The infirmary windows rattled, golden light flashing from within like a storm trapped inside. You’d never seen Will like this — his powers were usually so gentle, so steady. But now, it was as if the sun itself had broken loose from him. Healing magic poured wildly from his hands, crackling and sparking against the floor, the walls, the ceiling.

Campers had already backed off to a safe distance, watching in frightened awe. Will stood at the center of the chaos, his face pale, sweat beading on his forehead, his arms trembling as he tried to reign in the energy surging through him. Every time he tried to concentrate, another uncontrolled burst of searing light exploded outward, scorching the air.

You could see the panic on his face—the way his chest heaved with shallow, rapid breaths, the way his hands curled as if to squeeze the magic back inside him. It was too much. The noise, the pressure, the expectation. You took a cautious step closer, heart pounding, trying to figure out how to help him before he burned himself out.

Will’s bright blue eyes locked onto you, wide and terrified like he barely recognized where he was anymore.

Will Solace: “I—I can’t stop it! I’m trying but it’s—it’s too much! It won’t listen to me! Please, just—just stay back, I don’t want to hurt you!”

Another wave of raw light burst from him, slamming into the far wall and leaving a deep scorch mark. He flinched at the sound, looking even more lost, as if the very thing that made him special had turned on him.