He seems to be in a better mood today. Sellitha thought to herself as she and the team were having breakfast together.

That’s good.

She had noticed that Adion’s eyes seemed a little dim the day before, as if immersed in thought. But they were a lot clearer now.

Sellitha had always been good at reading people’s eyes. If that’s the way to put it. She thought they often were like an open book to the person’s mood and nature. It could be that she was just feeling aura, but Sell didn’t think it was. She had managed to grasp things from the eyes of people far more powerful than her in aura.

It was far from foolproof, though, something Sellitha had learned long ago. So she always tried to confirm her suspicions before assuming anything as true about someone else just from their eyes. But it worked pretty well most of the time.

What she liked most about Adion’s eyes was the lack of conniving she saw. As a princess, she had seen that in people’s eyes her whole life, and it was rare for someone who knew her identity not to have some sort of ambitions they wished to use her for. If there were one thing she didn’t think she’d make a mistake about, it was that.

Sellitha was pretty sure that she was the cause of Adion’s shift in mood. Adion had probably grown frustrated with her constant questions. After all, she had pretty much interrogated him for information since they met. And who didn’t have secrets they wanted to keep hidden? She sure did. So she wasn’t irritated at Adion for his lack of answers, more so herself for not being able to hold back her questioning. And perhaps a little sad that she wasn’t trusted like the rest of the team were.

She had felt a real closeness to these people that she couldn’t remember the last time she felt, which made her a little annoyed at the many secrets concerning Adion, constantly making her feel left out. She thought that if she could figure it out herself, maybe she could reveal that she already knew and promise not to tell anyone, and she could become part of the team for real.

But when she discovered that Adion wasn’t actually a fire mage, it seemed as if she had gotten a little too close, a little too fast. So, she had decided to leave the subject for the time being.

That is until she started doing some thinking, and came up with an unbelievable theory. Certainly not a chance to be true. But it would put a lot of pieces together.

No. No way. I don’t believe he can be a space mage. That would surely be enough to shake the world. I’m sure he has another element that would explain everything just as well…But what if it’s actually true!? Gah! I need to drop it for now. I’ll try to show myself trustworthy, and perhaps he will tell me about it himself.

Now that he seems to be doing better, perhaps we can start training together again. Should I ask? No, I’ll ask once we’re done with the mission and are making our way back.

Sellitha had enjoyed the time spent training with Adion. She had met a lot of talented people her age, few as talented as Adion perhaps. But they all had some hidden agendas; politics was always involved in everything. And Adion was probably the least political person she could think of. She thought he was more like her, just aiming to become so strong that you didn’t have to deal with that annoying stuff.

“Are you guys ready?” Benji asked as he returned from a meeting with the Derolm family and the team leaders.

“Yes,” Sahra said, as Rufus had just been the last one to finish eating, “What did they say?”

“They gave instructions on where to go once we get to the peach tree,” Benji said, “They had scouted the area and drawn up a makeshift map. There will be perhaps over a hundred Silver beasts in that area all in all, so this will be a tough day, but we should be alright. Our job is to clear out any beasts we come across, and once we are in position, not let any beasts pass us and reach the tree where the Derolm family will be.”

“Over a hundred beasts?” Sahra asked, surprised.

“Yeah,” Benji nodded, “But we should be able to handle it. We are about the same in numbers. And I’d bet on us winning one-on-one against a Silver beast.”

“True,” Sahra nodded, “Alright then, let’s get moving.”

The team packed their stuff quickly and set off with the rest of the expedition force. Sell was excited thinking about the big fight ahead. She might have to show a little more of her power than she would like, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if these guys found out she was strong. As long as she didn’t reveal all of it, and as long as it was kept from her family.

Maybe Adion would be more likely to share his element if I shared something about myself? That does seem fair.

Sellitha sneaked a peek at Adion as they were walking, once again using her aura sense to try to feel his element. But just like every time she had tried to do so, she couldn’t make it out.

Should I just ask after all? If I ask, ‘Are you a space mage?’ I’m sure I’ll be able to tell from his reaction.

