I don't know what possessed me to do it but a part of me wanted to kiss Draco, to know how it feels, but after I peeled off myself from him and saw his expression, it felt wrong for some reason. Maybe I was just his childhood crush and he has no feelings for me anymore, and that's the reason he hasn't reacted in any way. I started to drop my hands which were pressed against his chest in order to support me on my toes and before a single "I'm sorry" left my mouth, my ears tingled upon hearing the low whisper that said I shouldn't dare to apologize, and my lips got sealed shut by warmth. The same warm presence that pressed me closer to his body and hugged me tight with his arms. Draco used his hand to hold me in place by putting it on my upper back, traveling slightly up to tangle his fingers in my hair. With his cold fingertips he gripped my chin to make me look up, his hand shifted to my face, resting his palm against my cheek.

The whole world seemed to disappear, or maybe we got teleported to somewhere where it's just the two of us. The loud chatter in the hallway was muffled and all I want is to get devoured by this warmth. Unfortunately I also need to breathe, so I tapped on Draco's chest slightly to let him know. He gave me a one last peck before separating from me, but keeping his hand on my cheek, brushing my lips with his thumb while staring straight into my eyes. It's the first time I saw Draco's eyes this close and the golden shimmer reminded me of honey being poured into my tea, making the taste in my mouth turn sweet.

Lost in his gaze, I felt strangely peaceful that people could be saying the meanest rumors about me and I wouldn't care, but we got interrupted by a familiar voice yelling at us, calling our names. As Nix got closer to us, his voice volume lowered and also his speech slowed down as he is telling us to hurry up or we will be late. I only twisted my head to look at Nix, so when Draco caressed my cheek, I turned back to watch him. He smiled at me and all the guilt from thinking that he doesn't like me anymore disappeared. Draco bent over to pick up my backpack that somehow fell off as we kissed and he tossed it over his shoulder to carry it for me. He took my right hand into his and interlocked our fingers, then started to walk away, making me pivot on the spot. I only noticed Nix's ooh as he pressed fingers against his mouth and pointed at us. After that my mind went blank and I had to fight tears that wanted to escape my eyes which were stuck staring at another person. Another type of guilt made my throat tighten as I watched Mr. Hale look at me with a weird, hurt expression, then simply averting his gaze from me and continuing to walk away.

We got into the combat grounds in no time. Nix ran off all giggling and I trailed with Draco next to my side. Arriving to the main crossroad of the combat ground area, I could hear the conversation Nix is having with Reilly. He kept looking smug and teasing Reilly about something, which she didn't like and she kept asking what the hell is he so excited about. Nix only nodded with his head at us, calling us that. Reilly is standing with her arms crossed in front of her chest, all annoyed at Nix but she turned around and saw me walking in with Draco. Her eyes saw me first and she smiled, then her gaze dropped on my hand which is tangled with Draco's, and with that, her jaw dropped too.

Reilly: What the hell is this supposed to be?

Draco: Exactly how it looks like.

If they'ev had such powers, there would be sparks of fire blasting between Draco and Reilly right now. I get that she might feel protective about me, since I didn't really have good experiences with people in my life, or men for that matter, but she should know Draco by now. Well, we haven't even said anything official about what we are now, but I guess that should be obvious after what happened in the hallway.

I shielded Draco with my own body and tried to stop Reilly from fighting him, but I got called by Professor Radock to get into the usual grounds and warm up. He also summoned the whole group, Draco, Reilly and Nix included. I started walking away with Nix but Reilly asked Draco to stay behind and talk. It felt like a bad idea to leave those two alone but Nix dragged me away while trying to calm me down, saying that everything will be fine. He exaggerated every word, especially the fineee part.

Dropping everything on the bench, I go into the middle of the mat just in my black pants and a tank top to do some stretches. Of course Nix followed me and kept nagging me about when and how I started dating Draco, without telling him. I only rolled my eyes at him and didn't reply while warming up my arms first. I tried to calm down my breathing, adjusting my body to the scorching temperature they are using for this month's training sessions.

Building up a good sweat just from stretching, I still continue doing it anyway. Sitting on the mat with my legs straightened and spread, I bent my body to reach my toes. I took a fast break only because I heard the door into the grounds move. Draco and Reilly finally joined us and it seems both are unharmed.

I went back into my warm up when Reilly joined me. Nix quickly scattered from the mat and ran towards Draco to annoy him for a change. I talked to Reilly between my breaths but she didn't reply. The only thing Reilly said to me is a question "since when did you two started dating". I answered thruthfully, which is that I don't even know if we are a couple and I only kissed him when I realized that the girl he likes is actually me, that somehow it felt right to do it. Reilly gave me a weird look, raising her eyebrow at the last statement but she didn't say anything else. Maybe I should figure this thing before there are any misunderstandings.

