Valina watched as Tavin's fire fell apart and vanished. Again. He was breathing hard.
“What's the matter?" Chalea demanded. “You ought to be able to keep up with this."
“I'm doing the best I can," Tavin spat back. He lifted his knife to try again.
“Where did that fire go, kid?" Chalea wore a frown that could shatter boulders .“It's only been a day."
“You saw, it just vanished—"
“Not what I'm talking about."
Tavin froze and looked over at the old mage, confused and annoyed. Valina wanted to speak up and spare Tavin any more verbal jabs, but all it would do is bring Chalea's ire down on her next.
“You can't hide it," Chalea said. “You're only putting half your heart into it."
“I don't know, I'm just—I'm having trouble focusing," Tavin said defensively.
“That much is clear. Each atte
