<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ccff">Lucian stood up and sat down on the couch next to her putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. “<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">I know that the training is hard, I know how hard it is to go without using magic. But I also know that you can handle it. You are a very strong magic user, among the strongest to enter this house as an apprentice, and I have so much faith in your abilities.”</span> As he spoke there was a note that entered his voice, a mix of admiration and something else, even as he held her and tried to soothe her.</span>