n

n

nEd was shaken. What sort of magic was this? He was scared that someone might have noticed it. He shouted,

"Adri, keep it low. How many times have I told you that?

"

nAdrianna chuckled at him and said,

"This is a new Grandfather, but I think I can control it.

"

n

"In that case, you better practice it now. I won't let you go inside until you control that power,

" he said, both amused and frustrated.

nFor the next two hours, under Ed's watchful eyes and expert guidance, Adrianna kept practicing until she was drained.

n

"I think we need to practice it a little more. Although you've been able to channelize the light within you on command, you haven't been able to control its potency,

" said Ed.

nAdrianna sulked.

"But Grandfather, I have done so well!

"

n

"You know that it can take months before you can even begin to think that you have refined one of your skills. So be patient Adri,

" he said before going inside.

nOnce they were inside, Adrianna went back to her room. She still had college the next day. All of a sudden, she remembered to charge her cellphone. When it was charged and turned back on, she saw that there were over fifty messages from Ookashi and a few from Niiya. She smiled and started reading them one by one. She had missed them a lot and wanted to talk to them. So much had happened…

nThe last text message was from Niiya.

nBack home safely. Can't wait to meet you.

nShe was satisfied that Dmitri had kept his promise. Even she couldn't wait to see him. But her mood became sour in the next instant. Now, she could no longer think of going out with Niiya…

nShe texted him,

nNice to know that you're back. See you tomorrow at college.

nShe was too tired. Her pet came and snuggled at her feet. He was demanding for milk. She took him to Ed and said,

"Grandfather, please help me with this guy today,

" before returning to her room. That night, she slept like a log.

nIn the morning, she woke up only when Ed pounded at her door heavily. Realizing that she was already late for class, she ran to take a shower. Even though she was ready within the next fifteen minutes, she knew that she had already missed her first class. Without having breakfast, she drove off to college and reached the campus just in time for her next class.

nShe saw Niiya there and her face broke into a beatific smile. She was happy to see that he was safe and alive. She went and sat next to him. Throughout the class, the two of them chatted non-stop in whispers. Niiya was excited to share his experience. When the class was over, he continued his story.

"The wood cabin I was locked in exists god knows where. The police couldn't even find it. I was dropped off at the same location where I was taken from. It has become a mystery and no one is able to find out about my abductors.

"

nAdrianna inwardly sighed in relief. While she was still listening to Niiya's tale, they heard Ookashi's voice from somewhere.

"Adrianna, girl, where have you been?

" Ookashi jumped over the bushes and ran over to Adrianna to give her a bear hug. Niiya laughed at his sister. Both of them had missed Adrianna a lot.

n

"I am very angry with Adrianna,

" complained Ookashi.

n

"Sorry Ookashi, I was very busy. We had a lot of relatives at our place, so just couldn't contact you,

" said Adrianna, hiding the fact about Dmitri.

nAll of sudden, Niiya reached for Adrianna's hand and lifted it to his heart.

"I missed you like crazy. I waited for those moments to pass in order to meet you,

" he said while Ookashi watched the two of them fondly. Adrianna blushed as she tried to free her hand from his grip.

nHowever, before he could say another word, they heard someone coughing loudly behind Adrianna. Ookashi and Niiya looked behind her to see that Dmitri was walking towards them, looking mad as hell.

nHe came and stood right next to Adrianna, circled her shoulders with his long arm, and removed her hand from Niiya's grip. Adrianna's head reeled as she became scared of him and her gaze moved from Niiya to him.

nNiiya and Ookashi gaped at the display of affection in front of them. The world came to a standstill as there were more than just two onlookers during that display. The hunk of the college, the most handsome man who had a large female following in just a few weeks of his college admission, was now holding a simple girl like Adrianna in his arms. People ogled at them. The girls grew envious.

nHolding her hand, he kissed her forehead for a long time before saying,

"Haven't you told them anything, love?

"

n