The forest was alive with magic.
Luna could feel it in the air, a subtle hum that resonated deep within her chest. The trees seemed to lean closer as she walked, their leaves whispering secrets she couldn't quite understand. Kael led the way, his movements sure and steady, while Luna followed a few steps behind, her fingers brushing against the pendant hidden beneath her shirt.
They had left the village at dawn, Elara's worried gaze lingering on them until they disappeared into the trees. Luna had wanted to ask her grandmother more about the Moon Priestess, about her parents, but there hadn't been time. Kael had insisted they leave immediately, his urgency leaving no room for argument.
"Where are we going?" Luna asked, breaking the silence.
"Somewhere safe," Kael replied without looking back. "You need to learn to control your magic, and we can't do that in the village. Not with the Bloodfang Pack watching."
Luna frowned. "How do you know they're watching?"
Kael stopped abruptly and turned to face her. His eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, a reminder of the power he carried. "Because I've been tracking them. They've been circling the village for days, waiting for you to make a mistake."
A chill ran down Luna's spine. "What kind of mistake?"
"Leaving the village. Using the pendant. Anything that would lead them to you." Kael's voice was low, his tone serious. "You're not just a target, Luna. You're the key to everything they want."
Luna swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the pendant. "Then why are we out here? Shouldn't we be hiding?"
"Hiding won't save you," Kael said, his gaze piercing. "The only way to protect yourself—and everyone else—is to embrace your magic. To become stronger than they are."
Luna wanted to argue, to tell him she wasn't ready for this, but the determination in his eyes silenced her. She nodded, and Kael turned back to the path, leading her deeper into the forest.
They walked for what felt like hours, the trees growing thicker and the air cooler. Finally, they reached a small clearing bathed in golden sunlight. In the center stood a circle of stones, their surfaces smooth and worn with age.
"This is a sacred place," Kael said, stepping into the circle. "The magic here is strong. It will help you focus."
Luna hesitated at the edge of the circle, her heart pounding. "What do I do?"
"Close your eyes," Kael instructed, his voice calm but firm. "Focus on the pendant. Feel its energy, and let it guide you."
Luna took a deep breath and stepped into the circle. The moment her feet touched the ground, a surge of energy shot through her, making her gasp. She closed her eyes, her fingers clutching the pendant as she tried to steady herself.
At first, there was only darkness. But then, slowly, she began to feel it—the warmth of the pendant, the hum of the magic around her. It was like a thread, delicate but strong, connecting her to something vast and ancient.
"Good," Kael said, his voice soft but steady. "Now, reach for it. Let it flow through you."
Luna focused on the thread, willing it to grow stronger. The warmth spread through her chest, down her arms, and into her fingertips. She opened her eyes and gasped.
Her hands were glowing, a soft silver light radiating from her skin. The air around her shimmered, and the stones in the circle began to hum in response.
"I'm doing it," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
"Yes," Kael said, a hint of pride in his tone. "But this is just the beginning. Magic isn't just about power—it's about control."
As if to prove his point, the light around her hands flickered, then flared brightly, sending a shockwave through the clearing. Luna stumbled back, the light fading as she lost her focus.
"I can't—" she started, but Kael cut her off.
"You can," he said, stepping closer. "But you need to trust yourself. The magic is a part of you, Luna. It's not something to fear."
Luna looked up at him, her breath coming in short gasps. "What if I can't control it? What if I hurt someone?"
Kael's expression softened, and for a moment, he looked almost human. "You won't. Not if you remember why you're doing this. Magic isn't just about power—it's about purpose. And yours is to protect."
Luna nodded, her resolve strengthening. She closed her eyes again, focusing on the warmth of the pendant and the hum of the magic around her. This time, when the light returned, it was steady and controlled, pulsing gently in time with her heartbeat.
Kael watched her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Good. Now, let's see what you can really do."