Hundred-Four

WINTER POV

"Try again," Emily urged for the third time since we left the room. Closing my eyes, I took a slow breath and focused on the candle before me.

"Ignis (Fire)," I whispered for the third time. Opening my eyes, I felt nothing. I shook my head, stepping away from the pentagram.

"It's not working, Emily," I admitted. This should be the simplest of spells. I couldn't fathom why it wasn't working, and I hadn't even tapped into my deepest power to draw it out.

"Your mind is still occupied," Emily pointed out.

"It's clear," I insisted.

"It's not," Emily persisted. "That's why I want us to start with the simplest spells, so your powers won't be drained from repeated attempts."

"I did clear my mind just as you instructed," I insisted.

I hadn't been thinking of anything except the fact that Rafael was in the dungeon, in need of my help.

'That means your mind is still occupied,' Flora whispered.

'Flora,' I acknowledged. 'What should I do?'

Flora speaking to me at moments like this wasn'