The flame just pulsed in his hand. Slow, like it had its own rhythm. Not flickering at all. It didnt feel right, kind of cold even, though fire should be warm I guess.
No one said anything for a bit. The hallway got really quiet, all that usual noise gone, whispers and steps and everything. It pressed in, made breathing hard. Even the air seemed heavier somehow.
He stared down at it. Dark red, almost black right in the middle. Not like normal fire. His palm didnt burn or anything.
What is this, he whispered to himself.
Power
something said back right away. Inside his head, clear as if it was his own thought.
His breath caught. No, he said.
Fingers closing a little tighter around it. This isnt mine.
But the voice kept going. Everything you are belongs to me.
Something shifted then, deep in his chest. Cold pressure spreading out, into his arms, legs, like it was settling in for good. Waiting there all along maybe.
One of the guys across from him backed up, looking totally lost now. What are you doing, he muttered, voice all shaky.
The rest just watched, frozen.
He looked up slow. Eyes meeting theirs.
Then he was moving. No one could track it, just suddenly right there in front of them.
What, the guy started to say.
But a hand was already on his throat, lifting him up easy. Like he weighed nothing.
The hallway felt smaller, sounds fading out. Just this image of the boy holding him there, the one who'd been pushed around before.
The guy clawed at the wrist, choking out stop.
But he didn't say anything back. Just looked, not even mad really. More like watching something happen.
Break him,
the voice suggested, soft like it was no big deal.
Grip tightening a bit. The bully gasped, eyes going wide.
I, the boy started, voice breaking off.
Why hesitate,
the voice said.
His heart picked up.
They hurt you.
Flashes came, laughter at him, being shoved down again and again. Treated like dirt.
Now you have the power.
The flame jumped in his other hand, shadows throwing dark on the walls.
Take it.
No, he whispered. Weak sounding.
This isnt me.
Quiet laugh then, almost like it was funny.
You dont get it yet.
Pressure building more in his chest.
This is who you are.
Something gave way inside. Not big or loud. Just enough.
Grip closed harder. The guy choked more, face full of panic.
Then it stopped. Hand jerking back. No.
The pressure let go sudden. Bully dropped, coughing hard, scrambling away.
The others bolted. No words, just running scared.
Hallway still quiet. Everyone staring now, but different. Afraid, not mocking.
That's not magic, someone said far off.
What is he.
No mana or anything.
Their voices sounded muffled, like underwater.
His head hurt, throbbing bad.
Get out, he muttered.
I am not something you can remove.
The voice responded
Get out of my head.
You invited me in.
Vision blurring, knees giving. Flame going wild, then gone.
Air lightened up, but something stuck around inside.
What did I just do, he whispered.
You used me.
No.
You needed me.
Breathing uneven now. Body heavy, like extra weight settled.
Who are you.
Nothing for a second.
Then soft. I am the one who was given your soul.
Heart skipping. What.
And I am waking up.
Darkness took over.
When he came to, ceiling was white, strange. Where.
Infirmary, a voice said.
Turned his head. Girl there, red hair, eyes sharp, watching close. Her name was Rhea voss, she was from the Voss Family, a notable family which was high in mana and spiritual energy.
You collapsed, Rhea said
Memories hit fast. The flame, voice, body not his own.
Did I hurt anyone.
She shook her head. No. You stopped.
Relief, but quick gone.
What was that, he asked low.
Another voice. You don't have mana.
Blonde guy by the wall, arms crossed, this one was Lucien Arkwright, his familt, The Arkwrights had a long history of geniuses, his ancestors founded The Great Aethernox academy, which was the school they all attended
And yet you used something, Lucien said.
I dont know, Kael said. Meant it this time.
Rhea came closer. Didnt feel like magic.
Chest tight again. Then what was it.
They didnt say. He kind of knew anyway that they didnt know what it was either
Kael Viremont, do you know what I am?
The voice asked.
No, and how do you know my name? Kael asked in a fearful tone
Say my name, Kael
I dont know your name, and you havent answered my question either,
I do not answer questions from a mortal unless it is important or beneficial to me
Kael asked 'What is your name'
Dark for a second. Saw chains, endless, around something huge with wings. Dark, burning eyes on him.
Gasped, sitting up quick.
What did you see, the blonde girl asked right away, This was Seraphine Vale, a student of the school who's background was unknown
Nothing.
Lie.
Seraphine not buying it. You're hiding something.
I'm not.
You are.
Hand clenching. Stop talking, Kael whispered.
There it is again, Seraphine said.
Room feeling tight.
Youre not normal, Rhea said.
He laughed a bit, bitter. You just figured that.
But he knew it was more than that. Worse. Waiting, and now awake.
Far off somewhere dark, chains shook a little. Cracks starting slow.
The seal weakens,
a voice echoed low, like it was pleased.
Back there, he froze. Did you hear that.
They looked confused. Hear what? they all asked
No dont worry its nothing,
Soon.
Voice closer.
I wont need permission anymore.
Who are you.
Azrael.
Everything still. Inside, something smiled.