Since Reilly isn't talkative today, I left her alone on the mat and went to talk to Draco. Nix saw me approaching the bench and had to point out the girlfriend is coming to Draco, who is taking off his shirt for some reason. I got flustered by the nickname and also by the broad back exposed to my eyes. Draco's back muscles tightened as he straightened himself and turned to face me. I asked Nix to give us a space, maybe go help out Reilly with her stretches.

Nix: Shieee- sounds like a serious talk. Breaking up already?

Draco: In your dreams.

Nix tightened his lips into a weird grimace while placing his hand on Draco's shoulder and wishing him good luck, totally looking like a dad talking to his son. A sudden nervousness came over me but Draco looked so relaxed.

Draco: I hope you don't regret it.

Me: I- why do you say that?

Draco: Just this feeling. I saw your face as we left the hallway and you seemed sad. If you want to pretend like it never happened, I can do that. I will definitely remember it though.

Me: Yeah, no... I mean... I just wanted to ask what does this makes us. We only kissed but that doesn't mean we are automatically dating if no one said it out loud, no?

Draco: Ahaha, technically no, but I think a good amount of eyes saw us so they will probably think that anyway. You don't want to?

Me: I am not against it. I just always thought that someone has to ask to make it official.

Draco: Kaitlin.

Me: What? Do you think that's stupid and childish?

Draco: Kaitlin, will you be my girlfriend?

At first, I could only stare at Draco with open mouth and my brain turned into a mashed potato. But the question made me so happy, or it was maybe because he actually listened to me. I started to laugh like I haven't in ages while Draco stood there, waiting for an answer. I toned down my giggles and took a step towards Draco who seemed to be worried I might have done it as a joke, but after I caressed his arms, then took both of his hands into mine, the tension in his body subdued. Draco finally chuckled and went in for another kiss. This one was shorter though because someone cleared their throat out of annoyance in the backround. Reilly pointed out that if we have time to flirt, we could use it instead to warm up so that we don't get hurt. I wanted to enjoy this moment for a little bit but she does have a point though. I practice my powers here usually solo, so why are they also joining me, when I could be the reason they get hurt and not some muscle cramps. I did ask Draco about it, but before he could reply, Professor Nalin and Radock entered the combat ground, explaining what we are going to do today.

We got all positioned around the mat according to the guidance from the professors but we had to wait for Ms. Edite to get ready as well. She joined the training pretty soon after the other teachers told us what to do and she immediately went to pick notebooks and pen from her little purse.

Reilly served as the main target and stood in the middle of the squad, directly in front of me, while Nix and Draco took a fighting stance with swords behind her. Apparently with what I did the other day, disarming the students when I went to talk to Professor Nalin, gave them an idea how to train and use my powers, so they want to try it out in combinations.

Reilly yelled out and rushed towards me with the guys backing her up. I tried to focus on summoning the magnetic field but I was too slow. Reilly has already arrived in front of me and if she didn't stop the movement, she would slash right through my body. I went for a dodge but best I could do is a small jump back and essentially just fall on the ground. Draco swapped the sword into his left hand and extended his right one to help me get up. He moved his hand on my hips and asked me if I am alright, then inquired the professors if they can lower their pace, since I am not used to fights. Ms. Edite said that it might be a good idea but Professor Nalin dismissed it, saying that in a real battle, no one will go easy or slow on me. We couldn't really protest against the teachers so I said that I am fine and Reilly repositioned herself with Nix. Draco asked me one more time if I am okay with it and I nodded. They are all my friends so they won't hurt me. And I know that they are good fighters so if anything, they will be able to dodge or stop the attack.

I exhaled loudly but didn't waste time and got into a position. I focused to summon the powers from my arms first, then maybe whole body if I need to, but right now it's only three people I need to fend off... is what I thought but it didn't take long when that reality was changed by the rest of the Draco's group arriving to the combat grounds too. Draco instructed Reilly to hold on with the attack and it seemed like she wanted to bark at him some not really nice words, but Professor Nalin also told us to pause with the training.

It scared me a little bit, because now I have four additional people to fight off. Especially Orion is the scariest of them all with the huge sword he is wielding. It's more like a claymore and it's about the same height as me, but he moved it around so swiftly. Leo has the second biggest sword from the group. Similar to Orion, he also easily tossed it over his shoulder and walked casually to the center of the mat. Draco's weapon is not so behind them in the size and the only normal one I would say belongs to Nix, the same sword I used to practice in their dorm. I tought that I would have to take them all at once, meaning I should probably summon the field through my whole body, but Castor and Zuna were instructed to join me. Both of them stood behind me with one-edged short double swords in their hands, four weapons in total, but I am meant to protect those and also protect them as my allies while Reilly is playing the enemy leader. We got into the positions and Reilly prepared herself again to start the second attack but we got halted, this time by Nix.

Nix: Kinda weird to roleplay enemies after only just becoming lovers.

Orion: What did we miss?

Nix: Ask the two lovebirds.

