CHAPTER 39

"My guess is simply a natural talent for it. Water manipulation was a coincidence. Rather, she was about to cave her own head in and her magic protected her."

"So, does that make me a witch?" Beth asked. "Or a wizard?"

"When you can do magic, you can call yourself whatever the fuck you want." Ratu sighed. "But this also comes with a burden of its own. She needs to learn some basics, if for no other reason than to avoid injury. Based on what I've heard, she has more power than she can handle."

"But my magic protected me," Beth said. "How would it hurt me?"

Ratu cleared her throat. "When it comes to magic, your imagination is the limit. Your bones could have become rubber, or you could have shrunk to the size of an insect. There's no telling what you're capable of in your current state. You also need to remember that magic always comes with a price. Sometimes, the cost isn't worth paying." The naga leaned off orb again and came back with a quill and a piece of paper. "I am writing down some basic texts for you to read from the Library. I'll send this to Sofia, and she'll make sure you get them. You have to study, if for no reason than to avoid blowing off your own face."

Beth nodded, doing her best to contain the ball of excitement that had formed in her belly. The idea that she now had her very own kind of magic felt much like winning the lottery. What would her magic be like? Would it feel cold, racing through her veins like ice? Or perhaps it would be like fire, eager to erupt from her fingertips.

"After I look at these books, should I study under someone?" She moved close to the ball. "Would you be able to teach me?"

Ratu smiled, then shook her head. "I am in no condition to help you right now. Besides, my understanding of magic is focused on enchantments and objects. My own abilities are of a divine nature, so I'm not sure how much help I would be. In fact, I would recommend Yuki for the job, if she'll accept."

"I can help a little bit." Amymone appeared from her tree, hanging upside down by her legs. She folded the page she was on in her book and then closed it. "And Naia, too. Our magic is nature-based and very niche, but we can explain some of the basics. We taught Emily, when she first came here."

Naia smiled, but her grin faded. She turned to Beth, a somber look on her face. "We all know that the shadow drove her ambition, and a similar thing can still happen to you. You have to be careful."

"I will," Beth promised. She looked up at Amymone. "When can we start?"

"After you get those books from Sofia." The dryad swung back and forth, her skirt held in place by a few convenient vines. "I would focus on meditative practices. Being able to touch your magic is a great start."

Naia nodded. "Mike figured that one out pretty fast. But his magic is...well..."

Beth laughed. "Somehow more useful than you'd expect," she finished.

"His magic is something else completely," Ratu added. "Neither divine nor inherent. It doesn't have a label. When he advances enough, he may choose to pursue spellcraft. By then, you will likely be a suitable instructor for him."

"Divine...versus...inherent..." Zel was scribbling furiously. "So, it's different being born with magic versus acquiring it? What about the rules of heredity? Is magic passed along genetic lines?"

"Depends on the magic." Ratu opened her mouth extra-wide and shoved the whole sandwich in and swallowed it in one bite. "Sorry, I'm hungry and can't wait any longer. Typically, inheritance is usually only a factor if the creature itself is magical. Dragons are a great example, as well as my own kind."

"What about half-breeds?" Zel looked up. "For example, what if your mother was a naga and your father was a human?"

The naga laughed. "If they could actually conceive a child, it's possible. It's been a long time since any cross breeding has occurred, and you can thank the Greek and Roman gods for that. Caused nothing but problems, and it actually became a huge taboo to breed with humans because of it."

"Fascinating." Zel closed her book. "Let me know if you need anything from the herd. It was nice to see everyone."

The centaur bowed low, then headed off toward the door of the greenhouse.

"You'd think she'd want to take the shortcut home," Beth noted.

"She probably wants some time to herself," Naia said. "When you're the one in charge, you don't often get opportunities to be alone. Besides, she has a lot to think about."

"Like what?"

Naia shrugged and flashed a smile. "That isn't my burden to share," she said, then turned her attention to the garage. The door opened, and Eulalie stepped out. She was wearing a dark tank top with a matching black skirt with white stripes down the side.

"Am I interrupting something?" she asked.

"Not really." Beth noticed that Eulalie's lower half didn't look as glossy as it had the day before. "Do you need something?"

"Just spreading my legs. Slept like the dead, and I didn't mean to be out for so long." She walked over to join them, her legs moving in a rhythmic fashion. Beth had felt uncomfortable yesterday being so close to Eulalie, a reaction she felt guilty about.

Today was different. Her fear had been replaced with curiosity, and she couldn't help but notice thin grey cracks had appeared along Eulalie's legs.

"Did you hurt yourself?" Beth gestured at the lines.

"No. This is normal." Eulalie looked at Naia. "Am I allowed to soak in the fountain?"

"Everyone is welcome. Unless you pee in the water. Then I might drown you." Naia winked.

Beth watched Eulalie as she stretched out in the water and sighed. The fountain was big enough for the Arachne to properly spread her legs, and she floated around like an ominous lily pad. As tempted as she was to stick around and get to know Eulalie a bit more, there was something else on her agenda.

"I've got some things I need to take care of," she announced. "See you all later tonight."

"Have fun." Naia gave Beth a knowing look.