The morning light seeped through the heavy drapes of the guest room, casting a soft glow over the bed where Leon lay, staring at the ceiling.
Despite the comfort of the mattress and the warmth of the blankets, sleep had been fleeting. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—gratitude for the food and shelter, fear of being cast out, and an unshakable feeling of not belonging.
A soft knock startled him from his thoughts.
"Leon!" Mikel's cheerful voice called through the door. "Get up! Grandpa's going to start teaching us magic today!"
Leon sat up quickly, his heart pounding. Magic? Me?
The dining hall had been cleared to create an open space for practice. Lord Draymir stood at the far end, his imposing figure framed by tall windows that overlooked the estate's sprawling gardens.
"Good. You're both here," Draymir said, his gray eyes sweeping over Leon and Mikel. He gestured for them to step forward, his tone sharp and commanding.
"Magic is not a toy. It is not a game. It is a craft—a discipline—that requires focus, patience, and dedication. Fail to respect it, and it will consume you."
Leon's palms grew clammy as he listened. The weight of Draymir's words felt like a stone pressing down on his chest.
Mikel, however, seemed unfazed. "Got it, Grandpa! We'll be the best mages ever!"
Draymir sighed. "We'll see. Now, let's begin with the basics: mana control."
He held up his hand, and a faint golden glow surrounded it. "Mana is the foundation of all magic. It is the energy within you, tied to your very life force. To wield magic, you must first learn to sense and control your mana. Without control, magic is chaos."
Leon's heart raced. He had heard stories of mages before—powerful figures who could bend the elements to their will or heal mortal wounds with a single touch. But he had never imagined himself as one of them.
Draymir placed two small wooden orbs on the floor in front of Leon and Mikel. The orbs were plain and unassuming, their surfaces smooth and polished.
"Your task is simple," Draymir said. "Channel your mana into the orb and make it glow. This will teach you to focus and direct your energy. Begin."
Mikel dropped to the floor eagerly, grabbing his orb with both hands. "Watch this, Leon!" he said, his voice brimming with excitement.
Leon knelt beside his own orb, staring at it nervously. He clenched his hands, his mind swirling with questions. How do I even start? What if I can't do it?
Draymir's voice broke through his thoughts. "Close your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Your mana is like a stream—it flows within you, waiting to be guided. Find it."
Leon shut his eyes, taking a deep breath. At first, there was nothing but darkness. Then, faintly, he thought he felt something—a flicker of warmth deep within his chest.
"I did it!"
Leon's eyes snapped open to see Mikel holding his orb, now glowing brightly with a golden light. Mikel grinned, waving it in the air like a trophy.
Draymir raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. A bit rough around the edges, but acceptable."
"Rough?" Mikel pouted. "That was perfect!"
Draymir ignored him, turning his attention back to Leon. "And you?"
Leon swallowed hard, lowering his gaze to his still-dull orb. He closed his eyes again, trying to recapture the flicker of warmth he'd felt earlier. But the more he tried to grasp it, the more elusive it became.
Minutes passed, and Leon's orb remained dark. His hands began to tremble, a knot of frustration and shame tightening in his chest.
"Focus," Draymir said sharply. "You're overthinking it. Magic is not forced—it is guided."
Leon clenched his jaw, tears threatening to well up. Beside him, Mikel was already experimenting, making his orb flicker and pulse like a firefly.
"Don't worry, Leon!" Mikel said, his tone cheerful. "You'll get it soon! It's easy once you figure it out."
Leon forced a small smile, though his heart felt heavy. Easy for you. Everything is easy for you.
After what felt like an eternity, Draymir sighed and knelt beside Leon. His sharp gaze softened slightly as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"You're too tense," Draymir said. "Magic requires control, but it also requires trust. Trust in yourself, and in the flow of your mana. Close your eyes again. Breathe. Don't think about the orb—think about the stream."
Leon hesitated, then did as he was told. He focused on his breathing, letting the tension in his body ease. Slowly, he felt the flicker of warmth again. This time, he didn't try to grab it. He let it flow.
The orb flickered faintly, its surface glowing with a soft, pale light.
Leon opened his eyes, his breath catching as he saw the faint glow. It wasn't as bright or steady as Mikel's, but it was there.
"I… I did it," he whispered.
Draymir nodded, a hint of approval in his otherwise stern expression. "A good start. But don't get complacent. You have a long way to go."
"See?" Mikel said, clapping Leon on the back. "Told you you'd get it!"
Leon smiled faintly, the weight in his chest lifting just a little. It wasn't much, but it was something—a spark of hope in the darkness.
As the lesson ended, Draymir turned to the boys with a critical gaze. "Magic is not a gift—it is a craft. You must work at it every day, without fail. If you're not willing to put in the effort, leave now."
"I'm willing!" Mikel said, his voice confident.
Leon nodded silently, his resolve hardening. He might not have the talent Mikel had, but he wouldn't give up.
As the boys left the dining hall, Mikel chattered excitedly about their next lesson. Leon listened quietly, his thoughts lingering on the faint glow of the orb.
I'll get better, he promised himself. No matter how long it takes.