Winter Fire (The Witchling #3)(47)

“Was it?”

It was, but they discovered that the stone itself could not be destroyed. It is like a shell that can be filled with a new soul. It has the potential to destroy Light, if not safeguarded. They entrusted the soul stone to a line of fire witchlings for safekeeping. Only fire can withstand the coldness of the Dark. The soul stone wasn’t able to influence fire witchlings, but it could every other element. This is also why the Dark Masters are known as the Masters of Fire and Night. Dark Masters must be fire witchlings. Light Masters who are not fire elements cannot handle the soul stone. It will destroy you.

“That’s why I saw fire in the vision,” Beck said thoughtfully. “The earth wants me to know our history?”

Maybe. Maybe not. The Darkness is at the place now that it was when Tranin-the-Restorer lived. The immediate crisis may be over, now that Decker is stable, but the Dark remembers how it nearly took over before. It is still strong enough to try again.

“I need more Light. Sam, I’m losing ground at the school,” Beck said quietly.

I felt it.

“I have to figure out how to stop it. Is there a way for me to access Light memories, the way Decker can Dark memories?”

I don’t know. You will have to ask the earth. It has been showing you Light witchlings?

“Yes, and I’m rescuing those I find.”

Ask it to do the same with Light memories. It might take you awhile to learn to understand them, though. Perhaps the two visions you had are memories.

“They felt more like warnings.”

Sam frowned. If so, you must find out what they mean.

“If fire witchlings can withstand the Dark, can they help me protect the Light?” Beck asked, mind drifting to Morgan.

In theory. There has not been a Light fire witchling in over five hundred years. Fire repels Darkness and is one of the two purifier elements. It would be a perfect complement to the strength and power of your earth magick.

“But fire witchlings and their hot-headed decisions tend to make them go Dark.”

Fire feeds from and to emotion. It does not understand logic or rational thought. It simply reacts. It’s instinctive, pure and primal.

“That’s the problem.” Beck felt a tremor of fear slide through him. He didn’t want Morgan to go Dark. Seeing her temper, he realized there was a possibility she would. If Dawn pushed her too far, and Morgan used magick in response …

Her heart was so good. Didn’t that count for anything?

If she chooses Light in her trial, she will help you save the Light.

“If she doesn’t?”

Sam shrugged. Decker can stop the Dark from growing. You must stop the Light from retreating.

“It sounds so easy when you say it that way. But it feels impossible,” Beck said with a frustrated sigh. “I’ll chat with the earth about Light memories.”

Remember. Earth is the oldest and most powerful of the elements. Fire is the only element that cannot exist in isolation. It needs a foundation. It needs earth and air. Likewise, earth cannot purify like fire and water can. You can overpower Dark and create new Light, but fire can help you turn Dark into Light.

“Decker needs Summer to stand between him and the Darkness. I need Morgan to create Light. Is she … if she passes her trial, I mean … my uh, counterbalance?” Beck asked the dreaded question.

That depends on her.

“So I do have a counterbalance?”

Every Master has the potential for a counterbalance. It does not always happen that way, though.

“I understand...but I have faith.”

Your faith holds your family together.

Beck smiled. “Like my dad.”

You’re slow but you can be taught. Sam laughed.

“Slow!” Beck exclaimed. “Bad yeti!” He grinned at the ugly creature and rose, wanting to talk to the earth about Light memories. “Thanks, Sam. I’ll tell Summer to bring you treats.”

Chocolate, Sam corrected him.

“Chocolate,” Beck repeated with a snort. “Take care.” He left the cozy alcove and went back to the forest. His thoughts grew heavier as he walked. He wanted to believe that Morgan was able to choose Light in her trial, but he was afraid of what happened if she didn’t. It wasn’t just because she couldn’t help him create Light, it was because he didn’t know how he’d be able to walk away from her, if he had to.

He centered his thoughts. It was impossible to guess how a trial like hers would go. It was likely going to be rough, if Summer’s was any indication of what an in-between soul went through. He didn’t ask, but he guessed by the way Sam was talking that Morgan’s had already began.

Morgan didn’t believe in herself. She was damaged, and Beck didn’t know how to change that. He’d learned from watching Decker spiral into Darkness that someone who didn’t believe they had a chance would find a way to make their reality match their hopelessness.

Beck leaned against a tree, taking comfort in the tiny voice of its spirit. The tree was happy. It eased his worry.

Morgan needed him, if she was going to have a chance to choose Light. He had no idea how to help her. When he figured it out, though, he’d know how to help his daughter, when the time came for her trial.

He was looking forward to seeing Morgan tonight at the fundraiser dinner while dreading the idea of her leaving campus. Alexa had tried twice to hurt her. Unable to know when she was in danger, he was afraid of what happened if he didn’t find a way to keep her safe.