The "enemy" side dropped their weapons for a bit but Reilly kept her sword up. She was going to act as a true leader and tell them to stop the chit-chat, but Draco beaten her up to it, telling Orion that he will explain later and that we should focus on the training. I thought that they will protest but Nix lost the mischievious smirk on his face and took a fighting stance, Orion braced his heavy sword against his thigh and Draco twisted his sword around before holding it properly and sending a wink at me.

With Reilly's grunt, they ran at our small group. I am meant to summon the magnetic field and disarm them, guiding the weapons to fly away but not hit my allies and also not disarm Castor and Zuna in the process. I tried to focus but keeping all of that on my mind, I couldn't do it all at once. Before I knew it, Zuna jumped in front of me to block Orion's heavy sword with her two short ones so I don't get split in two. The weight of the sword with Orion's strength added to it made Zuna drop on her knees. Castor slided on the ground to fight off Reilly and Nix meanwhile I flew backwards and watched everything from the ground. As I was dodging the swords because I couldn't even summon the field, not to mention focus it on the weapons, I stumbled with my steps and didn't watch where I am going. A sword slashed my direction but it got hit by another flying one which Draco threw to change its' direction and then proceeded to bulldozer me out of the way. Not that I am mad about his heavy naked torso crashing on me, but the professors weren't much happy about it and yelled out to stop the training immediately. Everyone paused and Draco helped me to get up, again.

Preparing myself for getting flunked out of the class or getting some points reducted from me, I looked at the professors, but Ms. Edite interrupted them and suggested that maybe it is too early for this type of training and I should focus on improving my control first. Professor Radock agreed, thanked the others for accompanying us today and dissolved the class. Professor Nalin excused himself and then instructed everyone to go back into their assigned grounds.

I needed a small break so I went to grab a bottle of water while everyone packed their weapons and left with Professor Nalin. Only me, Reilly, Draco and Ms. Edite stayed. Draco positioned himself to stand in front of me as I am sitting on the bench and drinking the cold water in large gulps. He placed his hand on my head and patted me or played with my hair, asking if I am okay. I wiped my wet mouth to just give him a simple reply and then I stood up to go back into my training. Before Draco left, he pecked my lips and told me to take it easy. Also to not get hurt. I promised, even though I am not sure if I will be able to do that, but I was going to try my best to not fail that promise.

I thought Reilly will leave too and I will be left alone to go back into my target-cleaning duty, but for some reason she asked Professor Nalin for a permission to stay and train with me today. I am glad that she will be here, so I didn't question it.

Ms. Edite agreed when I asked her if I can practice the magnetic field and moving the targets, and that's what I am going to do first. Lifting my arms, I imagined the electricity appearing and dancing around my arms but nothing came out. I grunted and tried again with the same result. Reilly walked up to me after the second attempt and I thought that she is just going to watch me, not say anything because she seems to be mad about me and Draco, but she initiated a conversation as I attempted to summon the electricity again.

Reilly: Are you sure about him?

Me: Draco? Like I said, it just felt right.

Reilly: Is that really how you can date someone? Because it "felt right"?

Me: After you reminded me of the time I mistaken him for you, it just clicked for me. I enjoy being around Draco. There is something about him making me feel at peace and protected. Maybe because he reminds me of my best friend?!

I stopped trying to channel and looked at Reilly with a smirk. Thinking she will be still broody about me suddenly choosing to date Draco, I waited for her to yell or be angry, but I could see that she tried to hide the giggle. Then I continued to try and make her mood better so I joked about the whole situation, saying that it's not like I can kiss her. Reilly finally stopped being grumpy, so we continued the talk.

Me: Why did you stay though? We could have talked about this in our room.

Reilly: Something seems off. I can usually feel this tug between you and me, but it has been quiet lately, like it disappeared.

I just shrugged it off because I don't feel this weird tug between us so I am not really missing it. Right now, I just wanted to be done with the class and then slack in my room or maybe hang out with Draco. For some reason though, I couldn't even budge just one target. Am I that exhausted from the fight practice? I shortened the distance between me and the stack of targets, thinking it will help but nothing happened. All of the targets remained lying on the ground, well except one that Reilly dragged away, positioned it for her and started her sword practice by twisting and turning, slashing the target like it is her enemy.

Since I couldn't move the targets, I took a fast break and went to check my phone. Ms. Edite noticed me and asked if everything is alright. I don't know if there is any rule about using phone during classes at the academy, but I still felt embarrassed that she caught me and pointed it out, so I tossed the phone into my backpack and pretended to be thirsty, searching for my second water bottle. Ms. Edite wrote something into her little book and I hoped it's not a note about me slacking off, so I quickly ran back on the mat to resume my training. Yet again, I positioned myself to summon the magnetic field, but Ms. Edite joined me and asked me to change the training. Wiping of the sweat that was created by just walking around, I turned towards Ms. Edite and waited for her instructions.

Ms. Edite: More or less, we know your extent of the magnetic field. The rest I can fill out by calculations. Training control over it will be a bit tricky right now, since you need to be aware of Ms. Sutton, but at the same time, this is giving us a good opportunity to test other combinations. I want you to work with your classmate and create some sort of attack that includes your lightning.

