The weekend offered no reprieve. I spent most of it locked in my room, trying to make sense of what happened during that fight. The dark energy that had surged through me felt alien yet familiar, as if it had always been there, lying dormant until it was called upon. But I wasn't ready to face that part of myself yet. How could I be? I didn't want any of this.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw those shadowy figures lunging at me. I could still feel the way the power had surged through my veins, unbidden, taking over my body as though I had no control. The mark on my chest was a constant reminder of the bond I had with Seraphina, and as much as I wanted to ignore it, I knew I couldn't run from it forever.
Late Sunday afternoon, I heard a knock on my window. I turned to see Seraphina hovering outside again, her expression unreadable. Reluctantly, I opened the window.
"You've been avoiding me," she said, stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation.
"I needed time to think," I replied, sitting on the edge of my bed. "You know, to process the fact that I almost got killed because of some bond I never asked for."
Seraphina sighed and crossed her arms. "I told you from the beginning that being tied to me comes with dangers. The enemies I face will come for you too, whether you like it or not."
"And what about that power I used?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice. "I didn't control it. It just… happened. What if it happens again, and I can't stop it?"
"You will learn control," she said simply. "In time, you'll be able to harness the power of the Abyss. But until then, you need to trust yourself. The bond chose you for a reason, Kaito. You have the potential to become far more powerful than you realize."
Her words were meant to be reassuring, but they had the opposite effect. I didn't want power. I didn't want any of this responsibility. I just wanted my life back. But it was clear that wasn't an option anymore.
I let out a long breath. "So what now?"
Seraphina tilted her head, studying me for a moment. "Now, we train. You need to understand the power inside you before the next attack comes."
We made our way to an abandoned lot on the edge of town, far from prying eyes. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the ground. Seraphina led the way, her expression serious. She didn't bother explaining what kind of training we'd be doing, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be easy.
"Stand here," she instructed, pointing to the middle of the lot.
I followed her direction, standing awkwardly as she took a few steps back.
"Close your eyes," she said. "Focus on the mark."
I hesitated but did as she asked. As soon as I closed my eyes, I felt the faint pulsing of the mark on my chest, a low hum of energy just beneath my skin.
"Now," Seraphina's voice came, calm and steady, "reach inside yourself. Call upon the Abyss."
I furrowed my brow, unsure of how to do that. "How exactly am I supposed to 'call upon the Abyss'?"
"Stop thinking like a human," she snapped. "The power is already part of you. You don't have to think about it. You need to feel it."
Easier said than done. I took a deep breath and tried to push my doubts aside. Slowly, I reached out with my mind, focusing on the mark. The hum of energy grew stronger, pulsing in time with my heartbeat. I could feel it now—dark, swirling energy that was both foreign and familiar. It called to me, beckoning from the depths.
"There," Seraphina said softly. "You've found it. Now, let it flow through you."
I opened myself to the power, and in an instant, it surged through me like a tidal wave. My body tensed as the energy coursed through my veins, dark and wild, threatening to overwhelm me. But this time, I didn't fight it. I let the power flow, feeling it wrap around me like a second skin.
"Good," Seraphina said, her voice approving. "Now, focus. Shape the energy. Control it."
I gritted my teeth, trying to reign in the chaotic force inside me. The energy swirled around my hands, crackling with dark power. I raised my arms, willing the energy to bend to my will. Slowly, the swirling darkness formed into a concentrated orb of shadowy light.
"Not bad," Seraphina said, a hint of pride in her voice. "You're learning."
Just as quickly as it came, the energy faded, leaving me breathless and weak. I stumbled forward, catching myself before I fell.
"You did well for your first attempt," Seraphina said, walking over to me. "But this is only the beginning. The more you practice, the stronger you'll become."
I nodded, though I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the tip of the iceberg. The power I had accessed was dangerous, and if I wasn't careful, it could easily consume me.