"Yes, I will. See you all at dinner."
Theo closes the guest room's door and exhales.
Finally!
After the disaster in Thea's old room, Theo moves to the guest room on the first floor. The Montroses had suggested [Author: more like forced!] that Theo took a little time to rest before dinner. They were afraid that he had been too excited and exhausted.
A suggestion which Theo agreed happily. He had been dying to be alone since he had first felt the spark of magic in Thea's body.
Theo closes and locks all windows in his room to make sure no sparks of magic can escape and blow his cover.
He also locks his door.
He makes sure that every crevice or holes of the room is covered. He uses towels, carpets, even Thea's clothes. Sorry, Thea.
Theo really doesn't want any chance of mishaps.
Once he is satisfied, he sits down on the floor, crosses his legs.
He doesn't want to sit on a chair and later knocks that chair, causes loud crashing noise and make the Montroses go check on him.
He closes his eyes and concentrates. As an Archmage, his control of magic was the best—refined through sheer will, years of hard work, and sweat. He remembers the first time he learned magic. It took him a full year before he could light one candle that was right in front of him.
And he remembers that sensation now, calling it forth. He doesn't have a candle this time, but he's certain he can produce a floating flame, small and neat, no bigger than his thumb.
Theo breathes in… out… in… out… He imagines the fire hovering in front of him, steady and obedient. Breathes in… out… in… out… And Theo is ready to cast the spell.
"Fyra," he whispers, snapping his fingers.
Still closing his eyes, he hears a faint sizzle.
Then comes the warmth.
And then, the unmistakable glow of light flickering against his eyelids.
Theo opens his eyes slowly.
And smiles.
There it is—a flame, no bigger than his thumb, floating before him. Its flicker dances in the air, the most beautiful fire Theo has ever seen.
Perfect. I can't believe it's this easy. Is it me… or is Thea's body simply made for magic?
Ecstasy rushes through him. For the first time since his arrival, he feels whole again. He feels like himself.
Beyond the flame, the full-length mirror reflects his image back at him. The snow-white hair, the misty bluish-grey eyes… yet what Theo sees is more than Thea's face. He sees possibility. He sees a second chance.
If only I'd been this talented during that last war… He exhales, memory dragging him back to the battlefield. This time, he imagines himself there in Thea's body.
I would've been invincible! Burning that cursed forest would have been child's play!
Emotion wells up in his chest—too sharp, too eager.
The fire before him flickers, swells, its glow flaring dangerously brighter.
Theo blinks, startled, then quickly reaches out. He cups the flame in his hand and closes his fist. Darkness returns.
------------------------------
Arthur enters the family room. He sees Julian talking to Maurice. They both look up and smile.
"Ah, Arthur! You're here!" Maurice asks.
Arthur nods. "I don't want to be late for our first dinner with Thea."
He glances around. "She's not here yet?"
Julian shakes his head. "No. She hasn't been out of her room."
Maurice chimes in, "I'm sure she's exhausted."
"Where's Mother?" Arthur asks again.
"In the kitchen," Julian replies. "After what happened with the pinky vomit, I think she wants to make sure everything is perfect."
Arthur nods in understanding and sees an opportunity.
"About that… does anyone feel that Thea is a little different?" seizing the opportunity.
Julian looks at him for a few seconds, then at Maurice, and both of them look back at Arthur.
Arthur takes a seat. "You feel it too?"
Julian scratches his head. "I think I know what you're talking about, but I think that's normal."
Arthur deflates and turns to Maurice, waiting for his opinion.
Maurice nods. "I agree with Julian. She just woke up from a coma. And Lucas also said that he doesn't understand how she came back alive."
Julian's face tightens "Yeah. Her heart stopped, remember? And not only that, it stopped for ten minutes."
"Ten minutes, Arthur! That's forever! It's a miracle! We should be thankful that the only thing she's missing is her memories."
"So, what if she's a bit different?! I'll take that over her being dead!" Julian chokes on the last word.
Maurice looks grim but doesn't say anything, for he agrees with everything Julian had just said.
Arthur exhales and leans back in his chair. "You're right. Of course you're right. I guess I'm just overthinking it."
Everything they say make sense. I agree with them too. But why… He touches his chest subconsciously.
Leila walks in. "Ah, everyone's almost here. Good."
Without missing a beat, "Arthur, go knock Thea's door. Tell her dinner is ready."
Arthur gets up. "Yes, Ma'am."
He walks to Theo's door, draws a deep breath and knocks.
A while later, the door cracks open. Theo's sleepy face and his messy sleep hair appear. "Yes?"
"Oh, sorry. Were you sleeping? I woke you up? Sorry, Thea." Arthur apologizes.
"'S okay." Theo slurring. "What you want?" Still slurring.
Arthur chuckles. "Dinner is ready, sleepyhead."
The mention of dinner brings light to Theo's eyes.
"Dinner? Okay. I'll be there!" He slams the door closed.
Arthur hears a few noises. He's not sure what noises he's hearing. Cloths? Something is rustling. Wanting to hear more, he's planting his ear to the door.
"You look ridiculous!"
Arthur jumps. He turns around and sees Julian standing there, with hands crossed in front of him.
"Shh!" Arthur exclaims.
"What are you doing?!" Julian unknowingly whispers.
Arthur ignores him and about to plant his ear back to the door, when –
The door opens. Everyone freezes.