Emma woke to the scent of damp wood and burning embers. The room was dimly lit, the fireplace casting a soft orange glow across the wooden walls. For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then, it all came rushing back—the attack, the chase, the blinding light of the stones, and… Rahi.
She turned her head and found him sitting near the fire, sharpening a dagger. His silver eyes flickered toward her briefly before returning to his work.
"You're awake," he said casually.
Emma sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I barely slept."
"Good," Rahi muttered, standing up. "Then you're ready to start training."
Emma scowled. "What if I said no?"
"Then you'll die the next time they come for you."
The bluntness of his words sent a chill through her, but she knew he was right. She wasn't strong enough. Not yet. If she wanted to protect the stones—if she wanted to survive—she had to learn how to fight.
Emma sighed. "Fine. Where do we start?"
Rahi tossed his dagger onto the table and gestured for her to follow. He led her outside, where the early morning mist still clung to the trees. The clearing around the cabin was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.
"Your stones," Rahi said, turning to face her. "They saved you before. You need to understand why."
Emma pulled the pouch from her belt and untied the knot. The five stones tumbled into her palm, each one glowing faintly—ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green, golden topaz, and deep amethyst.
She still didn't understand their full power. But when she had grabbed the Ruby Stone back in the forest, flames had erupted from her hands. She hadn't thought—she had just reacted.
"Pick one," Rahi instructed.
Emma hesitated before closing her fingers around the Ruby Stone. The moment her skin touched it, a wave of warmth rushed through her, like embers stirring beneath her skin.
"Fire," Rahi said, watching her closely. "That one responds to instinct. It's dangerous. Uncontrolled. And if you're not careful, it will burn you from the inside out."
Emma swallowed hard. "How do I control it?"
Rahi smirked. "Figure it out."
She glared at him. "That's not helpful."
"Neither is dying because you panicked in battle." Rahi stepped back, crossing his arms. "Try to summon the fire again. Without the fear."
Emma inhaled sharply and focused on the warmth spreading through her palm. Last time, the flames had appeared in desperation—when she had needed them. Could she call them now, just by will alone?
She closed her eyes and imagined fire—a flickering candle, a roaring blaze, heat dancing at her fingertips.
A spark flared in her palm.
Emma's eyes snapped open. A small flame flickered in her hand, hovering just above her skin. It didn't burn, but she could feel its warmth, its energy waiting to be shaped.
Her heart raced. She had done it.
Rahi tilted his head. "Not bad. Now hold it."
She focused, trying to keep the flame steady. But as soon as doubt crept into her mind, the fire flickered—then vanished.
Emma groaned. "Why did it disappear?"
"Because you hesitated," Rahi said simply. "The moment you start doubting yourself, the stone stops responding."
Emma clenched her jaw. She hated being bad at things. "So what do I do?"
Rahi stepped forward. "Try again. And this time, own the power."
Emma exhaled and closed her fingers around the stone again. This time, she refused to doubt herself. She was not weak. She was not afraid.
A burst of flame erupted in her palm. It was larger this time, swirling like a living thing. It didn't just flicker—it obeyed.
Rahi nodded. "Good. Now let's see if you can aim it."
Emma frowned. "Aim?"
He stepped back and gestured toward a stack of wooden logs placed in a line. "Hit those."
Emma hesitated. She had barely figured out how to summon the flames—now he wanted her to throw them?
But she wouldn't back down.
She extended her hand, concentrating on the energy in her palm. She imagined the flames moving—not just sitting there, but flying forward.
The fire leaped from her hand, but instead of hitting the logs, it fizzled out halfway.
Rahi sighed. "Weak."
Emma glared at him. "I just started!"
"And the Eclipse King's men won't wait for you to finish learning." He crossed his arms. "Again."
Frustration burned inside her. Why was he pushing her so hard?
Gritting her teeth, she raised her hand again. She could feel the fire, feel its power. This time, she wouldn't let it slip away.
She thrust her arm forward, and a small fireball shot through the air, smashing into the logs.
The wood burst into flames.
Emma gasped, staring at what she had done. She had actually controlled it.
Rahi smirked. "Not bad, Princess."
Emma exhaled, feeling exhaustion creep in. But despite the sweat on her brow, despite the ache in her body…
She smiled.
For the first time, she felt strong.