"Aaand there you go! All done!" Alondra announced with a satisfied smile as the green glow of her magic faded.
I touched my forehead, running my fingers over the smooth skin where the gash had been. Not even a trace of blood remained. "Thank you, Alondra."
"And thank you for the time!" she chirped. Then, as if remembering something, she added, "I was actually out here foraging for food for the children when I stumbled upon you, Mr. Solice. You can stay with me while we figure out where you came from, but would you mind helping me gather some pears before we head back?"
"Yeah, of course. I don't mind."
-----
We worked side by side, picking ripe pears from the low-hanging branches. I kept sneaking glances at her. For someone who could heal wounds and kill monsters, she seemed surprisingly down-to-earth.
As we worked, I bombarded her with questions. I learned that Alondra volunteered at an orphanage, taking care of children who had been abandoned after their parents coerced them into giving up most of their lifespans. The orphanage survived on donations from wealthier citizens of the Kingdom of Alstidon, where we currently were.
The kingdom had stood for over 500 years and was one of five great powers in the world. We were just a mile or two from the city walls, near Alstidon Pond, though the area wasn't without its dangers. Skallards—vicious, lizard-like creatures with sharp teeth—lurked nearby. They were born with only a two-day lifespan, making them prime targets for weaker hunters or desperate citizens looking to replenish their own dwindling time.
I even saw Alondra kill one with a swift stab of her knife. She didn't even flinch. Scary. I decided right then not to get on her bad side.
At one point, I asked how much lifespan she had. She laughed and waved me off, saying, "That's a secret."
On the way back to the city, Alondra handed me her cape. "Here, wear this and cover your chest," she said, her tone unusually serious. "A lifespan like yours could draw... unwanted attention."
I glanced at my peripheral vision. My timer was still ticking down, second by second. It was an odd feeling—knowing exactly how much time you had left to live.
"So... Can I learn magic?" I asked as we approached the looming city walls.
"Of course! With a little practice, determination, and knowing your elemental affinity, you could learn to use magic," she replied brightly.
"Affinity? Like water and fire?"
"Yes! Most people are born with one elemental affinity. A rare few might have two or three. It's rumored that Prince Ramidion can use all five, but that's probably just a story. Earth types can heal and enhance their strength. Fire types are combat-focused, creating explosions and flames. Wind types can manipulate objects and move faster. Water types can summon water, create ice, and more. Light types can cast holy magic and break curses."
She paused, smiling nostalgically. "Your affinity is important, but it's your imagination and dedication that make a great magician. At least, that's what my grandpa always said. Naturally, I'm an earth-type magician!"
"Huh. So what type am I?" I asked aloud, more to myself than to her.
"Let's find out!" Alondra set down her basket of pears and grabbed my hands.
"Uh, Alondra?"
"Don't worry," she said with a grin. "This is a blank-type spell. Everyone can use blank spells. I'll use a minute of lifespan to send magic from my right hand, through you, to my left. When it passes through you, I should see the color of your affinity. Oh, and this one's on the house!"
"Thanks," I murmured. Her hands were soft and warm. I didn't mind holding them.
"Now, close your eyes," she instructed.
I obeyed, shutting out the world around me.
A minute passed in silence. Nothing happened.
I peeked one eye open and saw Alondra deep in concentration. Her brows furrowed, and her lower lip was caught between her teeth.
Then I felt it—a sharp jolt, like a lightning bolt shooting through my body.
Alondra gasped and released my hands, stumbling back a step. Her eyes were wide, her face pale. She was breathing heavily, and a thin sheen of sweat covered her brow.
"Alondra! Are you okay?" I asked, stepping toward her.
"I'm... fine," she said, though her voice trembled. "It's you. Uh, er..."
"Did I do something wrong?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my chest.
"No, it's... your affinity."
"What is it?" I pressed.
"It was... nothing," she whispered, looking away.
"Alondra?"
She forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "We should get back. The kids are waiting."