"Alex, wake up! You're running late!" his mother, Elizabeth, urged, shaking him gently. Her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back, and her warm, hazel eyes showed a hint of concern. She wore a gentle smile, one that had comforted Alex countless times throughout his childhood.
Elizabeth, a skilled healer and member of the Council of Mages, had always been a constant presence in Alex's life. She had raised him on her own, after his father's mysterious disappearance when Alex was just a toddler. Despite the challenges, she had instilled in Alex a strong sense of determination and a passion for magic.
Alex groggily opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep from them. "Ah, sorry, Mom. I overslept."
Elizabeth chuckled and handed him a steaming cup of tea. "You're going to need this. Today's a big day, you know."
As Alex took a sip, he felt a surge of energy and a hint of his mother's magic in the brew.
With a final check in the mirror, he grabbed his ceremonial dagger and headed out the door with his mother.
As Alex and his mother made their way out of the house, they were met with the bright smiles of his two sisters, Emily and Sophia, who were already dressed in their finest attire.
"Good luck, Alex!" Emily, the eldest, said, giving him a warm hug. "You're going to do great!"
Sophia, the youngest, looked up at him with wide eyes. "I can't believe you're finally getting your magic, Alex! Can you teach me some tricks later?"
Alex chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Of course, Sophia. But first, I have to survive the ceremony!"
Elizabeth smiled, watching her children interact. "I'm proud of all of you. Let's make this a day to remember!"
Together, the family of four made their way towards the grand plaza, joining the throngs of people streaming towards the ceremony.
As they walked, Alex felt a sense of excitement and nervousness building up inside him. What would the ceremony be like? What kind of magic would he manifest?
The sound of drums and trumpets grew louder, and the air was filled with the hum of anticipation.
As Alex scans the crowd, he notices Jack his childhood friend standing at the edge of the plaza, looking a bit out of place. What is Jack doing here? And what does he want?
Alex decides to ignore Jack for the meantime and focuses on the ceremony. He takes a deep breath, straightens his shoulders, and joins the other initiates. The Master of Ceremonies, a wise-looking mage with a long white beard, begins to speak.
"Welcome, young ones, to the Awakening Ceremony! Today, you will discover your magical abilities and take the first step towards becoming powerful mages."
The initiates nod, their eyes shining with excitement and nervousness. Alex tries to concentrate on the ceremony, but his mind keeps wandering back to Jack. What is he doing here? And why did he disappear in the first place?
The Master of Ceremonies continues, "Please, join hands, and let the magic of the ancients flow through you!"
The initiates form a circle, holding hands, and close their eyes. Alex feels a strange energy building up inside him...As Alex closes his eyes, he feels a sudden shift in his perception. He becomes aware of a presence within his mind, a consciousness that is not his own. It's as if a door has opened, revealing a vast, inner world.
"Hello, Alex," a soft, melodic voice says. "I am Lyra, your magical companion. I have been waiting for you."
Alex is taken aback, but he feels no fear. Lyra's presence is comforting, like a warm embrace.
"What do you mean, magical companion?" Alex asks, his thoughts racing.
"I am a part of you, Alex," Lyra responds. "I am the manifestation of your magical potential. Together, we will explore the world of magic, and I will guide you on your journey."
Alex's mind is reeling with questions, but before he can ask, Lyra continues.
"The ceremony has awakened your magical abilities and also a part of you that has been lying dormant, Alex. You are now a mage, and I am your constant companion."
Alex was dumbfounded "What...." Before he could continue Lyra interrupted him again "You should focus on your awakening for now, you can ask all your questions later"
Alex who was already developing a headache decided to follow her advice and focus on the awakening ceremony.