More or less I understood what Ms. Edite wants from me but I am scared to use the lightning with Reilly around. I can't aim yet and if by accident I summon the lightning to where Reilly is and she won't be able to dodge in time, it would break me completely. Not that I have any say in this matter because Ms. Edite has already called upon Reilly that is walking towards us now. Ms. Edite explained what she wants to test and Reilly only nodded in agreement.

We positioned one target into the middle of the mat and then Reilly came up with a series of attacks that we could try. She slowly reenacted of what she has in mind that it seemed like I am watching a movie on a half speed, but it helped me understand of what she has in mind and also how to prevent from getting injured when we do this for real. But I am still worried about Reilly anyway.

Me: Sorry that you got dragged into training with me.

Reilly: What are best friends for, am I right? And at least it's not so boring like my usual trainings.

Me: Will you be okay though?

Reilly: I've been training my whole life, so don't worry. Also a few battle scars will look cool and I can create a wild story behind them.

Me: I meant my powers. I have used the full amount before and it's basically like any storm. You have always been scared of thunder. Are you sure you want to be so close to it?

Reilly didn't reply to me but judging by her expression, I know that she will have problems staying calm, but as my best friend, she will still help me out. Even if my own family ditched me because I am some illegitimate child that could steal throne or something, I felt so happy that it led to me meeting Reilly and having her in my life. I don't know what I did to deserve her and I don't want to disappoint my friend when she is trying her best for my sake.

I envisioned the lightning in my head and also commanded my powers with my inner voice which was basically just me yelling at the lightning to hit the target and not my friend. Just in case, I also pointed my arms in the direction of the wooden figurine to turn them into a vector and hoping that it will maybe help me with aiming. All mental preparation is done and I just need to wait for Reilly to do the maneuvers she showed me, get into the position when we are meant to combine our attacks and summon the lightning. Watching Reilly be so precise with her movements actually impressed me and motivated me to do something cool too. As she slashed the target, Reilly then crouched, creating an opening for me strike it with a lightning bolt. I willed it to shoot out but there was nothing. No sound or a beam of light that would hit the target. All sweaty, Reilly looked at me and apologized that her timing must have been off and we can try again.

Multiple attempts later, Reilly is just a sweaty panting mess from running around and all I built up is a headache from squinting and forcing to let out a single strike. I haven't used my powers that much besides when I tried to scare annoying Nix away so I doubt that I am all juiced out. But now that I think about it, I haven't felt the same since yesterday. There was this sense of something filling me out which I have noticed more and more lately. When I focus and tune out everything, all there is inside me now is this silence and a feeling that something should be there but isn't.

Reilly's concerned voice pulled me out of my thoughts as she put her hand on my shoulder and also slightly shook my body so that I notice her. She bent down slightly to be on the same eye level since Reilly is a bit taller than me, even more with the high-heel boots she usually wears. I looked into her ocean-colored eyes and finally realized what the problem is.

Me: I think I can't use my powers anymore. Can someone run out of their power battery? I haven't gotten to that part in my studies yet.

Reilly: Not at all, silly goose. There is no limit amount to powers. But it is definitely weird that you can't produce even a small amount.

Our conversation got interrupted by a weird ringing noise that filled the otherwise silent room. A similar crystal ball to the Oratris flew above us and then hovered on the shoulder level next to me and Reilly. It got summoned by Ms. Edite who joined us and overheard what I said to Reilly. She offered to do some scans of me and figure out what's wrong. Not that I am scared of that, because if I can't use my powers anymore, I can finally live like a normal person. No more fear of hurting people, no more crazy incidents, stupid rumors or people judging me.

Taking a few steps back to make space for the amber crystal ball to circle me from the top of my head to my ankles and then fly up to where it started. Ms. Edite tapped it once, gently with the tip of her index finger, and revealed a hologram of a measuring scale. Nothing else showed up or it's somewhere hidden because Ms. Edite pinched the hologram with both of her hands and then zoomed on the picture. There is a thin line with no spikes or anything. I moved my head towards Reilly and when she noticed me staring at her, I nudged with my chin at the ball but Reilly only shrugged her shoulders, letting me know that she doesn't know either what this thing is. Luckily, I didn't have to wait for the explanation as Ms. Edite confirmed what I sorta wished for.

Ms. Edite: The scale line is visible so you are a magical descendant but it's stale. Usually you would see bursts of energy as it fluctuates even if you are not using it, but Oratris is not detecting anything from you. I wouldn't worry about loosing your powers but my conclusion is that there is a power block.

Me: There was a block put over me to conceal my source but it started to break recently. Is it possible that it regenerated?

Ms. Edite: The Oratris is not showing any other signals from you so I would say that this block is more mental rather than magical, and also your body is not showing any signs of being overworked so I would rule out physical block also. Anything happened recently that might have stressed you out? Try to remember when you felt your power going dormant.

