Into Focus (Focus Series Book 1) (7 page)

I had a surprising level of control over my
magic for someone who hadn’t undergone the Bonding, which would
amplify and focus it. The drawback was that my magic would then
become permanently bound (hence the name) to one of the five
elements. I was currently able to use whatever kind of magic I
wanted, but with far less power than even the lowest-ranking full
faction member. The Bonding might be restrictive, but the tradeoff
was well worth it.

But it wasn’t just a matter of choosing an
element; I had to choose a role. Each faction was specialized for
their branch of magic, and their roles within Focus were determined
by the best applications of their talent. Spirit, for instance, was
responsible for diplomacy. Air magic was best suited for the
treatment of wounds and diseases, so they were the first responders
during anything from a mass casualty event to a pandemic alert.
Earth magic, which drew power from the planet itself, was excellent
for reducing the damage caused by natural disasters, so they
stopped earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, even hurricanes. They were
also the reason that California hadn’t broken off of the mainland
United States and fallen into the sea—we had two agents permanently
posted at the San Andreas Fault.

Water magic was the most diverse. They
responded to ecological threats, from ending draughts and famine to
preserving wildlife. The bald eagle was making a comeback partially
thanks to their efforts. Unfortunately, it was difficult to master,
and was thus the smallest branch of Focus. Fire magic was the most
straightforward: combat. Members of the Fire faction were highly
trained operatives, something like Special Forces. They were sent
into areas of conflict, where negotiation was not an option, and
carried out missions designed to bring a swift end to the
bloodshed, either taking out high-value terrorist camps, or, it was
rumored, assassinating enemy leaders. Occasionally, they were
responsible for covert protection details. For centuries, they had
been the least active faction of Focus, and were typically viewed
as a last resort. Over the past several years, however, we had
begun sending out more and more operatives into the field.
Terrorism had escalated to unprecedented levels in human history,
and Focus could not sit idly by while innocent lives were at stake.
Even the Spirit faction was having difficulty in convincing some of
these terrorists to stand down; their brainwashing had gone beyond
psychological suggestion, and had started to become genuine
belief.

Jake was right about one thing: something had
to change. Focus was only able to do so much.

“I… think I might be able to join the Air
faction. I like the idea of saving lives.”

Gabriel’s grin widened. “It is an admirable
pursuit, Nora. The Air faction has done great things for humanity
over the years.”

I shook my head. “I know. They’ve helped so
many people… but I can’t help thinking that they’re just a
Band-Aid.”

My mentor’s head cocked to one side. “A
Band-Aid?”

I laughed before I could stop myself. I was
normally careful to be respectful around Gabriel, but the old man
was so nice that it was easy to forget how important he was to
Focus, to the world, and to me. “It’s hard to explain, because I
know it’s a worthwhile job, and that saving lives is the point of
everything we do here.”

“Do your best, then.”

“Well, say that you’re a doctor. And while
you’re out to dinner, a man has an allergic reaction to something
he ate. You do what you can, and save his life. That’s one in the
‘Win’ column, right?”

“Certainly.”

“But say that ten people come into your E.R.
because they were caught in the blast of an explosive set by a
terrorist. Even if you manage to save them all—which would be
extraordinary—the terrorist can always plant another bomb. And
another. And another. No matter what you do, even as a Healer
directly saving lives, it’s nothing but a stall. You’re treating
the wounded, but it’s like giving cough medicine to a man with lung
cancer. Treating the symptom, not the disease.” I paused once more,
closing my eyes briefly and taking a steadying breath. I hadn’t
realized exactly how I felt until I had said it out loud.
Conversations with Gabriel tended to go this way.

“You have, I think, articulated the whole
reason Focus was founded,” he said. His smile had disappeared, and
was replaced with a contemplative look, his eyes slightly distant.
“We have power, but it isn’t earned—we are merely born with it. As
a result, we carry the burden of ability. Because we can do so
much, much is required of each of us. And, if we were each acting
alone, as our kind used to, I doubt we would make much of a
difference to the world.” His gaze refocused on me, and he leaned
forward in his chair. “We don’t act alone, Nora. We each play our
part, and fulfill our roles. Because of that combined effort, Focus
doesn’t just treat the symptoms; we treat the disease.”

I felt inexplicably ashamed of myself.
Gabriel wasn’t yelling, or even expressing disappointment in my
feelings. He was just responding to my concerns with information I
already knew. And it made me feel like a kid again.

“I know that, sir. You’re right. I’m just… I
can’t make a decision just yet.”

Gabriel nodded. “I don’t expect you to. None
of the other candidates have chosen yet either. The important thing
to remember is that you cannot choose incorrectly. No matter which
faction you join during the Bonding, you will be doing important
work.” He rose from his seat and, taking my cue, I did the same. He
guided me to his office door. “There is no reason to rush yourself,
Ms. Tress. Take your time, observe the factions, and when you are
confident that you have done all you can to prepare yourself, then
make your decision.”

That’s what I was already doing, but thanks
anyway.

“Of course, sir. Thank you.”

“Until next time, Ms. Tress.”

I left the office, headed downstairs and
outside, into the normal world, where normal people did normal
things without knowing that they were watched, cared for, guarded
and protected by a centuries-old organization dedicated to using
magic to keep them all safe…

Table
of Contents

Prologue

Chapter
One

Chapter
Two

Chapter
Three

Chapter
Four

Chapter
Five

Chapter
Six

Preview of Shifting
Focus