The next day began like any other, but Eveline couldn't shake the unsettling feeling she had the night before. The shadows seemed darker, and a heavy sense of foreboding hung in the air. However, she tried to ignore it, immersing herself in the daily lessons and training that were part of her routine.
That morning, after breakfast, Eveline headed to the study room where her tutors awaited her. The first was Lady Mildred, a stern middle-aged woman who taught history and etiquette. The second, more mysterious, was the mage Lady Isolde, a tall woman with long black hair and deep amber eyes, who taught her the mysteries of magic.
The history lesson was as tedious as ever, with Lady Mildred droning on about the noble lineage of the great houses of the Kingdom of Asteria. Eveline tried to pay attention, but her mind kept wandering, stuck on the worries from the previous night.
When the time finally came for the magic lesson, Eveline felt a slight sense of relief. Magic, though complex and still somewhat intimidating, was something that fascinated her deeply. There was a beauty in how mana flowed, in the way spells manifested in the world.
Lady Isolde stood beside a table covered with old books and shimmering crystals. She observed Eveline with an intense gaze, as if she could see through her doubts and insecurities.
"Good morning, Lady Eveline," Isolde said, her voice soft yet laden with authority. "Today, we will explore a deeper aspect of magic—something I believe you are ready to learn."
Eveline nodded, trying to shake off the tension that still weighed on her. "I'm ready, Lady Isolde."
The mage gave a slight smile and gestured for Eveline to approach the table. "Today, we will work with perception magic—a branch that deals with reading auras and understanding the energies around us. But before we begin, there's something I need to ask."
Isolde stepped closer to Eveline, her gaze piercing. "Have you felt anything strange lately? Something out of the ordinary, perhaps?"
Eveline hesitated, remembering the sensation of being watched the previous night. "I… felt something last night. Like someone was watching me, but I didn't see anyone."
Isolde's eyes gleamed with renewed interest. "Intriguing. It seems you are beginning to open yourself to the energies around you. Perception is a rare and powerful ability, Eveline. But it can also be dangerous if not controlled."
A chill ran down Eveline's spine at those words. "Dangerous? What do you mean?"
Isolde circled the table, picking up one of the crystals and handing it to Eveline. "Perception magic allows you to see and sense things beyond the physical world. However, it can also attract the attention of entities that dwell in the shadows—beings that feed on fear and uncertainty. It's crucial that you learn to protect your mind and spirit."
Those words only heightened Eveline's sense that something was wrong. She gripped the crystal more tightly, feeling its warm pulse. "What should I do?"
Isolde smiled slightly. "First, we need to strengthen your connection to the mana around you. Close your eyes and focus on the energy flowing through the crystal. Feel it, let it guide your mind."
Eveline obeyed, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She felt the warmth of the crystal in her palm, and gradually, a current of energy began to flow through her arm, spreading throughout her body. It was a comforting sensation, almost as if the crystal was protecting her, wrapped in a soft aura of light.
"Now, focus on your own aura," Isolde continued. "Visualize it as a light within you, shining strong and steady. This is your strength, your essence. No one can touch it without your consent."
Eveline followed the instructions, imagining a golden light growing within her, pushing away any darkness that tried to approach. The sense of security grew, and the anxiety that had been tormenting her began to fade.
"Good. Very good," Isolde said with a note of approval in her voice. "You have a natural talent for this, Eveline. But remember, control comes with practice. Continue to strengthen your aura every day, and soon you'll be able to discern what is real and what is merely a shadow trying to deceive you."
Eveline opened her eyes, feeling a little more at ease. "Thank you, Lady Isolde. I will do my best."
Isolde placed a comforting hand on Eveline's shoulder. "You have great potential, Eveline. Never forget that. And if you ever feel the shadows closing in, remember—you have the power to drive them away."
After the lesson, Eveline returned to her room, holding the crystal carefully. Isolde's words still echoed in her mind, giving her a renewed sense of purpose. She didn't know exactly what the shadows she felt represented, but she was determined not to let them overpower her.
As night approached, Eveline prepared for sleep, keeping the crystal by her side. Before closing her eyes, she once again visualized the golden light within her, shining brightly. No matter how much the shadows lurked, she wouldn't let them take hold.
However, as sleep slowly claimed her, one last image formed in her mind: an old, dusty door at the end of a dark corridor. Something was beyond that door, something that called to her, whispering her name.
**Eveline…**
She woke with a start, her heart pounding. The image of the door still lingered in her mind, like a distant echo.
"A door... What does it mean?" she whispered to herself, confused.
As she lay down again, trying to regain sleep, one thing was certain: the answers she sought were beyond that door. And sooner or later, she would have to face it.
The shadows were still there, but Eveline felt that, step by step, she was beginning to understand her purpose in this new world.