No. I’ll rein in my curiosity. He seems to be in a good mood today—no need to ruin everything.

“What are you thinking about so much?” Sahra came to her side and asked her with a smile.

“You can tell?” Sellitha asked.

“Haha,” Sahra laughed lightly, “It’s pretty obvious. Are you nervous about fighting off the beasts around the peach tree?”

“Not really,” Sellitha said, “I think we’ll be able to handle it. I was just thinking I might have been digging too much into Adion’s secrets. I was just really curious, so I might have gone too far.”

Sellitha spoke in a low voice, and the two were quite a distance behind the others, so she didn’t think anyone would hear.

“Oh, anyone would do as much. It’s Adion who can’t keep a secret to save his life. Not if he actually doesn’t want to keep it secret.”

“What do you mean?” Sellitha asked.

“Well,” Sahra paused, “I’m not sure, but I don’t think Adion would be as careless with revealing stuff about himself if it was someone he actually didn’t trust. I’m guessing he wouldn’t mind you knowing, just that his logical side is telling him that it could have consequences to let someone in your position know everything about him.”

“Oh,” Sellitha said, “Then what should I do?”

“Just wait, and he will tell you himself soon enough. Eventually, he will not be able to bother hiding everything from you and simply give up.” Sahra said with a grin.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Sellitha laughed a little. It did sound very Adion-like now that she heard it.

“Alright, I’ll wait then,” Sellitha said.

“If you want to speed up the process, you should express your admiration for strength in front of him. I bet he wouldn’t be able to hold back from showing off to a pretty girl like you for long,” Sahra said with a wink.

“Er,” Sellitha wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Hahaha!” Sahra laughed loudly, “It’s so fun to have someone like you around.”

The sun slowly rose as the team continued walking, and morning turned to noon. Sellitha continued her conversation with Sahra for much of the way. It was nice. It reminded her of what it was like with her and her sister back in the day. Before politics got involved in their lives and they grew distant.

But soon, there was no more time for talking. Along with the rest of the expedition force, their team was part of an extensive line whose purpose was to move forward and clear the area of beasts and then form a circle formation around the peach tree, allowing the Derolm family to pick its fruits undisturbed.

Fortunately, it wasn’t a very hard job. Sellitha and her teammates only had to deal with five middle Silver beasts before they reached their position.

“That was easy,” Adion said.

“We were lucky, surely some teams weren’t,” Benji said.

“But I didn’t get a feeling that there were a hundred beasts here?” Sahra said, “Even if we didn’t get a look at the whole area, it can’t have been that many. It feels like more beasts will be coming over once they hear the commotion.”

“Probably,” Benji nodded, “Let’s keep our senses sharp,”

A few more minutes passed before sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance, along with yells for help.

“That’s Mashi’s group!” Benji yelled.

“We have to help them,” Adion said with a serious look.

“Yes, let’s hurry, everyone,” Benji ordered, and everyone ran to the sounds of fighting.

But it didn’t take long for Adion to yell, “There’s two middle Silver beasts approaching from behind. Go on ahead. I’ll take care of them!”

“Right, be careful!” Benji said and continued running.

Can he handle two middle Silvers alone? I’ve seen him fight, and it seems unlikely.

“I’ll help!” Sellitha yelled and joined Adion in the pursuit of the two beasts.

“Er,” Adion looked at her a little awkwardly, “It’s fine, you go ahead.”

“What? Let’s hurry so we can help the others,” Sellitha said.

Adion hesitated but soon nodded his head, “Okay, thanks.”

They ran side by side for a few seconds before Adion stopped. Sellitha stopped as well and looked at him.

“There are two more now,” Adion said, “Low Silver beasts, though.”

Will I have to reveal my ability? Sellitha though, her heart pounding.

“I guess I’ll have to get serious.” Adion said as he turned to look at her, “Try not to be too surprised. I’ll still need your help.”

