It's her, Melanie. We just discovered her. You know what needs to be done. Don't hesitate," a voice in Melanie's mind said, and she stood motionless in place.
"She's not just an Amazon after all," Melanie thought to herself, and smiled, releasing the embrace.
"You're new too, right?"
Charlene asked.
"Yes. I suppose you're new as well. Let's go to class," Melanie replied, pulling her along.
****
"What am I going to do about that girl?
Blake doesn't want anything to do with me, yet he was with her in the garden, talking freely like it was some kind of date," Layla muttered and sighed in frustration when no idea came to mind.
"I know," Ava grinned and whispered something to Layla that only she could hear. "Why didn't I think of this?"
Layla mumbled, her lips forming a smirk.
****
Delaney chuckled, observing Diamond who was stealing glances at Aiden, who was chatting with Midas.
"You're falling for him, little by little, and I can see it," she teased Diamond with a knowing smile.
"Oh please, I'm not. I'm so angry at him. In fact, I hate him," Diamond scoffed.
"Keep saying it until you believe it," Delaney chuckled, earning a glare.
"Don't give me that look. It's very obvious that you're into him," Delaney snickered.
"You know what? You can keep blabbering all you like. Talk to the desk," Diamond hissed and walked to an empty seat in the back row.
****
"Are you finally going to tell me why you enjoy going to the garden?"
Louis asked Blake as they stood by the staircase.
"Mind your own business," he replied calmly.
"Damn, why are you so difficult? I know very little about you, and when I try to ask, you keep pushing me away. Are we even friends? Or am I the only one interested in this friendship? Do you think you'll be fine all by yourself?"
Louis asked, releasing all his frustration at once, with a hint of hurt in his voice.
"You think it's fun for me to keep to myself? You think it doesn't hurt me too? It does. I'm haunted by memories, facing dreadful nightmares, and the garden is the only place where I find solace. It eases my pain. You, of all people, should understand," Blake muttered painfully and teleported.
"What have I done? Was I too harsh?"
Louis groaned, feeling guilty.
****
"What do we do? The Master is already in class," Charlene whispered anxiously.
"Relax
, will you? We'll just walk into the class and apologize for being late," Melanie said confidently and entered the classroom, with Charlene following slowly behind her.
"You're late for your first class," Master Arnold announced loudly as soon as they walked in.
"We apologize, Master," Melanie replied, nudging Charlene to speak up as well.
"W... We're... Sorry, M... Master," she stuttered.
"Show the class what you can do with your gifts and then take your seat," Master Arnold said emotionlessly and walked to the back of the class. Charlene felt her blood run cold. How was she supposed to showcase a gift she had no control over?
She sighed deeply before turning to Melanie. "You go first," she whispered, and immediately Melanie closed her eyes. Snow appeared around her, and the next second she was seated at her desk.
Cheers and applause filled the classroom. Somehow, she managed to astonish the entire class with her gift.
"Charlene, it's your turn," Master Arnold said, and the class became extremely quiet. Everyone was eagerly waiting to see what she was capable of.
Charlene nervously bit her lip as a flood of negative thoughts flooded her mind. She glanced at Melanie, who gave her a reassuring smile.
"I can do this,"
she mumbled, glaring at the chandelier in the center of the room, expecting it to come crashing down. But instead, she felt a powerful force push her against the wall. It pushed her so forcefully that she fell, hurting her arm in the process.
Loud laughter and taunts followed as the class erupted in noise.
"Quiet, everyone! Charlene, go sit next to Melanie," Master Arnold said, appearing in front of the class.
"What's our rule?" he asked calmly.
"Let love lead," everyone except Charlene replied. She nervously picked at her nails, realizing she had made a fool of herself in front of the entire class.
"This should be the last time something like this happens. I won't take it lightly if it occurs again. If all of you
can control your gifts, would there be a need for Dreame College? Love doesn't mock," Master Arnold said, expressing his disappointment, and the class fell into silence.
"Now, let's get down to
business for today:
The Power of Concentration and Meditation in Utilizing Your Gifts," h
e said seriously.
****
Master Kang and Shaman Dean sat, discussing in the temple when they spotted Blake sitting quietly in the garden.
"Do you think we should inform him of his destiny so he can be prepared?"
Master Kang asked.
"No... No... no... In due time, he will discover it for himself. The Almighty will reveal everything he needs to know," the Shaman replied.
"And the nickels?"
Master Kang asked.
"They may strike when I am gone," Shaman Dean said sadly, and Master Kang sighed before giving him a questioning look.
"Kang, I must leave. My time is near," he mumbled, gazing out the window, lost in thought.
"What do you mean?"
Master Kang asked, hoping he had misheard.
"I must depart from Almerita before the full moon," Shaman Dean dropped the bombshell.
To be continued...#