Part 77: Week 17 Part 3

Aunt Lucille, may I speak with you privately?

Of course, dear.

You withdraw to a small side room.

I can sense your powers. You're a Lumen.

What?!?

I am, too. That's how I know. Can't you sense that?

No. No, I can't.

She looks down, shaking her head.

I... I do have a Lumen crystal. I found it, years ago. It called to me. But I don't know anything about magic. I can make the crystal appear and disappear, and I can block out sound with it. That's all.



(I don't think that's true at all. There are traces of old magic around her, too faint to make sense of, but strong.)

Why keep it hidden? It's not illegal to be a Lumen.

Magic is dangerous, everyone knows that. People might think I was an evil witch. They wouldn't trust me. Look at how much trouble the Duchess of Ursul has. Please, Your Highness, don't tell anyone.