A Glimmer of Hope (The Avalon Chronicles #1)(41)

“Sounds like hard work.”

“I find it interesting. I’m not sure anyone else would be able to say the same thing. Looking at the manipulation of tiny particles of metal isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun time.”

“That explains the window then. You moved the metal in the frame to move the window?”

Layla paused, and then tentatively shook her head. “I moved the metal solder in the runners.”

Diana nodded as if impressed. “If you want to keep that window open, can you put bars across it?”

Layla looked behind her at the open window. “I don’t know.”

“Try. I’ll feel better knowing it’s not an entry point. I’ll get you your stuff too.”

Layla thanked her and walked back over to the window. She placed her hands on the runners and tried to think about moving the metal inside them.

You don’t need to touch the metal to use it, Rosa said from behind her.

Layla bit back a reply, and moved her hands a few inches from the runners. She imagined the metal coming out of them and forming a cage around the open window. She imagined taking metal from the two blocks and the runners, making sure that parts of the metal gripped the window in place first. She didn’t want the glass falling out.

She opened her eyes and the metal slowly moved out from the runners, as if it was made of nothing more than modeling clay, until the various strands of metal linked up, forming several bars across the window.

Layla stepped back and admired her work. “Wow.”

It’s an impressive talent.

Layla turned around and saw Rosa in the same spot she’d been in earlier. “And I’ll get more powerful?” she asked.

Rosa nodded. “That’s the plan.”

Diana arrived shortly after with a stack of books and some food. “We found these at your house. I thought you’d like some reading material.”

Layla picked up each book; most of them were about metal usage and technology.

“Thought you might get some ideas.”

“Thank you.”

“Just take it slowly, Layla. Don’t push yourself too hard; I’ve seen what those scrolls do to people who allow their emotions to take control. That demon inside of you can’t ever be let out. Trust me.”

Layla was shocked. She hadn’t really thought about how many others were like her, but she imagined there weren’t all that many. Her mind raced with excitement. She wasn’t alone. “You’ve seen it happen? How many umbra are there? Are they like me? Did they accept their demon? Can I meet one?”

Diana smiled. “You have questions then.”

“Sorry, but yes, lots.”

“Okay. I’ve seen it happen a few times. I’ve met a half dozen umbra in the last few years. We only discovered they existed as a species a few years ago, but they’ve been living in this realm for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Most are just like you: a human who found a scroll and bonded with some spirits through no fault of their own.

“We’re trying to get an umbra to come meet you once you’re done here. Right now, they’re busy with a few other things, but I promise they’ll come see you when they can. They did accept their demon. I spoke to them about it after, and they told me it was the hardest thing they’d ever done. From what they told me, trust the spirits, and trust yourself. That’s the only advice my friend ever said mattered. I’m sure they’d tell you that if they were here.”

“I wish it was that simple.”

“Nothing worth doing is ever simple, Layla. If accepting the demon and spirits was simple, we’d have a lot more umbra running around.” Diana stood and stretched. “I’ll leave you be for now.”

“Aren’t you worried about me losing control? About the demon breaking free?”

Diana paused. “Yes. It is a concern. But after talking to you and spending time with you, I don’t think I have anything to worry about. The demon can’t just take control like that.” She clicked her fingers. “It takes time. Time enough for us to make sure you’re safe and get you any help you need.”

“I feel like I should be more surprised about all of this.”

“Surprised?”

“About the world I never knew existed. I think the spirits are somehow making me accept things without question. It’s like they already knew all of this, so I’m okay with it. It’s a bit weird.”

“That’s probably for the best then. It’s a lot to accept. And there’s a lot more to come. Magic, monsters, and more species than I can even remember.”

“And you kept all of this secret?”

“It was decided long ago that humans would have no knowledge of our world. It was too dangerous, and humans were too easily influenced by people who want to do us harm for their own benefit. Besides, humans make up about ninety-nine percent of the population of the planet. Having them know we exist wouldn’t have ended well, not with all the different governments and religions. People vying for their own agendas, control, riches, or anything else that drives them to deal very badly with the idea that they were no longer the top of the food chain, so to speak. It was better to stay hidden.”

Diana left the room, and Layla spent the rest of the day reading the books and watching TV, occasionally practicing her new power on the metal legs of the table. The doctor arrived just as the night was beginning to settle in. He was a middle-aged man who appeared to know Diana, and came across as a pleasant and easy-going individual.