Chapter 323

Chapter 3

** Harper’s POV **

“Harper, would you like to come with me? Your lessons start today,” a female voice whispers, startling me out of my thoughts.

I turn to see Sage standing beside my seat. How had she snuck up on me without my notice?

Other students turn in their seats to look at us and I feel a flush of embarrassment creep up from my chest to my cheeks.

Great…So much for trying to fit in as a regular student. I’ve just become the centre of everyone’s attention.

I look at Archie, who smiles and gives me a nod of encouragement. “I’ll catch up with you later,” he whispers.

“As most of you will be aware, strong seer abilities are rare and for the first time in over thirty years, we have a student that potentially has the gift. To master this gift, she will need to practise. So this year two seers will read you. I expect you to be patient and treat Harper with respect as she perfects her skills,” Deacon says to the room, and I cringe.

I can feel every eye on me and quiet gossiping assaults my ears as I follow Sage towards the front of the hall. I have never wished for the ground to open up and swallow me whole this much in my entire life. This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen. I bet I’m as red as a tomato.

Sage leads me to a small room behind the stage and I feel as though I can finally breathe now I’m out of sight.

“I’m not sure I am cut out for this,” I say as I wait for the pounding in my chest to calm.

“It can be intense, I know. Having a gift this rare is always going to draw attention, but I promise, it gets easier. Some of your peers may be jealous, and some will fear you, but most will respect you. After all, without your gift, future generations may not find their bonds.”

Sage gives me a soft smile and reaches out to take my hands in hers.

“What are you doing?” I ask, tempted to pull my hands from her reach.

“Relax. I saw you search for your bonds earlier. Tell me, how many bonds did you identify for yourself?”

“Two, I know them both.”

Sage nods and then grips my hands a little tighter before closing her eyes. I watch in silence as her eyes flit behind her eyelids. When she opens them again, the blue has faded into a milky white, and even the black of her pupil has gone, replaced by a very pale grey. It’s the most terrifying thing I have ever seen. I really hope that is now how I look when using the gift.

“Interesting,” Sage hums, and then blinks her eyes until her normal eye colouring returns.

“Why did your eyes go like that?” I ask, unable to keep the tremble from my voice.

“That is the true sight. It is easy to see bond tethers when they are right in front of you, but to see them at a further distance, especially if that tether leads to someone you have never met, you will need to delve deeper and draw on the true sight.”

“How do I do that?”

“With practice. Do you have a female friend that has joined the academy with you today? Someone you feel safe around?” Sage asks.

I think about it for a moment. I have a few friends that have joined the academy today, but none I feel especially comfortable around. The only person who comes to mind is Demi, she is one of Theo’s nieces, and whilst we didn’t attend the same school; we have spent a lot of time together at family events.

“Demi Bell,” I say.

“Okay, wait here for a moment. I will be right back,” Sage nods before leaving me alone.

Whilst I wait, I look around the small room. It is completely bare. There’s no furniture or decoration and I wonder what its purpose is. The air in here feels cool and calming and a small, high window faintly lights the room. I can’t hear anything outside of the room, and I wonder if everyone left the hall or if the room is soundproof.

I don’t have to wait long before Sage returns with a nervous-looking Demi.

“I guess I’m nominated as your first test subject,” Demi says with a half laugh as she tucks her bright red locks behind her ears.

I’ve always envied Demi’s hair. It’s so bright and wild with tight curls. It makes her pale skin almost glow.

“Sorry,” I grimace.

“No worries. You have to start somewhere, right? And apparently you chose me as the person you felt most comfortable with, so I’m honoured. I’m just nervous about having bonds is all,” she shrugs.

“Are we ready to give this a try?” Sage asks and Demi nods.

“I guess,” I breathe as nerves flutter in my stomach.

“Okay, Demi, try to remain silent if you can. Harper, I want you to take Demi’s hands and tell me if you see any tethers coming from her,” Sage instructs.

I take Demi’s clammy hands in mine and look at her. She looks just the same as she always does. I shake my head at Sage.

“That’s fine. Keep ahold of her hands and close your eyes whilst you draw on your gift. Search for her light. You should be able to see a shimmering ball of energy in front of you. When you find it, open your eyes.”

I follow Sage’s instructions, closing my eyes and drawing on the gift that simmers deep within me. At first I see only darkness. I hear the sounds of our breathing and the chill of the air on my skin, and then I see it. A faint flicker of a shimmer at first, but as I focus on it, I watch it grow and expand into a bright, swirling ball that sparkles with pure energy.

I choke back a sob at the sight. It’s the most beautiful and pure thing I have ever seen. I wish there was a way to capture its beauty. I’d print this on canvas, or even better, create a video if I could.

The ball expands in three directions, just small wisps of energy at first, but the more I watch, the more they intensify, growing into thick, steady tendrils.