Perilous Light (The Afterglow Trilogy #2)(37)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“Theoretically, I have this power, but I don’t think I really do. I mean, I can do things but usually not on the first try and not quickly.”

“One thing you do need to work on is confidence.” Mom looked at me questioningly. “Where did all of this self-doubt come from? I do not remember you ever being so unsure of yourself.”

I shrugged. I had no idea how to answer her without making her feel guilty for things that hadn’t been in her control.

“I hope your brother is not suffering from the same problem.”

I laughed. Kevin certainly didn’t have that problem.

Liam chuckled. “Kevin has enough self-confidence for all of us.”

“Kevin has had his own share of doubts. He just hides it well.” Monty’s face might have been youthful, but sometimes the way he talked made him seem like an old sage or something.

Liam laughed. “Yeah, maybe when it comes to Samantha.”

“Samantha?” Mom asked.

“Hank and Melinda’s daughter,” Monty told her. “Kevin met her last year and took quite an interest.” I could tell Monty was trying to keep a straight face. I couldn’t. Kevin unable to get a girl was pretty funny.

“I take it Kevin has remained just as popular with the girls then?”

“That’s an understatement,” I muttered.

My mother’s face lit up with amusement. “But he finally met his match?”

“Pretty much. I really shouldn’t give him a hard time, though. I know what it’s like when you can’t have the one girl you want,” Liam said in an uncharacteristically deflated tone. I noticed Monty giving him a look. I tried not to read too much into it, but the implication was there.

Before I could dwell on it too long, Calvin put his arm around me. “How are you holding up? If you are tired I can carry you.”

It took me a minute to realize Calvin was being serious. I may have been tired, but I wasn’t about to be carried again. “I’m doing fine, but thanks.”

Chapter Twenty

Charlotte

The quaint wooden house felt luxurious after several nights of sleeping in caves and the woods. I had never been much of an outdoor person. The fireplace in the living space was inviting, and the three bedrooms upstairs provided some much-needed privacy. My mother and I shared a room. Lawson took the first guard outside.

Mom sat across from me in the cozy living room. “What is the most challenging part of using your abilities?” She regarded me expectantly, almost as if viewing me as a peer and not a daughter.

I hesitated, not really wanting to admit how often I passed out, but if I wanted her help, I needed to be honest. “I get so exhausted, sometimes to the point that I black out.”

“Hmm. Where do you draw your energy from?”

“Usually from myself, I don’t know how to get it from anywhere else,” I admitted.

“Oh my, no wonder you have been passing out!” Mom sighed. “One of the most important lessons, and the first thing you must know, is that instead of overusing your own energy, you should draw it from elsewhere.”

“What do you mean? I’m supposed to steal energy?”

“It is not stealing. Every living thing has energy, and if done in moderation, you will cause no harm.”

“Does that include people?” My stomach dropped, thinking about taking anyone’s strength.

“Yes, but as I explained, it must be done in moderation.” She must have realized how nervous I was. “I promise you can master it.”

“I hope so.”

“I will show you. Close your eyes.”

“Okay.” I closed my eyes waiting for her next direction.

“Now tell me what you feel.”

“What do you mean?”

“Relax and let your mind roam. Try to reach out. Do you sense anyone?”

I identified something strong and clear next to me. I was able to reach out to it, and it responded by pushing energy toward me. “Is that you, Mom?”

“Yes. You are doing well, Charlotte. Now reach out further. What else do you feel?”

I pushed myself harder and felt three more forms. One seemed stronger, closer than the others, and I knew it was Calvin.

“Reach out further.”

Once I got the hang of it, I was able to push out even further, until I could sense animals and even the trees. The feeling was strange but also incredible. For once, using my powers energized me instead of depleting all of my strength.

“Now pull from it, but gently. Focus on taking only the smallest amount.”

I began to feel warmth from within as I slowly drew strength from the outside. My thoughts became clearer and more focused. I opened my eyes, euphoric. “Wow. Unreal.”

“How do you feel?” Mom asked.

“Amazing.” Energy flooded me from every direction.

“That should solve your energy problem.” She smiled. “I cannot promise you will never pass out, but it should not be a regular occurrence.”

I hugged my mom with such force that I nearly knocked her over.

Mom laughed before nonchalantly moving on. “So from what you told me, you can control water and the weather, and manipulate natural elements and growth.”

I nodded.

“Okay, so next we will try fire.”

Although momentarily surprised that she was jumping right into another lesson, I was excited to keep going. “Does it work the same way as the rest?”

“Yes. Close your eyes and picture a fire in the fireplace.” She squeezed my hand. “I never wanted this for you, but it is so incredible to be sharing it.”

“I feel the same way. When I found out I was the Essence, I wanted and needed you so much. I couldn’t do this without you.”

“You could, but I am glad you do not have to. I have missed so much, but I am so happy to be with you now.” She pulled me into a tight hug, and we both tried to wipe away tears.

I hesitated before asking her about the other part of her earlier statement. “Why didn’t you want it for me?”

“Being the Essence is a great honor, but it requires boundless sacrifice. Without consent, you must give up your life as you know it to fill the role. Even growing up in Bellgard, prepared that the day might come, I had trouble accepting it. I wanted you to have a normal childhood, grow up to marry who you chose without constantly looking over your shoulder. Does that make sense?”

“It does. Sometimes I wish this never happened to me, but then other times, like when I’m with Calvin or I do something impressive, I can’t imagine life without it.”