I don't have to think hard because I know exactly when it happened. That sudden internal silence I felt yesterday after almost hitting Ms. Edite with my powers is definitely when it all happened.

Ms. Edite: Depending on how long ago it was, we can work on removing it and help you get back to your powers. The longer we wait, the harder it will become and you might end up being blocked permanently.

It's not like I miss the dangerous killing powers so would it be so bad to not fix it? I considered the option but Reilly replied on my behalf, asking about the treatment or what we should do. I guess loosing powers would mean me being kicked out of Umbras and essentially leaving Reilly behind. Do I want to wield those crazy lightnings? No. But being mind-wiped and forgetting Reilly or leaving Draco is a pretty good reason for me to get my powers back.

Ms. Edite let me go early, again, so I packed my things and left the combat grounds with Reilly. She recommended me to not be hard on myself with studies and rather enjoy the student life with my friends. When it comes to Combats class, she will inform Professor Radock about my situation and I can go back to working out in the gym for the time being. Sadly, I can't be excused from my studies so I will need to continue going to classes. Luckily for me, those classes are taught by Draco for now, making it easier to "hang out with friends as a cure" to my power block.

We grabbed our dinners and went back into our room with Reilly because I didn't feel like hanging around people right now. It is also more comfortable to talk about this without vulture eyes or ears of the other students. I mainly focused on my food and so did Reilly but we did discuss the reason behind the block, which Reilly guess correctly to be the incident from yesterday. I doubt that just by talking about it with my best friend will fix it immediately but it helped a little bit. I never would have thought in my life that I will need to go see a therapist about having problems with magical powers though. Ms. Edite recommended me one but she said that we can wait with it for now since it's not that serious and my friends might be able to help. And if anything, I could also ask a teacher before reaching out to a professional.

Being full and almost bursting because of the large amout of food, I just lazily let my body plop on the couch. Reilly did the same and we continued talking when we heard a knock. Neither of us wanted to get up and go open the door but the person behind them kept knocking. Since we were both lazy, we used rock paper scissors to decide who has to go and I won. Reilly grunted as she got up from the couch and staggered with her steps towards the door only to return with Draco. Reilly didn't try to hide her annoyance with him coming here but she wasn't mad about it anymore and probably decided to just get used to it. She did leave the room though to take a loooooong shower, as she called it.

Draco: I waited for you after the class ended but you were nowhere to be found. Got me worried. Anything happened?

Me: Just your usual with me. Nothing big but no injuries.

Draco: But you were let go early. Are you sure you are fine?

I debated wether I should tell Draco about the block or not, but I didn't want to keep it a secret from him. I don't want him to worry either but it's a better option, since he would probably be worried about me anyway even if I don't tell him. I let Draco get comfortable on the couch and asked if I can just lie down while putting my legs on top of him. He didn't even hesitate and grabbed my ankles before I could even lift them by myself. I wanted to just stretch and do nothing but Draco kept my feet on his thighs and gently massaged them, so I adjusted myself on the couch and leaned against the arm rest. Explaining everything to Draco, of course he offered to help out and do everything he can. Same as with Reilly, just talking to him and being able to turn off my brain already helped a lot, but I can still feel that silence of my source.

The feet massage made me so relaxed that I started to feel drowsy while talking to Draco. Reilly is not the type to shower for long so she gave up on her brooding and joined us. The conversation went mostly between me and Reilly or me and Draco, until my phone buzzed inside my backpack. Draco lifted my feet a little bit, placed them on the couch and went to get it for me.

I checked the phone which is full of message notifications from the Ossilor girls. Mostly from Skylar who is asking to have a lunch or hang out during the weekend. She offered to pay for it as a thanks for making her and Nathan meet. I agreed and quickly replied to her, then tossed the phone on the couch next to me. I told Reilly about it and asked if she wants to join us too but unfortunately she has to go meet up with her mom again. She didn't say why, probably because Draco is here with us, but I could fill out the blanks and guess the rest. Reilly's mood also changed to an angry one again, not because of Draco but probably with the troubles in Ahris. She suddenly stood up and yawned on her way to bed. I got the signs and told Draco that we should probably go sleep now. I accompanied him to the door and wished him goodnight. I waited for a kiss but instead Draco only caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers before leaving. Closing the door behind him, I leaned against them and sighed. The exhaustion hit me suddenly so I didn't bother getting ready for the classes tomorrow, left it for the morning and just went straight to bed.

Evne though I still hate waking up in the morning, knowing that I don't have to do much today in classes felt nice so I get ready and went on with my day. No one is really checking up on my progress in the filler classes so Draco decided to give me a break and just chill in the classroom today. Apparently we didn't finish the magical species diagram but we can do that some other day. I still wanted to at least do something so I trailed the notes and used different color pencils to fill out the backrounds around the bloodlines. No one else joined us today. I asked Draco if he told the guys about my power block and they are giving me the space but he explained that it was Nix's idea, saying that he wants to give us some privacy. He didn't share anything about the block to the others yet, just in case I don't want them to know. I chuckled and looked into my lap, my body heating up a little bit and I felt happy that I got someone as Draco to be my boyfriend. With that thought, I slapped my cheeks with both of my hands because I got a little bit embarrassed. For the rest of the class I only stared at Draco as we talked casually about random stuff.

