Cedric was not as talented as his siblings. His older brother, Alistair, was a prodigy in fire magic, while his younger brother, Rowan, excelled in wind magic. His sisters, Elara and Seraphina, were equally gifted, with Elara mastering both fire and wind magic and Seraphina showing promise in healing magic. Cedric's lack of talent made him bitter and resentful, especially towards me.
Elara and Cedric were twins, but their relationship was strained. Elara's kindness and talent only highlighted Cedric's shortcomings, and he often took out his frustrations on me. Despite this, Elara remained a distant figure in my life. She neither ridiculed nor praised me; she was simply there, a constant presence in the manor.
Elara had awakened her magic at the age of eight, showing an early talent for both fire and wind magic. Cedric, on the other hand, had awakened his magic at the age of ten, but his abilities were not as strong or refined as his sister's. This difference in their magical prowess only added to Cedric's insecurities and resentment.
The power dynamics among the siblings were complex. Alistair, as the eldest, was expected to inherit Lord Darian's title and responsibilities. Rowan, with his exceptional wind magic, was often seen as the family's secret weapon. Elara and Seraphina, though younger, were respected for their talents and potential. Cedric, however, struggled to find his place in the family, and his insecurities fueled his animosity towards me.
In this world, magicians were ranked based on their abilities and mastery of magic. The levels ranged from Novice to Paragon, with each level having stages: Initial, Mid, Late, and Peak. The Darian family members were all at least Adepts, with Alistair and Elara nearing the Master level. Cedric, however, remained a mere Apprentice, much to his frustration.
Lord Darian himself was a Grand Mage, at the Peak Stage, making him one of the most powerful and influential figures in the region. His wife, Lady Isolde, was also a formidable mage, though her focus was on healing and protective magic. Together, they commanded great respect and fear.
Lord Darian had siblings as well, each holding significant power and influence. His brother, Lord Thaddeus, was a Master-level mage specializing in earth magic, while his sister, Lady Morgana, was an Expert-level mage with a talent for water magic. The Darian family was a force to be reckoned with, both within the manor and beyond.
For years, I had watched Cedric's training sessions from the shadows, trying to mimic his movements and spells in secret. Despite my best efforts, nothing ever seemed to work. I was left feeling frustrated and untalented, wondering if I would ever be able to wield magic like the Darian family.
Cedric, on the other hand, had recently experienced a breakthrough in his training. His fire magic had become more controlled and powerful, and he was eager to test his newfound abilities. One morning, as I was tending to my chores, I overheard Cedric speaking with his father, Lord Darian.
"Father, I wish to go into the forest to hunt some beasts," Cedric said, his voice filled with determination. "I want to prove that my training has paid off and that I am capable of handling myself in the wild."
Lord Darian's cold eyes assessed his son. "Strength is the only thing that matters," he replied. "If you believe you are ready, then go. But the beasts in the forest are growing stronger. Take a few guards with you to ensure your safety."
Cedric nodded, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down."
As Cedric prepared for his expedition, he turned to me with a smirk. "Arin, you're coming with us. You'll carry my stuff and make yourself useful."
I couldn't believe my ears. Despite the demeaning nature of the task, this was my chance to leave the manor and experience the world beyond its walls. "Yes, Master Cedric," I replied, trying to hide my excitement.
After Cedric left, one of the servants approached Lord Darian with a concerned expression. "My lord, is it really safe for Master Cedric to go into the forest?"
Lord Darian's gaze remained cold and unwavering. "It will be great training for him. Strength is forged through adversity. He must learn to face challenges head-on."
That evening, as I finished my chores, I found myself standing at the edge of the forest, gazing into the dark, mysterious depths.