As soon as the words left his mouth, a blinding light enveloped the clearing. Felix shielded his eyes, feeling a strange heat sear through his veins. Power surged within him, wild and untamed, and he gasped as visions flooded his mind. He saw himself standing among towering creatures, dragons, wolves, eagles, all bowing their heads in reverence. He felt their strength, their loyalty, their wild spirits merging with his own.
But with the power came pain. Memories of his isolation, of every cruel word, every shove, every door slammed in his face resurfaced, sharp and unforgiving. He saw the faces of the villagers, saw their contempt, their disgust. The pain twisted inside him, burning and scarring, until he wanted to scream.
When the light faded, Felix was kneeling on the ground, breathing hard. Ember was beside him, pressing its warm scales against him. He felt drained, as though something essential had been ripped from him, but he also felt… stronger.
The voice returned, softer now, like a whisper carried on the wind. "You have taken the first step. But remember, power will test you. You will learn to tame, but in doing so, you must first face the beast within yourself."
Felix looked at Ember, who met his gaze with a mixture of approval and caution. He understood now. This bond with Ember, this path of the Tamer, was more than a simple connection—it was a promise, a test, a path he would have to walk alone and with his companion.
Standing, he felt a new sense of resolve settle over him. He didn't know what awaited him on this journey, but with Ember by his side, he knew he was no longer just a boy desperate for acceptance. He was something more, something powerful, and though the villagers would never see it, he knew his life had finally, truly begun.