Chapter Six: The Flames Within
The courtyard shimmered with tension as Aeliana faced Eryndor. The morning sun cast faint golden rays on the runic circle beneath her feet, but she could feel the weight of the magic it held, a power designed to amplify and control. She had to master her own magic before it mastered her—and before Kaelion decided she wasn't worth the effort.
"Focus," Eryndor instructed, his tone sharper than usual. He stood a few feet away, his arms crossed, watching her every move. "Your power is there, Aeliana. Reach for it. Command it."
Aeliana closed her eyes, her fingers curling into fists as she searched for the ember within her. It flickered faintly, warm and inviting, but elusive. She gritted her teeth and pushed harder, willing it to come forth.
The magic responded, rushing through her veins like a wildfire. Her eyes flew open as tendrils of golden light danced around her hands, crackling with raw, untamed energy. It felt powerful, intoxicating—but also terrifying.
"Good," Eryndor said, stepping closer. "Now control it. Don't let it run wild."
Aeliana tried to focus, but the magic resisted her attempts to contain it. It surged and twisted, burning hotter until it felt like her skin might tear apart. She cried out, clutching her hands as the golden tendrils lashed out, striking the runes etched into the courtyard floor.
Eryndor moved swiftly, raising a barrier of shimmering light that absorbed the blast. "Stop fighting it," he barked. "You're treating it like an enemy. It's a part of you. Accept it!"
"I can't!" Aeliana gasped, her knees buckling as the magic threatened to overwhelm her. Her vision blurred, and she fell to the ground, the light around her fading into embers.
Eryndor knelt beside her, his expression unreadable. "You're holding back," he said quietly. "Why?"
Aeliana looked up at him, her chest heaving. "Because I'm afraid," she admitted, her voice trembling. "What if I lose control again? What if I hurt someone?"
Eryndor's gaze softened, but only slightly. "Fear is natural. But if you let it control you, you'll never master your power. You'll always be at its mercy."
She lowered her head, her hands trembling in her lap. "I don't want to become like him," she whispered.
Eryndor stiffened. "Like Kaelion?"
Aeliana nodded. "He uses his power to control, to destroy. I don't want to be like that."
Eryndor was silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Power itself isn't evil, Aeliana," he said finally. "It's how you use it that matters. The question is, what will you use yours for?"
A Test of Resolve
Later that day, Eryndor led her to a secluded part of the palace grounds—a forested area surrounded by high walls of shimmering stone. The air was cooler here, the dense trees casting long shadows over the mossy ground.
"You need more than control," Eryndor said as they stopped in a clearing. "You need resolve. Purpose. Power without direction is chaos."
"What are you planning?" Aeliana asked warily.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he whistled sharply, and a faint rustling sound came from the trees. A creature emerged from the shadows—a massive wolf with silvery fur and glowing blue eyes. Its movements were graceful yet predatory, its gaze fixed on Aeliana.
"This is a shadow wolf," Eryndor said. "A creature born of magic and instinct. It will test your control and your resolve."
Aeliana took a step back, her heart pounding. "You want me to fight it?"
"I want you to survive," Eryndor said, his tone firm. "This isn't just about magic. It's about proving to yourself that you're stronger than your fear."
The wolf snarled, its glowing eyes narrowing as it crouched, ready to pounce.
Aeliana's instincts screamed at her to run, but she forced herself to stand her ground. She could feel the ember of magic stirring within her, eager to respond, but she hesitated. What if she lost control again? What if she—
The wolf lunged.
Aeliana reacted on instinct, her hands shooting up as the golden tendrils of her magic flared to life. The light struck the wolf midair, sending it crashing to the ground with a yelp. It scrambled to its feet, shaking off the blow, and charged again.
This time, Aeliana didn't hesitate. She focused on the magic, willing it to obey her. The golden light wrapped around her hands, forming a glowing barrier just as the wolf's claws raked through the air. The impact sent her stumbling back, but she held her ground.
The wolf snarled, circling her, its movements slower now, more calculated. Aeliana's breathing was ragged, but she forced herself to stay calm. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, reaching for the ember of power within her. This time, she didn't try to suppress it. She embraced it.
When the wolf lunged again, she moved with it, her hands slicing through the air as her magic surged forward. The golden tendrils coiled around the wolf, holding it in place as it thrashed and growled. Aeliana's heart pounded, but she didn't falter.
"Enough," Eryndor said, his voice cutting through the tension.
The wolf stopped struggling, its glowing eyes dimming as it dissolved into mist. Aeliana stared at the space where it had been, her chest heaving as the golden light around her faded.
Eryndor stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You're stronger than you realize," he said. "But this is only the beginning."
Aeliana met his gaze, a flicker of determination igniting in her chest. "Then I'll keep going," she said. "I'll master this."
Eryndor nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Because you'll need every ounce of strength you can muster when you face Kaelion again."
The mention of the king sent a chill through her, but she pushed the fear aside. She would master her magic. She would grow stronger. And when the time came, she would show Kaelion that she was no one's pawn.
She was her own weapon—and she was ready to fight.