Walking towards the combat grounds made me feel anxious even though I know that I don't have to train for the time being. Back to the working out with students or my friends that have non-active powers sounds fun, but the memories of what happened lately still linger around my mind. Lucky for me, Draco is coming with me this time and my mind jumped from the incident to imagining seeing half naked Draco working out, his muscles and his body shining with build up sweat. No one said anything or had weird stares as we walked past them while holding hands but I guess now everyone knows that we are officially dating. The only person who gave us a scoff was Saxa who saw us in the hallway on her way to the main active ground area. She has her goons with her but so do I. The Chronos siblings greeted us in front of one of the gyms and it made Saxa retract every plan she created in her head to get rid of me. Zuna wondered why I am back to the working out but didn't question it. Castor is happy that I will join them once again because he wants to get to know me better since we are basically classmates. This time even Orion is with us, even though he has been pretty busy with his preparations for the ascension.

I forgot how dreadful the work outs are but luckily my body got used to it after the month and I am better than I was when the school started. It still made me so hungry that I could probably eat as much as Reilly right now so I went straight to cafeteria after the class ended. I didn't have any other plans for today and I definitely didn't want to study or do homework, but Draco suggested taking a stroll around the campus after we finish our lunch. I haven't seen much of the area besides the front yard, forest and Professor Nannieya's greenhouse. A fresh cold air should make me think about other things than being scared to use my powers I guess.

It almost ended up being only me and Draco because Nix kept telling everyone how we should have our privacy, calling us two lovebirds, but for some reason, I wanted to take a walk with everyone, listen to their stories about their childhood and their mishaps with powers. Everyone at the table agreed, even Reilly, so the two of us with the small group of Chronos descendants went to grab warmer clothes and then meet up in front of the main entrance.

The winter barely started but it is cold enough to make me wear triple layers of clothes with a jacket on top. If my powers would work properly, I could heat up myself by using the electricity but all I can work with right now is to hug Draco tight and steal some of his warmth. He gladly let me do it as we slowly walked behind the group of our friends in front of us.

The weather is rather gloomy today, with a heavy fog covering the top floors of the school building and filling the air above the ground with water droplets. My hair wrinkled a little bit with the moist but most of it is hidden under a knitted sky blue hat with two fuzzy white pompoms at the top that I got as a present from Reilly. It reminded me that the Christmas is coming soon and I have nothing for her this year, and that I will also have to find something to give Draco as well, and the Chronos guys, and Ossilor girls, and... The list only grew bigger in my mind so I groaned because how much of shopping time it will take but I also chuckled because it made me realize how much my life has changed only in a few months. I asked the guys about Christmas time and if we can do something or if they will let us go out of the school grounds to shop for presents.

Zuna: There is a special dinner and kids who stay at campus just hang out in the main hall for the Cristmas Eve, but usually everyone just goes back to their families during the holiday.

Me: Oh. Is Christmas during this Winter holiday when we can go out?

Draco: The holiday starts at 15th December and goes until January 7th. You got plans for the holiday already?

Nix: Any other boys Draco should be aware and scared of?

Me: I am supposed to spend my holiday under Ms. Do'or who is my new Help. Don't know exactly how long I will be at her place for though. We can still hang out if you guys don't have any other plans.

Zuna: Me and the boys are going back to Florida to visit our parents.

Reilly: Hanging out with mom as usual. But I do want to steal a few days from your schedule to go do some special shopping.

Nix: I don't know yet. Depends if someone is staying at the academy or not.

Nix replied while walking backwards with both of his hands crossed and holding the back of his head. I could take a few guesses to ask who he means but I know that it's Gaia. I don't know her plans for Christmas but she will definitely let pass some huge gathering of people and will just enjoy her own company if she decides to stay.

Draco hasn't said anything about his plans but he seemed sad after I told him that I am going to spend it with someone else. I grabbed onto his hand stronger and stopped walking, making him pause too. He looked at me concerned but I told the others to just go without us and that we will catch up with them. I waited until there is a good amount of distance between us and the rest of the group before asking about Draco's Christmas plans.

Me: Did you want to be with me on Christmas?

Draco: I already do have plans but after we got together, I wanted to include you too. I am also going back to my family house and I know that it might be too soon to bring you there and introduce you, but it was supposed to be almost a month from now. I might have gotten ahead of myself there, I am sorry.

Me: No, don't be. I haven't put much thought to the whole Christmas time because I'vc always spent it in the orphanage, being alone or cuddled up with this stray dog. If the teachers kicked us out during Christmas, I have no place to go to, so I just planned to maybe go find that dog and hide somewhere to pass the cold.

