Flashback ( PDFDrive )

Sophie was all set to spew out a bunch of excuses about how she
was only training for a limited amount of time every day. But . . .
She could’ve arranged for everyone else to train at her house too.
“Sorry,” she said instead. “I . . . should’ve reached out.”
Marella nodded. “I know I’m not part of your little core group, but
—”
“That wasn’t it.” Sophie focused on stretching her clumsy, healing
fingers. “I’ve been feeling so behind, knowing you guys were all
training while I was stuck in the Healing Center. I guess I wanted to
try to catch up.”
Marella twisted another braid. “You’re not the only one who feels
behind, you know. At least you can actually train in your fifty zillion
abilities.”
The reminder hit home.
Marella had secretly manifested as a Pyrokinetic a few months
earlier, and training was technically illegal—though she’d decided to
ignore that law to make sure the power didn’t get out of control, like it
had for Brant. But without another Pyrokinetic to train with, the
lessons weren’t as helpful as they could be. And if she ever got
caught . . .
“I’m really sorry,” Sophie told her. “I was being selfish. You guys
can train here as much as you want.”
“You sure your bodyguards will let us? Forkle failed to mention
your scary new entourage when he told me you were training. I don’t
think they like us.”
“You’ve talked to Mr. Forkle?” Sophie asked. “Did he say . . .
anything else?”