10. Bronwyn

10

brONWYN

I watch, mesmerized, as Zyx guides Kairos and Naia through another magic lesson. They've been doing them intermittently over the last few days as we travel, and I watch…

Though I mostly watch Zyx.

I thought he was handsome when I first saw him…But looking at him every day as he laughs, his muscles on display, the way his wings move and he commandeers magic…

Gods help me.

Right now, I try to stay focused on their lesson. I need some semblance of control over myself. But even that is difficult because I'm trading one want for another.

My fingers itch with the desire to join in, to feel that power coursing through me. But I know it's impossible. Still, I can't tear my eyes away from the spectacle before me.

Zyx's deep voice resonates as he explains a complex magical theory. His midnight blue wings twitch slightly with each emphatic point, and I find myself tracking the movement, fascinated by how expressive they are.

"Focus on the energy around you," he instructs. "Feel it pulsing, like a heartbeat." He lets his eyes fall closed. "You said before that wielding was grabbing from the magic around you, but noctari pull from the magic already in us."

Kairos closes his silver eyes, his obsidian skin seeming to shimmer as he concentrates. The blue runes etched across his body glow brighter, and suddenly, a small flame dances in his palm.

My mind races, trying to make sense of what I'm seeing. On Earth, fire needed fuel, oxygen. But here? It's as if Kairos has plucked it from thin air. I lean forward, squinting, searching for any hint of accelerant or hidden mechanism. There's nothing.

Naia's turn comes next. Her brow furrows in concentration, and I see a bead of sweat form on her temple. Then, impossibly, a delicate frost pattern spreads across the ground at her feet.

"How?" I mutter under my breath. My brain scrambles for explanations.

But with magic there is none. No reason the frost can form or the flame can burn, and I struggle to accept it even as I stare.

Zyx turns to me, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Magic isn't about understanding every detail, Bronwyn. It's about feeling, believing."

I nod, but my mind keeps whirring. There has to be an explanation, some underlying principle I'm missing.

I may not be able to perform magic, but I'm determined to understand it in my own way. Each demonstration, each explanation from Zyx, becomes a puzzle for me to solve. And as I watch, I feel a growing sense of wonder. This new world is challenging everything I thought I knew, and I'm surprised to find I love it.

I can't contain my curiosity any longer. As Zyx finishes explaining another magical concept to Kairos and Naia, I seize the opportunity.

"Zyx, how exactly does the energy transfer work when you cast a spell?" I ask, leaning forward eagerly. "Is it like converting potential energy to kinetic energy, or is it more complex than that?"

Zyx turns to me, his silver eyes gleaming with interest. "It's not quite that simple, Bronwyn. The energy doesn't just transfer, it... transforms. We tap into the magical essence that permeates Nythorra and shape it with our will."

I nod, my mind racing. "So it's like manipulating a field? Like electromagnetism, but on a more fundamental level?"

"That's... actually a fascinating comparison," Zyx says, his wings fluttering slightly in what I've come to recognize as excitement. "I've never thought of it that way before."

Encouraged, I press on. "And what about the different types of magic? Fire, ice, illusions - are they all drawing from the same source, or are there distinct energy... pools, for lack of a better term?"

Zyx settles beside me, his attention fully focused on our discussion. "There's debate among our scholars about that very question," he explains. "Some believe all magic stems from a single, universal source. Others argue for separate wellsprings of power for each magical discipline."

"Fascinating," I breathe. "Have you tried combining different types of magic? Like, could you wield both fire and ice simultaneously?"

Zyx's eyebrows raise, and I see a spark of something in his eyes - respect, maybe? "That's... an intriguing idea. It's not commonly practiced, but theoretically possible. Your mind works in unique ways, Bronwyn."

I feel a flush of pride at his words. "I'm just trying to understand. On Earth, we had laws of thermodynamics, conservation of energy. Does magic follow similar rules here?"

"In some ways, yes," Zyx nods. "Energy can't be created or destroyed, even in magic. But the ways we can manipulate and channel it are far more varied than what you might be used to."

Our conversation continues, each question leading to new insights and ideas. I find myself drawing parallels between Nythorran magic and Earth sciences, looking for patterns and consistencies. Zyx matches my enthusiasm, his explanations becoming more detailed and nuanced as he realizes the depth of my interest.

As Zyx and I delve deeper into our discussion about magic, I find myself gravitating towards him without even realizing it. His enthusiasm is contagious, and I can't help but mirror his energy. We're both leaning in, our voices animated and hands gesturing wildly as we exchange ideas.

"As one of Oltyx's noctari, you are predisposed to being more in tune with nature, with the earth?" I ask, my eyes wide with excitement. "So you could probably pull all the elements at once, have them flow seamlessly."

Zyx's wings flutter, brushing against my arm. It sends a rush through me, and it quickly consumes my thoughts. "That's... actually brilliant, Bronwyn," he says, his silver eyes shining. "I will have to try.

I beam at his praise, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Our knees are almost touching now, and I can smell the earthy, forest scent that seems to cling to him. It's comforting in a way I can't quite explain.

"You know," Zyx says, leaning in even closer, "your perspective on magic is unlike anything I've encountered before. It's... refreshing."

I feel a blush creeping up my neck at his words. "I'm just trying to make sense of it all," I admit. "Everything here is so new and amazing. I can't help but want to understand it."

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the rest of the world seems to fade away. I'm acutely aware of how close we are, of the warmth radiating from his body. There's a pull between us that I can't explain, an inexplicable desire to be near him always.

"It's fun to…theorize," I answer.

But, despite my fascination with the magical world around me, a sudden wave of sadness washes over me. I try to hide it, but I can feel my smile faltering. The realization that I'll never be able to manipulate energy or cast spells like Zyx and the others hits me hard. It's a stark reminder of how different I am in this world.

Zyx's silver eyes lock onto mine, and I know he's sensed the shift in my mood. His wings twitch slightly, and he moves closer, his presence warm and comforting.

"Bronwyn," he says softly, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. "I can see you're disappointed about not having magic yourself."

I nod, unable to deny it. "It's just... everything here is so incredible. I wish I could be a part of it in that way."

Zyx's expression softens, and he reaches out, his hand hovering near mine. "Sometimes having magic isn't all it's cracked up to be," he says, a hint of humor in his voice. "It comes with its own set of problems and responsibilities."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by this perspective.

"But more importantly," he continues, his gaze intensifying, "if there's anything you want to do - any magical task or experience you'd like to have - I can do it for you. Anytime."

His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, and I feel a rush of emotion. It's not just the offer itself, but the sincerity behind it. The genuine desire to make me feel included, to share his world with me.

A smile spreads across my face, reaching my eyes this time. "Really?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zyx nods, his own smile mirroring mine. "Really. Whatever you need, whatever you want to see or experience - I'm here."

The connection between us deepens in that moment. It's not just about magic anymore; it's about understanding, support, and a growing bond that I can't quite explain. As I look into Zyx's eyes, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest, a sense of belonging I haven't felt in years.

And I am so happy I fell through that portal. Because it brought me to the one thing I thought I'd never know.

Peace.