Draco: The offer stands. If Ms. Do'or has her own plans and you don't want to stay at Umbras, come with me to my family house.

It is too sudden, especially since only got together yesterday but I played with the idea in my head and told Draco that I will let him know if I can after I talk to Ms. Do'or about the holidays. It made him happy but we both started to freeze as we are standing still, so Draco grabbed my hand, interlocked his fingers with mine and then put them both into his pocket.

There isn't much to see around the school grounds since there are no supermarkets or department stores around. Only campus related stuff like dorms, teacher apartments and random buildings used for classes. For young people, this place is pretty much boring so we decided to just circle around the front yard and connected it with the other side since we can pass the barrier as demigods. The outside of the school is more or less empty. Understandably, because no one normal would want to be out in this weather. But at least no one from the magicians will give us dirty looks or maybe even try to pick a fight with us.

We passed through the barrier, swiftly took a stroll while walking on the stone pathways and then walked towards Umbras side. Everyone is already crossing the barrier beside me and Draco since we walked at the back of the group. As we got closer to the barrier, my eyes focused on it for some reason and something feels off about it. I had the feeling since we passed it the first time and couldn't shake it as we walked but nothing happened so I didn't put much thought to it. It is still bothering me so I asked Draco about it, the rest of the group overhearing it too. Reilly said that it feels normal and the rest agreed with her, but I could see these weird bursts of static. No one else saw it though so I let it go and just hurry up everyone to get inside because my face, toes and fingers are freezing.

I froze up so good that I fell asleep almost immediately after I got back to my room. My bed felt so comfortable that I didn't even want to get up on Saturday at all, but I promised the girls to meet up with them for lunch. On my way, I kept thinking about the barrier which still looked the same as usual, but these little electricity bursts that for some reason only I can see are bothering me. The Ossilor girls cannot really walk into the barrier to check it out with me so I didn't tell them about it at all and let us enjoy today without any stressful thoughts. The girls talked about what I missed out in the past month even though it isn't much. The biggest news is still Nathan and Skylar but Solya pointed out her new necklace. I asked her if she also got a boyfriend that gifted it to her, but it was actually Chanti who made it. It is not my style but it is very beautiful. I have seen Chanti play with light through her crystal jewelry multiple times, but seeing Solya use it was even more mesmerizing. Apparently they figured out to use it for channeling their Light Manifestation in a way and earned some recognition from some important people in the community.

Talking to the girls after such a long time felt great but I didn't want to overstay, even more now when my powers are being wonky again and might cause trouble. Setting the meeting spot and time with Skylar for the lunch tomorrow, I hug every girl and go back.

Sleeping so good last night gave me so much energy that I am still wide awake late at night. I got bored from just lying in the bed while staring at the ceiling so I took out the secret copy of my mom's notes and read them. I didn't learn anything new but it made me feel closer to her a little bit in a way. I only took a break when I replied to Draco's messages. I have to thirdwheel Skylar and Nathan tomorrow so I wasn't particularly stoked about that even though I am happy for my friends. Then it gave me an idea to turn it into a double date. I won't feel awkward and I can start officially OFFICIALLY date Draco. He agreed too, so I let him know when to meet me and then quickly let Skylar know that someone will be joining our little lunch date. She asked who and when I replied that it's a secret, she only typed three emojis with raised eyebrows to me. I chuckled and decided to force myself to sleep or I might look like a zombie tomorrow.

It's just a lunch with friends and a boyfriend I guess, but I didn't want to make a big fuss of it. I chose some of my better clothes but they still look casual and comfortable. Draco arrived early but he didn't mind waiting until I finish getting ready. We didn't talk about outfits but our clothes compliment each other. Even Skylar pointed it out when she saw us but the rest of her words were just squeeks because she noticed us holding hands and realized who Draco is to me.

As promised, Skylar treated us to the lunch and we went to eat it in the dorm room to have more privacy. The girls all gathered in the common room and left the living room or basically the whole room to us. I talked to Nathan mostly because I wanted to know how he is doing with the spellmaster applications. But Skylar is too nosy and wants to know everything about how I met with Draco and when we started to date. I let Draco told most of the story because I also wanted to hear it from his point of the view.

Skylar: Okay but now Kaitlin, you tell me. What made you choose Draco?

Draco: That is a good question.

Me: Uhm, you don't wanna know, trust me.

Skylar: Well, he helped you out a lot even though you caused him some troubles with this timeloop incident or whatever you mentioned. But when did you know?

Draco leaned against the table and rested his head against his palm as he looked at me, waiting for the answer. I teased everyone that I could say it, but I am not sure. It made Skylar more interested in it, even though Nathan tried to calm her down. I got closer to Draco and whispered to him if he can pause the time but not the two of us. He nodded and before Skylar could plead me to say it, she froze and so did Nathan. I waved my hand in front of her face but she didn't even blink, then I turned to Draco and smirked.

