https://youtu.be/71rSc6LXlSo

Miles ran his hand over my forearm carefully, leaning against me from behind as his fingers twisted around my hands to position them in front of me. His touch was warm like the sun on my skin. It was distracting. But Miles was focused and stern.

"Due to ancient wars between witches, each of the three lead covens created their own language," Miles lectured me as he continued to correct my posture firmly. "They were called Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus. The covens that branched off were called the Zodiacs, Vices, Hellas, and the Natura-their languages consist of some form of the lead covens' language."

Miles released his grip on me with approval, stepping away promptly.

"You should already know Genesis, being that they created you, but as I understand it you are being kept from accessing that information. So we'll start from scratch," He sighed, as if the idea was irritating to him. "The language of Genesis is derivative of Latin in some forms, its most distinctive characteristic being the prefix 'et-'. If ever you want to identify other languages, it's easiest to start with their prefix. Exodus uses 'Zet-' and Leviticus 'Vaz-'. In ancient times, these were the only things they'd have to say to summon their power."

Miles lifted his hands, directing them carefully with purpose.

"Et, zet, vaz," He repeated simply before glancing at me almost smugly. "Over time, magic evolved and the covens split. Languages were created and spells were born through them. Not that this matters much in our case. Stop shaking." He tapped his hand under my arms which had begun trembling from holding them in one position for too long.

"Maybe if you stopped talking so much," I muttered, making him chuckle. "Shouldn't I be saying a spell or something?"

"You can silent cast, meaning the language itself isn't as important," Miles responded simply, "Silent casters are rare and for good reason. Because they don't need the language to direct their power, it can be unpredictable. Take Jax, for example. He was a silent caster and now he's a vampire. It isn't a coincidence."

I dropped my arms to look at him in surprise. I opened my mouth to ask for a more elaborate explanation, but then guilt took over. I turned away.

"You shouldn't tell other peoples' stories," I scolded Miles firmly, making him scoff in protest.

"Oh, but mine is up for grabs by whoever whenever."

"I already said sorry," I answered with a frown.

"The magic word is Etarma. Put your hands back up, blockhead," Miles was still rude, but his voice had softened significantly. I lifted my hands once again and he continued, "Magic is unique to the wielder. Some view it as a part of themselves while others may view it as a separate entity altogether. What matters is how you call it forth. Once you've pinpointed the source within you that moves the power, it's only a matter of practice."

I held my hands in front of me, only the tips of my forefinger and thumbs touching. It left a shape of a triangle between my hands, as instructed by Miles. I took a deep breath, focusing on his instructions.

"Think back to the times you were able to use magic. What emotions were affecting you? Was it self-preservation? Anger? Sadness? Joy," Miles paced behind me slowly, making me nervous. I shook my head. I needed to learn this. "Focus on that emotion; those situations. And then make a wall. Once you've learned to block spells, you'll at least be safe from whatever call those witches used on you."

I thought about the times I'd used magic. When I first came into existence, basic magic came to me without thought. The mention of Genesis was enough to stir it within me. And as time passed and my emotions built, I had been able to save a small animal. What had I felt, then? Sadness? Grief? Fear?

I thought of falling from the building in Eden. And I recalled the injury I caused on myself when Theo and Levi were fighting; the emotions that had struck me then. Fear. Was this my source? Was the fear of losing life, both mine and others, what made my magic call forth? I tried to focus on that emotion, remembering all the times I'd been afraid for my life, and I attempted to do as Miles said.

"Etarma," I called. Nothing happened. I frowned, but I didn't move from my position.

"What were you thinking of?" He asked me thoughtfully.

"I'm usually afraid when I get my magic to work," I told him hesitantly.

"Fear is good, but only temporarily. You need the source of the fear. Are you afraid of death? Because then it is your preservation of your life that you focus on," Miles paused, watching me struggle for a moment as I muttered the spell under my breath. I couldn't understand the source of my fear. It felt instinctual and being around the vampires who made me feel so safe only proved to nullify that fear.

"You told me the reason you wanted to learn to control your abilities was because you wanted to protect yourself," Miles stepped around me carefully, "I guess that will be especially important in the event that we all die. Theo, Levi, Jax, Oliver, Seb; all of us."

The idea of any of those I loved dying shocked me. My voice caught sharply and suddenly a vibrant power surged through my body, wrapping over my arms and exploding forth from me. My magic was wild and it frightened me. It swarmed in front of me like a steel wall and without proper foundation, it backfired. Just as quickly as my wall was built, it slammed back into me and I lost my own footing. I landed firmly on my bottom, a numbing sensation stunning me for a moment. But besides the shock, I was unharmed.

Miles bent down in front of me, leaning his arms over his knees casually.

"I have two questions for you, Katia," He said, tilting his head curiously, "First, what was it you were thinking of just before your powers came forth?" I frowned at him, looking away shyly as I recalled my thoughts.

"I'm afraid of losing the ones I...," I hesitated, a red flush moving over my skin. I continued in a quieter voice, "The ones I care about."

"Love is a deep source. The scale of emotions is much wider when it comes to it. My source was greed; I desired greater power and all the emotions that summoned my magic were only on the darker scale. Love brings forth both light," Miles smiled slowly, "And dark." I turned back to him with confusion.

