Page 177 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“They can’t usually, and that’s partially why you passed out. It’s a combination of the opposing forces and the sheer amount of power you possess. It was latent until then, so when you used it in that heightened moment of emotion, every drop you have all came out at once.”
Hmm.
Godhadtold me that I had to learn to use it—there was no way the priests in the temple would grant me access to the inner prayer room otherwise. It was reserved exclusively for those with divine power, so I would have to prove my ability before I could go in to speak with him.
“I suppose I’ll have to learn how to use them both, then.” I paused. “If I was suffering from depletion, couldn’t a mage or priest help me heal?”
“No. There are very few people in history who’ve possessed the ability to wield both powers and even less records on them. Aerwyna told me right away that a priest cannot be used to heal you in case their divine power upset the balance in your body.”
Something flashed through my mind. “She might be right. I have no recollection of ever being healed by a priest, even after my accident.”
“It was likely a precaution. Although the Lovetts haven’t had an active divine power user for three generations now, there’s always a chance it can change with a descendent. Given that your lineage is so powerful, it was probably a risk nobody wanted to take.” Kalon stroked my hair as he spoke. “If we didn’t think it was too dangerous, we would have probably had you awake by now. In other words, be more careful with yourself and don’t ever jump in front of a monster like that again.”
Right.
The wraithhusk.
“What happened there? How did it even get in? Is everyone all right? What about those children?”
Kalon sighed deeply. “This is why I didn’t want to do this now. You need to rest.”
“I’ve been sleeping for ten days and, technically, I am resting like this.” I cosied up to him to make my point. “Please…honey.”
He groaned in a way that vibrated throughout his whole chest. “I killed the monster. The person who let it loose is also dead.”
Of course.
“Sadly, not by my hand, but I’m not getting into all that right now. Everyone was fine, thanks to you, including the twins you saved.”
“Good. I’m glad. Was that red light your sword aura I saw before I passed out?”
“Yes. I don’t often use it, but it sometimes activates when my emotions are high.” He tensed. “Like then.”
I smiled, letting my eyes flutter shut. “Thank you for saving my life.”
Kalon kissed my forehead. “Thank you for coming back to me, my Allie.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Our Feelings
Kalon kept his word, and as soon as the sun rose, he woke up everyone staying in our villa and demanded someone get the doctor there within ten minutes.
It was originally five minutes, but I told him not to be so unreasonable. All things considered, ten was a good compromise.
The Imperial Physician arrived within the allotted time frame and gave me a full health check. All I needed was rest to allow both my powers and my body to recover from the exertion, but I was otherwise completely healthy.
Aerwyna confirmed the same, and Kalon ordered her to begin magic lessons with me once we returned to Stein. He also told her to visit my maternal family, House Lovett, to comb their records for anything relating to someone like me. I hadn’t realised that Duke Lovett, my uncle, was present at the hunt, much less that he’d witnessed the whole thing. Apparently, he’d quickly realised what was going on and sought permission from the Emperor to leave the hunt with Aerwyna to begin their research.
His Majesty had, of course, granted it. He’d sent an Imperial Order to the Magic Tower telling them to hand over what they knew to her without complaint. He’d even gone as far as threatening them all with death if they didn’t co-operate.
It was one mild abuse of authority that not even Milton had complained about.
Under the pressure of the Imperial Order and Duke Trelawney, they had no choice but to comply.
High Priest Dhaesis from the capital’s temple had been part of a delegation that had travelled with the Imperial Family, and he’d arrived with my father and the Emperor—on his second visit of the day—after all that. He’d not told us anything we didn’t know, but he did confirm that the balance of the two powers within me was extremely precarious, and it would take a lot of work on my part to learn them both so they could work in harmony.
The good news was that I could learn to separate them and use them perfectly fine.