“Surprised?” Sellitha asked, but Adion was already moving. Sellitha didn’t stand still either and ran towards the beasts that had now become visible. She conjured a fire and bent it to move according to her Will. The fire took the shape of a serpent of flames and slithered forward at an amazing speed. It didn’t take long before it hit one of the beasts, immediately causing lethal damage.

Sellitha then turned her attention to Adion, and saw something incredible. The middle Silver Sun-Sabered Tiger was frozen in mid-air. And Adion cut its throat at no resistance at all.

So he’s truly a space mage!? How? Is everything in that old book true then?

Sellitha wasn’t allowed to think about it, however, as another beast charged to attack her. But before Sellitha had a chance to prepare her attack, the beast collapsed on the ground. Dead from a hole in the back of its head.

How did he do that?

Sellitha looked up to Adion getting attacked by the last beast, but before it could reach him, it was once again frozen stiff in space. Adion ran up and pierced its brain from underneath its jaw.

So powerful. Who could resist something like that?

“You’re actually a space mage,” Sell said, hardly believing what she had witnessed.

All the beasts are taken care of just like that. I guess my secret’s safe. Sellitha couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed for some reason.

Adion looked at her, surprised, “I thought you’d assume it was my Gift.”

“Maybe if you actually were a fire mage,” Sellitha said with a smile.

“But still,” Adion said, “Not many would assume I had the element of space. It is unknown as far as I know?”

Should I tell him? I should. He might know something more than me. It is only fair I begin by sharing.

“Ever since the Amyss family was based on Quemer, in Evalia, we have had a-.” Sell wasn’t allowed to continue as Adion interrupted her.

“More beasts,” He said, “Three of them. No, five. Wait, eight?” Adion got a troubled look on his face. “Sixteen. And they seem to be gathering for an attack. Sell, I can only freeze two beasts at a time. We have to run.”

Run from that many beasts? Seems unlikely. Do I…

Sellitha’s heart was beating rapidly. No one, not even her mother, father, or sister, knew about the true power of her fire.

Don’t be silly. Adion’s stupid enough to share he’s a space mage. The least I can do is be a little stupid in return.

“Adion, wait,” Sellitha said as Adion started turning away.

Adion turned to look at her, listening.

What’s that in his eyes? That’s new.

“I never told you about where I was during the burning of Iitha, right?” Sellitha asked.

“No,” Adion said, shaking his head. Seemingly not intending to hurry her along despite the gathering beasts not far away. Sellitha thought she could see them now, too, at least over twenty of them.

“I was at the palace,” Sellitha said calmly, “The fire was spreading rapidly over the capital. Buildings that had stood for centuries burned to the ground, and thousands upon thousands of people died. You could hear people screaming in horror all over the city. My whole family watched the scene of the flames swallowing our city with tears in their eyes.”

Sellitha turned from the beasts and looked at Adion. He was still just standing there, watching her.

I like those eyes.

“I thought it was horrifying too, of course,” Sellitha continued, “But even more than that, I thought it was beautiful. Sweeping over the city, turning everything it touched to ashes. No matter what was in its way, it couldn’t be stopped. The fire was so powerful, yet so silent. Despite the screaming, that is what I remember the clearest, the silence.”

Sellitha turned back to look at the gathering of beasts hundreds of feet away, “Welea. That was the name of the faelin woman who taught me about Words of Truth when I was little. Since then, I always dreamed of finding words for myself. Despite not being a faelin, I thought it should be possible, even though others might think it was the delusions of a little girl.”

“And that night, watching the fire devour the city, I felt something stir,” Sellitha raised her hand toward the gathering beasts, conjuring fire in her hand, and spoke, “At the speed of silence, terrifying beauty.”

One second, the fire was in front of Sellitha’s palm. The next, it was in the middle of the group of beasts. Only a faint afterimage of something moving could be spotted. The fire spread out rapidly, faster than any beast could run. In just a few seconds, the small flame had turned into a great fire that didn’t lose out much in terms of size to the one she had seen from the palace all those years ago.

The next moment, Sellitha felt herself falling to the ground, exhausted, slowly losing consciousness. But she knew the beasts were taken care of.

Only ashes would remain.