"How can love be dark?" I asked quietly.

"A person would kill for love," He answered simply, the idea of killing someone sending a chill over me. I couldn't hurt anyone. It wasn't in my nature. But would I, if one of my vampires were in danger? "My second question: What were you thinking after your power came forth?" This question threw me off.

"I was...," I paused, recalling that wild magic that tore at my surroundings. "It's... I was afraid of it. The last time I used magic, I hurt myself. And the same thing happened now. I summon it and it knocks me down. I'm afraid I can't control it."

Miles extended his hand for me to grab. I took it and allowed him to help me back on my feet. He promptly released me. He'd been most gentlemanlike since the incident in his room. He only touched me for as long as necessary, but otherwise left me alone.

"If there's one thing I want you to get through your thick head, it's this," Miles stated, his tone low and serious. "Never be afraid of yourself. You can't allow your gifts to go to waste. If you're able to do something, anything, then do it. Don't allow the fear of what you can do to get in the way. Your magic will sense that fear and it will rebel every time. You have to own it. Understood?"

I nodded briskly, but it was a lot easier said than done.

"Good. Let's try again."

~...~

I was watching a flame flicker on the palm of my hand curiously. Miles had gone on an assignment with Levi, though he wouldn't be gone for too long. Meanwhile, I was practicing magic; something I was beginning to get a slight hang of.

It felt like there was a barrier planted in my subconscious preventing me from my true potential, but Miles was persistent and only pushed me to work around the barrier. Sometimes I caught him just out of sight, watching me practice controlling my power. When his expression wasn't emotionless, there was a dark desire there. It heated my skin, but I knew it was more than a desire for my flesh. He would no longer admit it, but he yearned for the power he had before his turning.

I imagined teaching me magic was like waving a steak in his face. He could have it, if he wanted, but something prevented him from taking it. Something prevented him from harming me, just as he had threatened to do before.

I caught movement in the corner of my eye and closed my hand into a fist, snuffing out the flame within it. I moved quickly, stepping out into the hallway and catching a glimpse of Theo's form before he disappeared around the corner. I followed him determinedly, moving quickly in hopes of catching him.

Theo had been avoiding me since the gathering at the club. I'd catch him sometimes, just briefly as he appeared without announcing himself. The others were less inconspicuous, appearing casually as I ate meals or dabbled in magic. Theo was a ghost.

I turned down a hall, finding it empty with nobody in sight. I paused, looking forward with a frown. The disappointment was heavy on my heart and tears burned at my eyes with frustration. I could never hope to catch him, anyway. Not if he didn't want to talk to me anymore. I had left their sight at that gathering and because of that I was almost lost. He no doubt blamed me for it.

I turned to escape back to my corner and nearly ran into him. I gasped, taking a couple of steps back before reaching to wipe the tears that had blurred my vision. Theo stepped forward, grasping my hand with his and using his other to touch my face carefully.

"Why are you crying?" He asked quietly.

"I thought I missed you," I responded truthfully. "I wanted to say sorry."

"For what reason?"

"Levi told me not to leave your sight at the gathering and I ran away," I answered in a rush, trying not to lose my courage. "I could've gotten you all hurt." Theo tilted his head away, shading his eyes from mine.

"You always say the most foolish things," He said in a low voice before turning to leave me. I reached out quickly, grasping his shirt in my hand.

"Don't go," I pleaded with him.

"I'm the sorry one," Theo announced without turning back to me, "I was supposed to keep an eye on you and I got distracted by some nobody. Every time I'm around you, you get hurt." I could have let him go. It was what he wanted. But instead, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him from behind. He became rigid under my grasp, but didn't shove me away.

"Stop punishing yourself for everything," I said sharply, my frustration leaking into my tone. "It's all you do. You wear your curse like a mask, refusing to take it off... or even wanting to. Why can't you just let me love you?" Theo became impossibly still, but I didn't release him from my grip. I was afraid he'd disappear forever if I did.

"You can't love me," He finally said, his voice cracking with uncertainty.

"I can and I do," I answered firmly. Theo shifted, finally turning to face me. He leaned forward, his hand clasping my face as a dark look crossed his. He moved forward into my neck, inhaling my scent purposely. I remained relaxed in his grip, my breath shallow and my heart trusting.

"I could tear you apart," He told me matter-of-factly.

"If that's what you want, I won't resist," I responded simply. He pulled back with a frown, obviously disappointed that I hadn't taken his threat seriously.

"I can't love you," Theo told me, the words striking at my heart.

"Liar."

"Foolish girl," He answered with a low growl, but I only smiled slowly in response. I lifted my hand to his, closing my eyes momentarily as I took in the feel of his cool touch on my heated skin. This was interrupted when Theo abruptly pulled away, releasing me promptly.

"Don't leave me," I whispered before opening my eyes. He stood in half-pose, obviously preparing to do just that. But my words halted his steps once again and he was in a battle with himself. He looked down for a moment and then lifted his hand to grasp mine.

"Fine, Katia. I'll entertain you until you're done with me," He submitted with a sigh, leading me away towards his room.

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Music: Be Together by Major Lazer (feat Wild Belle) Vanic Remix