**Chapter 14: Astra's Oath**
Astra sat at the edge of the camp, her legs drawn to her chest as she stared into the flickering fire. The embers danced in the night air, their glow reflecting off her solemn face. Her thoughts were heavy, burdened by doubts that refused to leave her mind. The recent battles had not been kind to her, and with every defeat, her confidence had eroded a little more. Astra had once believed that her magic, the ability to manipulate the elements, would make her an asset to the group. But now, after failing time and again, she was starting to wonder if she was only a liability.
She had always been the quiet one, the one who observed from the sidelines, content to lend her strength where it was needed. But after the latest skirmish—a clash with an enemy that had overwhelmed them despite their preparations—Astra felt her sense of purpose slipping through her fingers. The others had been quick to praise the group's overall performance, but Astra couldn't escape the feeling that she had contributed little. Each time the enemy pressed forward, she had found herself lacking. Her magic had been useful, but not enough. Not nearly enough.
"Are you alright?"
The voice broke through her thoughts, soft but full of concern. Astra looked up to see Kael standing a few feet away, his gaze gentle as he studied her. Kael, the strategist—the one who had always found a way to make sense of the chaos around them. His presence was a comfort, but it only reminded her of how much she had failed to live up to his expectations.
"I'm fine," Astra replied quickly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her tone was automatic, as if she could push the worry away with a few simple words. But Kael wasn't fooled. He had seen this look on her face before—he had seen it in himself, too, during moments of doubt.
"Don't lie," Kael said, his voice calm yet firm. "I know when something's bothering you. You've been quieter than usual. I'm guessing it's because of what happened earlier."
Astra sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's just... I feel like I'm not doing enough. I can't protect everyone the way I want to. I keep failing."
Kael crouched beside her, his gaze never leaving her face. He had seen the struggles that each of them had gone through—the toll of the battles, the weight of decisions that sometimes meant life or death. But Astra's doubts were different. She had always been the one to stand behind others, using her magic to support them. But now, she questioned if her magic was truly enough to make a difference in this war.
"Listen," Kael began, his voice steady, "I've seen you fight. I've seen what you're capable of. And I know you're more than you give yourself credit for."
Astra shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "It doesn't feel that way. I can barely hold my ground when it matters most."
Kael considered her words for a moment, then spoke again, his expression serious. "I'm not going to lie to you—this war is tough. We all have our moments of weakness. But that's why we're a team. We pick each other up when we fall. And I'm not going to let you stay down."
Astra looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his words. Kael wasn't one for empty encouragement. If he said it, he meant it. She had always respected him for that, and in that moment, his words began to resonate with her. Maybe it wasn't about being perfect. Maybe it was about doing her part and trusting in the people around her.
Kael gave her a small smile, standing up to offer her a hand. "Come on. I want to show you something. A way for you to feel more in control of your magic."
Astra hesitated for a moment but then took his hand, rising to her feet. She trusted Kael. She always had. And if he thought there was something she could do to improve, maybe there was more to her abilities than she realized.
They walked to the outskirts of the camp, where the moonlight illuminated an open area. The space was quiet, with only the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant howl of a wolf breaking the stillness. Kael turned to Astra, his expression focused.
"Okay," he said, "I want to show you a basic defensive technique that I think could really help you. You're strong when you're supporting others, but when it comes to protecting yourself—well, it's a bit trickier, isn't it?"
Astra nodded. Her magic had always been more attuned to offense—winds that could slice through armor, flames that could scorch enemies—but defense was a different matter. She had never quite figured out how to create a barrier strong enough to withstand the pressure of a battle.
"Exactly," Kael said, reading her expression. "That's why we're going to focus on control. Not just power, but precision."
He handed her a practice sword, its weight light in her hands. "I want you to imagine your magic like this sword," he continued. "It's not about unleashing it all at once. It's about controlling the flow, using it to shield and deflect rather than strike."
Astra frowned. "But my magic doesn't work like that. I can summon winds or create fire, but I don't know how to form a shield. It's not something I've practiced."
"You can," Kael replied confidently. "You just need to focus on the intent. I'll show you."
For the next several hours, Kael guided Astra through the motions. At first, her attempts were clumsy, her magic wild and uncontrolled, crackling in erratic bursts that dissipated as quickly as they appeared. But Kael was patient, always offering quiet encouragement. He adjusted her stance, helping her focus her mind, and slowly, Astra began to feel a shift.
It wasn't about forcing her magic into submission. It was about working with it, finding the flow between her intentions and the elements. The wind, the fire, the earth—she had always seen them as separate forces, tools to be wielded in different ways. But now, with Kael's guidance, Astra began to see how they could work together, how they could form a cohesive whole.
By the time the sun began to rise, Astra had managed to create a small but solid shield of wind and earth, one that held firm against the pressure Kael exerted. She breathed heavily, sweat beading on her forehead, but there was a spark in her eyes—a flicker of pride.
"You did it," Kael said, his voice warm with approval. "See? You just needed to trust yourself."
Astra couldn't help but smile. She had done it. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was beginning to understand her abilities in a new way. It wasn't about being perfect—it was about growing, step by step, and learning how to use what she had.
The next day, the group received a sudden mission—a reconnaissance operation into enemy territory. The tension in the air was palpable, but Astra felt different. Stronger. The doubts that had plagued her in the past were now replaced with a sense of purpose.
As the group ventured into enemy land, they were ambushed by a small group of scouts. The situation was dire. Riven and Kael moved swiftly to engage the enemy, but Astra knew this was her moment. Her magic surged as she formed a barrier of wind and earth around the group, protecting them from the enemy's arrows and magic. It was nothing flashy, nothing extravagant. But it was solid. It was enough.
The battle was short, but Astra felt a surge of pride. She had done her part. She had protected the group.
Later, as the group gathered around the campfire to rest, Astra found herself sitting beside Kael. She wasn't the quiet, doubtful figure she had once been. She had stepped into her role, not as a flawless soldier, but as one who was learning, growing, and fighting alongside her comrades.
"Thanks," she said softly, her gaze meeting Kael's.
Kael smiled, his expression filled with quiet satisfaction. "You did all the work, Astra. I just helped you see what you were already capable of."
Astra nodded, a new resolve in her heart. She had taken an oath to protect her comrades, and she would honor that oath, no matter the cost.
With the support of those around her, Astra knew she would continue to grow, becoming not just a mage, but a true protector in the war that lay ahead.