A LESSON IN STILLNESS
The first rays of dawn filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows that danced across the forest floor. I sat cross-legged in the center of a small clearing, instructed to remain completely still, my mind a battleground between frustration and a growing, unexpected calm. Leo's words from the day before echoed in my thoughts, reminding me that I'd barely scratched the surface of what this place demanded.
"Today, you won't move a muscle," he had said, his tone so final that I knew better than to argue. "You will listen, breathe, and feel the world around you. There is more power in stillness than you realize."
At first, I didn't believe him. I'd always thought of stillness as nothing more than a lack of action, a waste of precious time. But here, in the hushed morning light, I could feel something shifting. The forest seemed to come alive around me, a world in constant motion despite my stillness. Each leaf swayed softly in the breeze, every rustle and distant bird call adding to a symphony I'd never truly noticed before.
For the first few minutes, the urge to move tugged at me, the desire to do something, anything, gnawing at my patience. My mind raced, reminding me of how much I needed to train to get stronger and how this felt like a pointless exercise. But as I forced myself to relax, a change began to stir within me. My breathing slowed, and my mind grew quiet. I closed my eyes and became aware of things I'd always missed—a squirrel darted across a branch above, clear and distinct even with my eyes shut.
Time slipped away, the minutes stretching into hours as I sat there, perfectly still, wrapped in the quiet life of the forest. I began to sense a rhythm beneath it all—a pulsing energy in the air. The branches, the shadows, even the whisper of the wind—they became my silent teachers, each imparting lessons without a single word spoken.
Only then did I begin to understand what Leo had meant when he said, "The forest can be your ally, or it can be your worst enemy." If I could make myself part of this place, in tune with its very essence, then I could move through it as effortlessly as the wind itself. The forest had its language, and all I had to do was listen.
Slowly, deliberately, I took a deep breath, letting the calm wash over me. For the first time, I truly listened—not with impatience or expectation, but with an openness I hadn't known I possessed. The world around me felt vibrant and alive, as if I were becoming a part of it. I felt a smile spreading across my face before I even realized it.
"I did it," I murmured to myself, a soft thrill of excitement filling my voice.
I called out, louder this time, "I did it, Leo!" He turned toward me, a small smile on his face as he walked over.
"How do you feel now?" he asked, his gaze steady, appraising.
"Everything and nothing... all at once," I replied, almost in disbelief. "I feel the energy, the breath, the life, and even the silent breeze grazing my skin. I feel like... I'm above it all."
In that stillness, I caught my first glimpse of true power.
"Power," I whispered, a sense of wonder in my voice. "I feel power."
The first rays of dawn filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow over the forest. I stood across from Leo, my heart racing with a blend of anticipation and nerves. Two months had passed since I first began training, every day devoted to mastering a single skill. But today was different. Today, a new challenge awaited, one I hoped would push me to grow stronger.
He held a stick behind his back, his expression a mix of playfulness and seriousness. "Your goal is simple," he said, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Get the stick from me."
Confused yet excited, I felt my brow furrow. "That's it?" I asked, eager to demonstrate everything I'd learned.
"Yes," he replied, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "But I won't make it easy for you."
Without warning, he lunged forward, testing my reflexes. I stumbled backward, barely dodging his sudden move. He sidestepped me, keeping the stick firmly behind him. Despite my efforts, I found it hard to even come close, and frustration started to bubble up inside me.
"Focus, Ivy!" Leo's voice was a steady reminder. "You're overthinking it. Move like the wind."
I took a deep breath, drawing on the techniques I'd been practicing. As I watched him, trying to anticipate his movements, he feigned left and then darted to the right. This time, I matched his steps, moving fluidly in response to his motion. As he shifted his weight, I lunged forward, my hand reaching for the stick.
But he was too quick. With a flick of his wrist, he evaded me, keeping the stick just out of reach. I groaned, feeling the familiar pull of doubt. But I had trained for this—I just needed to stay calm and become one with my surroundings.
I circled him, moving quietly, observing his every move. I could see the way his eyes tracked me, noting the slight twitches in his muscles when he prepared to act. I closed my eyes, allowing the forest to guide me. I could feel the gentle breeze, hear the rustling leaves, and sense Leo's presence as if it were part of the landscape.
With renewed focus, I feigned another charge, darting in his direction before suddenly changing course. This time, there was a flicker of hesitation in his step, and I seized the moment. My hand shot forward, grasping the stick. But before I could wrest it from his grip, he tightened his hold, pulling back with a smirk.
"You've improved," he acknowledged, a glint of respect in his eyes. "But you still lack control. You're not quite there yet." His tone softened slightly, almost as if he could sense the disappointment flickering within me.
I clenched my jaw, feeling a renewed determination. I would not let this setback define me. I needed to become stronger, faster, and more focused. Perhaps then I could find a way to escape this place and return home.
Finally, after several more attempts, I managed to twist the stick free from his grasp, holding it triumphantly above my head. "I did it!" I shouted, excitement flooding through me.
Leo's laughter rang out, warm and genuine. For a moment, pride swelled in my chest. But beneath it all lay a quiet, persistent thought of home, tugging me back to the reality of my situation. I could leave now, even without fighting powers—I just needed to escape this nightmare.
The sparring session over, I found myself watching him as he turned away, his focus on the perimeter. Seizing the opportunity, I slipped into the trees, moving as silently as I could. I passed a few witches along the way, cloaking myself in the shadows. My newly acquired skills allowed me to blend in, undetected. Soon, a shimmering barrier appeared ahead—a barrier they thought would hold me, too weak to overcome it. But I had to try.
I pressed my hand against the barrier, hoping to slip through before anyone noticed. But just as I made contact, a loud alarm blared, cutting through the morning air like a thunderclap. My heart pounded as I realized I'd triggered a trap, and panic seized me.
Footsteps thundered in the distance, closing in fast. I spun around, sprinting back into the forest, adrenaline fueling each step. I glanced over my shoulder to gauge how close they were, only to trip on a stone hidden in the undergrowth. I fell, fear tightening around my chest. My hands scrambled to push myself up, but they were already almost upon me.
"Don't look back—keep running!" A voice rang out, strong and reassuring. I looked up to see Leo ahead of me, his silhouette dark against the rising sun, his expression fierce.
"Get up!" he shouted, urgency in his voice. And then a dark figure slipped through the trees, shadows coiling around me like protective arms. In an instant, I was lifted away, carried through the forest in a swirl of darkness.
When we reappeared in a safer part of the woods, I collapsed, trying to catch my breath. Leo was there, his eyes blazing with anger as he approached. "What were you thinking?" he demanded, voice low and harsh.
"I just... wanted to go home," I stammered, desperation threading through my words.
"You think a few tricks will let you take on the world?" He shot back, disappointment etched in his features. "You have no idea what lies beyond that barrier. You'd be walking to your death."
My heart sank as his words hit home. I looked away, feeling the weight of my failed escape attempt.
"From now on," Leo continued, his voice as cold as ice, "you will train harder than ever. You'll learn that strength isn't just about power. It's about understanding when to act and when to hold back. Running won't be an option."
He turned sharply, leaving me alone with my thoughts. A knot of resolve began to form within me. I wouldn't let this defeat me. I would rise again, stronger and more determined. One day, when I am ready, I will find a way to go home.
And as I watched him walk away, I knew I would endure whatever it took to reach that goal, no matter how far away it seemed.