Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) Jonathan Michael (red novels .txt) 📖

“That is a ridiculous question.” She purses her lips. “I’m glad you asked me and didn’t spurt that one out in your class. That’s like asking why an ape is hairy and we are relatively hairless. It’s evolution,” she patronizes, but rightfully so.

I don’t think she understands why I’m not familiar with the most known topic in the world. Maybe because I’ve been hidden away since my youth. I fear to remind her, though.

“This is Intro to the Seasonal Sciences,” she continues, “not the Meaning of Life. Now, let’s move on to the next topic. We have a lot of information to touch on tonight. I’m still trying to grasp what you know and don’t know. I must determine whether you’re up to speed with your peers.”

I raise my hand again.

“What?”

“Are you saying you have no faith, not one tiny crumb of faith, that I’ll be ahead of my peers in any of the topics I’m learning?” I smile in hopes it will lighten her disposition.

“Are you trying to be humorous? No. You’re right, Stone. I am quick to judge. And optimistic. Let’s be realistic, you’re way behind in all your courses, not just a little behind. I know I have my hands full here, but I’m up to the challenge.”

“Hey! You don’t have to insult me.” An elusive laugh escapes her, and I follow suit. Then we both break out into full belly-laughs. Why we are laughing so hard is beyond me. I suppose we’ve both had too much sorrow in our lives, and this is our escape. It is good to see such a brilliant smile on her face.

“Now, seriously…” She takes a deep breath to collect herself. “We have much to cover tonight, so let’s continue.”

“Of course, Miss Greyheart,” I reply in a stern, sarcastic tone. She deflates all hope of more laughter when she carries on the studies without acknowledging me. At least I got her to break for a bit.

“What do you know of Regeneration?” she continues.

“That is such a broad question.”

“Okay, well, let’s start with the basics. Regeneration is the process of mending broken or damaged organic tissue by means of the Lahyf talents. In essence, it’s a means to heal nearly any kind of ailment.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know that. We don’t have to begin with everyday, common knowledge,” I interrupt. She grips her wooden spoon, and I shy away. “Sorry.”

“You forget I know very little about you, Stone. Although I lobbied to have you admitted into this school, it was only because of your potential, not because of what you currently know or don’t know. I have no knowledge of your previous studies, so where would you like to begin?” she asks.

“I’ve been regenerating since I was a toddler. I started with experiments on plants and small animals. I know about all the basics. I want to know more about my limitations. How far can I take regeneration? When does regeneration stop and revival begin?”

“Revival?” she asks. “You know the answer to that question. Please, let’s take this serious, Stone. You must keep good marks in your courses to continue attending.”

“I am being serious. I know common knowledge says revival is impossible. Nobody can reenergize a heart once it has stopped beating, but what if—”

“Stone!” she exclaims irritably. “It is impossible.”

“I’ve done it!” I admit. She shifts back in her seat and shakes her head. I suppose I didn’t need to shout it.

“It is impossible, Stone,” she consoles in a calming voice.

“Don’t say it’s impossible,” I retaliate. “What about what you said to me the other day. ‘Always question the known and obvious; always look for a better answer to an unproven theory.’ That is science, right? And what we’re discussing right now is science, right? I’m telling you… I’ve experienced it. I don’t know how, but it happened to a man I recently met on my travels.”

“Stone. Are you sure he was dead? Sometimes the body can imitate death, but…it is only lying dormant from shock or extreme conditions that result in temporary unconsciousness.”

“Well…,” I click my fingernails together and look away from her. “…he was as near to death as a man can be without being dead, I suppose. But had I not been there, he would have died. He was only clicks away from death.” I look to my fingernails and stop clicking them.

“There you have it. I don’t want to completely discount your experience, Stone, but until you have further evidence, it is rather hard for me to believe. I would rather be honest with you than entertain what could possibly lead you down a path you might not be able to come back from. Talk of revival will cause people to think you a harebrained lunatic. Science is attempting to prove an unproven theory, but this theory has been proven to be false, Stone. Many people have attempted it. Many people from the Old Races, who were far more powerful than we will ever be. And none have been successful. It is a feat that has been disproven over and over again and has caused the demise of some great citizens of Vedora due to their inability to relinquish the fact it is impossible. You must drop it, Stone.”

“Fine,” I reply bleakly, breaking eye contact. She’s unconvinced. As she should be. She’s wrong. There must be somebody else in this city who can explain what happened.

“Drop it,” she repeats more assertively.

“Okay. Maybe you’re right. Maybe it wasn’t revival, but it was more than regeneration.” She lowers her head and glares at me. “But it’s not important right now. Let’s learn the fundamentals first,” I acquiesce.

“You’re not taking this seriously tonight. We can move onto Stealth and Combat if you’d rather get physical.” She looks up at me