Me: Well at least this time I don't have to hand in any assignement.

Draco: What?

Me: Don't be mad at him, but Nix might have told me about what you did for the girl you like since middle school. Reilly reminded me of it and I remember how I only saw the red curls and immediately jumped on the crouching person, but it turned out to be a boy who was crying because he got bullied for the same hair that made me think it's my best friend. I didn't know about the pausing time part though. Might be a bit late, but let me thank you.

Draco: No need. You also tried to stop the kid who bullied me even though you were trembling from fear yourself.

Me: But can I really tell this to Skylar? She is a good friend but she might react to it pretty much how Nix would.

Draco only gave me a little soft oh as a reply, so I told him not to worry and resume the time. Suddenly a familiar voice resonated throughout the living room, asking me what made me choose Draco as my boyfriend again. I only looked at Draco and smiled, then said it was the moment when he carried me during my Overflow and endured my berserk powers. Skylar reached over the table and started to smack Draco's shoulder while telling him he did a good job. She wanted to ask more but I beat her to it because I was confused with how Nathan called her.

Me: What's up with this Stani- something name?

Skylar: Oh, I guess you guys don't know. My real name is Stanislava. Stanislava Mikhailova. I just changed it to Skylar because it's easier for the English speakers.

Nathan: I like both of your names.

Nathan took Skylar's face into his hands and kissed her. As a joke, I pretended to be disgusted and told them to get a room. Draco leaned closer to me and kissed my neck, then rested his head on my shoulder.

The double date went well and I enjoyed hanging out with my friends again, but it didn't help the block. For two weeks, I tried to decompress and not think about what happened with my powers, but it didn't help and I am not able to summon the electricity or lightning at all. The only thing I could do is the work outs and continue my classes with Draco. I couldn't even join a new class called Trials since I cannot access the source. Not that it matters right now, because I am freezing outside while waiting for a bus. It has been a long time since I moved around the outside world, I was a bit scared and out of my element, but luckily, the way to my destination is easy, based on what the map app says.

Now that I know about magic, traveling by bus seems mundane for me, even though I kept thinking that there might be someone else in here that is a descendant but they all look normal to me. I stared at everyone and tried to discern anyone who could be magical which gained me a few stares from the people so I took out my phone to play on it instead.

Replying to people occupied me enough to the point that the bus announced my stop and I almost missed it. I pressed the stop button in hurry, after the bus already left but the driver stopped for me anyway. I apologized for the inconvenience and hopped out of the vehicle on the pavement freshly covered in snow, inhaled the cold air and then navigated through the streets to get to the house of Ms. Do'or.

Her home is ordinary for her being this big shot in the magical community but I liked it. Cozy but big enough for a family. I started thinking if I am going to also meet her family, maybe husband or other kids who I can learn from, when the door opened, letting out the warmth of the house and revealed a familiar figure in her not so usual attire. Ms. Do'or stood in the doorframe dressed in sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt that is dirty from flour. So are her hands that she is cleaning with a kitchen towel and waving at me to come inside so that I don't catch cold. I was so surprised to see in that outfit that I barely registered her words but I ended up going in. My nose got hit with a nice sweet aroma of something being baked, probably cookies or some kind of pie. The cooking warmed the whole house even more and I enjoyed it as I stood in the entry hallway and my fingers that are attached to a duffel bag started to defrost. Ms. Do'or grabbed the bag out of my hands, told me to take of my jacket and prepared slippers for me to walk around the house.

First stop was a guest room that Ms. Do'or prepared for me because I am meant to stay here during our training, since traveling back and forth from the academy would take precious time from us. The room is ordinary and decorated like any other room but I couldn't change the thought that it's more like a room for a family member. I had to ask about it, if the room belongs to her daughter or someone and if it's okay for me to use it, but Ms. Do'or only chuckled. She then explained that she lives here alone and I don't have to worry about anything. If I need something, I can just let her know and she will get it for me or we can go shop together.

After I settled in my temporary room, I went downstairs to meet up with Ms. Do'or in the kitchen. She prepared tea for us in the meantime. The two see-through cups filled with steaming red liquid are sitting on the small round kitchen table under the window. Ms. Do'or asked me to sit down and wait for the pie, she placed into the middle of the table, to cool down a bit and then I can eat as many pieces as I want. I gladly took the hot mug into my hands to warm up a little more but I am getting impatient with how we are going to train, so I asked Ms. Do'or about it. Her face became serious suddenly as she told me to eat up and gain energy first. I took a piece of the caramel pie on a separate plate and softly blow on it before every bite. I stuffed my cheeks full because the pie tastes amazing and then almost ended up choking because of it. Ms. Do'or jumped up from her seat to get me a glass of water and patted me on my back to help the food go down. When I could finally breathe again, I chugged the whole glass and I apologized for worrying Ms. Do'or.

"I get that learning control over your power is important, but all in a good time. Don't be hasty, child. But now, I want to know about this power block of yours."