Emma stared at the burning logs, the flames crackling as they consumed the wood. Her breath came in short gasps, her palm still tingling from the energy she had just unleashed. She had done it—controlled the fire, shaped it with her will.
But it wasn't enough.
"You're slowing down," Rahi muttered, stepping forward and kicking a small pile of dirt over the flames, extinguishing them. His silver eyes flickered toward her. "Again."
Emma wiped the sweat from her brow. "I just set those on fire!"
"And in a real fight, you would've been dead before you did."
Her jaw clenched. "You could try giving a little encouragement."
Rahi smirked. "Where's the fun in that?"
Emma groaned. She had been training with him for hours, her body aching from repeated failures. She had summoned fire, but she still couldn't make it move fast enough, strong enough. Every time she hesitated, the flames would weaken.
"You're thinking too much," Rahi said. "You hesitate because you're afraid of losing control."
Emma frowned. "Isn't that a good thing? I don't want to burn down a forest!"
"Control isn't about fear," Rahi said, stepping closer. His voice was softer now, almost… patient. "It's about trust. Trust in yourself, trust in your power."
Emma exhaled sharply. She had always been cautious, always second-guessing every decision. But if she kept doubting herself, she would never master the stones.
She looked down at the Ruby Stone in her palm. The swirling red light pulsed faintly, almost as if it was waiting for her.
Could she really do this?
Before she could dwell on the thought, a sudden whispering sound filled the air. Emma tensed. The wind had shifted, bringing with it a heavy, unnatural silence.
Rahi's expression hardened. "We have company."
Emma's stomach twisted. "The Eclipse King's soldiers?"
Rahi didn't answer immediately. He took a step forward, eyes scanning the darkened trees. His fingers twitched slightly, ready to draw his weapon. "Not soldiers," he murmured. "Something worse."
A low growl echoed from the shadows.
Emma's heart pounded as she turned toward the sound. Then, emerging from the mist, a creature stepped into view.
It was massive, its body covered in sleek, black fur that shimmered unnaturally in the dim light. Its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Emma, and a deep snarl rumbled from its throat. The beast was wolf-like, but something about it felt… wrong.
Emma instinctively took a step back. "What is that?"
"A Shadow Hound," Rahi muttered, his voice grim. "A tracker. They're sent to hunt down specific targets."
Emma swallowed hard. "You mean… it's here for me?"
The Shadow Hound lunged.
Emma barely had time to react. She dove to the side, rolling across the ground as the creature's massive claws slashed through the air where she had just been standing.
"Rahi—!"
"Focus!" Rahi called, already moving. He grabbed a dagger from his belt and threw it, the blade spinning through the air before embedding itself in the creature's side. The Shadow Hound snarled but barely flinched.
It turned its glowing eyes back to Emma.
Her heart raced. She had to fight.
She grabbed the Ruby Stone, feeling the heat rush through her veins. She clenched her fist and willed the flames to appear.
Nothing happened.
Panic crept into her chest. Why wasn't it working?
The Shadow Hound lunged again.
Emma barely dodged, the creature's claws grazing her arm. She winced, feeling blood trickle down her skin.
"Emma!" Rahi shouted. "Stop hesitating!"
She wasn't hesitating—was she?
No. That wasn't it. She was doubting.
Doubting herself. Doubting the stones.
She squeezed the Ruby Stone tighter. Trust.
The moment the word crossed her mind, the fire ignited.
A burst of flames erupted from her hand, crackling and surging toward the Shadow Hound. The creature let out a pained howl, stumbling backward as the fire engulfed its fur.
Emma didn't stop. She thrust her hand forward, sending a wave of fire toward the beast. The flames struck with force, searing through the creature's dark form.
The Shadow Hound let out one final, agonized snarl before vanishing into black smoke.
Silence fell.
Emma stood there, chest heaving, staring at the ash-covered ground where the creature had been. She had done it. She had controlled the fire, and she had won.
Rahi walked up beside her, arms crossed. "Took you long enough."
Emma turned to glare at him, but she saw something unexpected in his expression—approval.
She smirked. "Admit it. You're impressed."
Rahi chuckled. "A little. But next time, try not to almost die first."
Emma exhaled, exhaustion settling into her bones. The stones were powerful, but they came with a cost. Every time she used them, she felt the energy draining from her body.
She looked at Rahi. "What was that thing?"
"A warning," he said simply. "The Eclipse King knows where you are."
Emma's stomach dropped. That meant more were coming.
More enemies. More danger.
She clenched her fists. She wouldn't run anymore. If they wanted the stones, they would have to fight for them.
And this time, she was ready.