Iris stayed slumped on the ground, looking at her hands and at the ground in shock. She had no idea what had just happened to her. She felt Amelia kneeling on her side, cupping both of her cheeks to look at her, but she remained still.
She could feel the weight of her friend's stare, reminding her of what had just happened and how she'd turned the frozen woods into lush greenery. Iris could sense the life of the trees around her, the scent of sandalwood, moss and the fresh scent of the wilderness wafting in the air.
The world around her changed in the blink of an eye. It was as if she had chased the freezing cold winter away, allowing every living thing to flourish and feed on her magic. She could see, smell and hear everything clearly. Everything.
Iris could see the raw green aura of those around her, while inanimate objects were dull gray in her eyes. Bitter hot tears flow down her cheeks without her noticing them. She blinked several times, trying to take in what had just happened.
"Iris," she heard Amelia say. She could sense the tension in Amelia's voice. The tone was close to fear.
"Iris, please… I beg you. Look at me and tell me you are alright." Amelia brushed away the hair that curtained Iris's face around her jaw, forcing the latter to look at her.
"I…" but Iris found it hard to breathe as she choked for air.
How could she be alright? If people found out what happened tonight, her whole family would be beheaded by the whole kingdom.
"Calm down, Iris. Take a deep breath. You saved me and Luca. You healed our wounds, restored our health and chased the darklings away." Amelia tried to assure her, but it was hard for Iris to focus on what her friend was telling her.
Earlier, Iris was sure as hell that she was dying. After the first flash of magic dissipated, she could feel her magic about to burst again. She could feel invisible hackles rising as her magic threatened to leave her body. However, throughout the whole ordeal, she could feel that someone else was watching her. Someone whose aura was frighteningly dark and implacable.
Another darkling perhaps. She thought. Then the raging mana flowing through her veins started to calm down for some reason, but the pain still lingered as Iris felt like she was on fire.
Her eyes scanned their surroundings and just as Amelia had just said, the direwolves retreated and fled away from the burst of her magic. If they decided to return with reinforcement and finish their job, Iris had no idea how she would deal with them.
"They've already left, Iris. We should leave before other darklings come and find us." Amelia pulled her up and glanced at their still unconscious companion. Luca had no idea that Iris was a magus and now that he was fully healed by Iris's magic, it would be hard for them to explain how they managed to survive the night unscathed.
As if knowing Amelia's thoughts, Iris followed her gaze. How was she supposed to explain all of these? She couldn't think straight anymore. Her fear and uncertainty clouded her judgment.
Iris shuddered to think what could have happened because of her magic. Amelia and Luca might also be questioned and prosecuted for defending her.
"Don't worry. I swear I will tell nobody about tonight's events. If someone asks, I will say that it's the work of a darkling." Always the quick-witted one, Amelia was able to give Iris some clarity and assurance. Despite her calmness, Iris felt Amelia shivering next to her.
Amelia was right. Their excuse for tonight's event wasn't far-fetched after all. With the sightings of darklings, Iris hoped that the townsfolk wouldn't suspect that it was all her doing.
"You are right. We should head back home now." Iris said with iron certainty now. She was thankful that she had Amelia by her side to remind her to think clearly.
As long as no one witnessed what she had done tonight, the Kingdom of Dravial wouldn't be able to harm her and her family. Still, she couldn't believe that she managed to end the seemingly endless winter in their town.
There was no trace of snow at all and the only thing left was the wetness after it melted. Proof that it was once there. The three of them took their time and walked back to Calaren Town, with Iris walking on her own while Amelia dragged Luca with her.
The night deepened, but as Iris looked heavenward, she saw the stars and the crescent moon above the night sky that gave her and Amelia enough light to see where they were going.
Somewhere in the woods, a wolf howled, reminding Iris that they weren't exactly safe yet. She paused for a moment, staring at the distance. Iris thought that she might be imagining things, but she could see clearly despite the darkness of the night.
She could also sense two packs of direwolves trapped in a fight somewhere, the presence of the darklings felt stronger and more accurate now. Iris felt more vulnerable and exposed since her magic emerged.
The cold wind whispered through the trees. The forest seemed so alive now, like it was its own person, a friend that Iris could rely on. As they passed through the woods, the trees seemed to rustle at her in greeting.
Were they reacting to her magic or were they showing their gratitude to her for ending the long winter that stretched far longer than it should? Iris wasn't sure, but she would like to think that their lives would be easier now that the winter had finally ended.
Still, knowing that she couldn't control her own magic made Iris uncomfortable. She could only hope that it wouldn't spell trouble for her and her family later.