In Her Element
Chapter 9

The tension hung over them, thickening the air. Matthew stared at his sister, watching her as she frowned in concentration. His mouth fell slightly open, and he sat there agape as her palm slowly filled with water.

“Right hand Fire and Water,” she explained as she labored. “They cancel each other out. I have always inferred that must be the reason they were put together.”

She held out her left hand next, keeping it stiff and steady. She slowly spread her fingers, and a small fissure appeared in the ground, into which she poured the water. Turning her hand over, palm-up, she raised it gradually and a miniature tree blossomed.

She turned her hand in circles and the leaves all blew off in the sudden wind that appeared. They landed in a small neat pile. “Earth and Air.”

She clenched her right hand into a fist. She opened it, revealing glowing flames that she touched to the fallen leaves. They caught, and within seconds, a small bonfire blazed. “The four Elements of Nature.”

They sat there at the edge of the forest that surrounded their house. Almyra—with Frederick’s help, unbeknownst to her—had decided to tell Matthew what she felt she could without alarming him too much. Almyra was not willing to risk anyone overhearing them who should not, and had insisted they talk outside and far from the house.

She now watched as Matthew pushed at the small tree—if it could be called that—toppling it over and he sat down on the thin, yet strong trunk. After a moment’s hesitation, he motioned for Almyra to join him. She nestled close to him and tugged her wrap tighter around her shoulders. “I come here whenever I feel too strong a build-up of energy inside of me. This place is obviously ideal; it is about as natural as one could find.”

She waved her hand vaguely at the surrounding scene from their position near the water bank. Her mouth twisted slightly upwards when flowers blossomed around them and the grass flittered in the wind.

Her smile faded when she saw how upset Matthew looked. He saw this, and sat up straight. “So have you always had the ability to do these things?” he inquired, staring at the flickering flames. He seemed a bit scared; at the same time, enthralled.

She answered, “My skills developed as I grew; the older and more mature I became, the more understanding and control I had. And the more enunciated the mark.”

“Mark?” Matthew finally looked at her. “Oh.” His hand moved to her neck, to the swelling that he now realized was her birthright. She took hold of his hand and held it to the mark. She let go, and for the first ever, he examined it closely. It was a slightly raised piece of skin, colored a really light shade of purple. At a quick glance, it was no more than a blob, but when looked at closely; its shape appeared to be some sort of semblance to a well carved diamond. He leaned back and patted her hair into place, covering up the mark,

“What of the mind? Can you…?” he asked, he asked with hesitation evident behind his words.

She was startled by this question, he noted. She gave him an odd look, wondering how much he truly knew. “Not really; you could say it is not my…my forte.” She looked up with a look of dawning on her face. Matthew looked at her inquiringly, but she just shook her head and said, “But I think I am more sensitive to those who can.”

“Like—“ Matthew started to reply, but changed his mind when he saw how discomforting all this was for her. He needn’t cause her more disconcerting issues.

“So everything is all right?” Matthew laughed softly when he realized what he had said. “Well observably not, or you would not be with so troubled an expression on your face.” He watched her, waiting for a reaction, for her to say something else that he sensed was upsetting her. He was not disappointed.

“I get nightmares,” she blurted. She bit her lip, revealing that she had not meant to tell him this, but continued nonetheless, pouring out her troubles to her brother. “A dark cloud hanging over all. A Shadow and a bright purple light. People hurt, many dying. And I think it is because of me.” She gulped, and moistened her lips. “Specifically those I care about, and thus bring them to their ends. Mama, you, Lisle…Frederick,” she whispered, as though she did not wish to divulge that she cared what happened to him.

“But Rupert is always there; he would never allow such a thing to happen.” Matthew massaged her back in slow circles.

“And if he is not? And what say he is not really who he says…,” she trailed off nervously, unsure if she should continue, if she alone thought this.

“You trust him with your life, but not ours,” Matthew asked sharply, “or do you trust him at all. Has he done something—“

Matthew and Almyra jumped up as the screech of a bird interrupted their conversation. They faltered, and then quickly burst into action. Matthew stamped on the small blaze, extinguishing it, although not before Almyra took one branch to light the way. She then disintegrated everything she had created and sealed the ground.

Matthew took the torch from her and started to lead the way back. Arms swinging, they walked briskly towards the house, skirting the trees as much as they were able to, until they had no choice but to enter the forest.

They remained close to the edge, but night had fallen, and the moon was waning, leaving not much light. The torch cast long shadows, and Almyra shivered apprehensively.

CRACK!

A twig snapped somewhere near them, and Almyra gasped, stumbling. A rustling sound had her clutching Matthew’s arm hard; she was embarrassed at how scared and feeble she was feeling, and she sought comfort in gripping tightly to her brother. Matthew pulled her along.

Something brushed her arm, and she shrieked. She spun around and took a step backwards, tripping in the hem of her gown and landing on her rear. She whimpered.

“Matthew? Help me, Matt,” she tugged at the skirt, struggling to stand. “Matthew…?”

Almyra looked up on frustration to see Matthew standing frozen in place, eyes wide, mouth gaping. She followed his gaze to a gap in the trees. She gasped again, bringing Matthew out of his stupor just in time to catch her as she lurched forward in a faint.

He grabbed and picked her up in his arms, carrying her through the forest, to their house, as quick as he possibly could.

He did not look back.

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