of my throat, and I met the eyes of a very displeased Kariah.

"Today," Kariah bellowed, her mahogany eyes similar to daggers, "We will be learning how to harvest our abilities by controlling our emotions."

"Guess I can sit this one out," Dany hooted, a smile plastered to her face. Cheers erupted from the boys in front of us, they strived for her attention. I was beginning to think they would agree with Dany even if she had suggested that everyone chop their own hands off. I scoffed at the thought, and linked eyes with a few of the boys, now uncomfortable under my gaze.

Dany's ability consisted of manipulating emotions, both her own, as well as anyone in her immediate vicinity. However, she normally chose to stay next to me, just in case I lost control. I sighed, wishing I had the control over my abilities the way that Dany did.

"Everyone will participate," Kariah stated, and I saw the hint of a smile rise to her lips as her eyes rested on Dany a bit too long.