(Amelia)
I stood frozen, my hand still tingling from the strange, ancient power of the orb. I could feel its warmth fading beneath my skin, like an ember cooling after a long burn.
My heart, however, still raced, thumping erratically in my chest as I tried to process what had just happened.
That orb wasn't just some spell I'd memorized. It was more. So much more. It had connected me to Damien, showing me that he was alright, at least for now.
"Amelia!" My mom's voice was sharper this time, her footsteps quickened as she ran up to me.
"You need to be careful with that kind of magic. You're playing with forces you don't fully understand." I blinked, still dazed from the vision of Damien's smile and the feel of his connection to the tree's ancient roots.
"I saw him, Mom. Damien. He's…he's okay. For now, at least." Her eyes softened for a moment before hardening again.
