Morning came slowly.
The forest was quiet, covered in soft mist. Birds began to sing as light touched the trees. Mira opened her eyes, wrapped in her shawl beside the fire. Kael was already awake, sitting by the river.
She stood up and stretched, her hair glowing gold in the sunlight. Her eyes still held sadness, but they also held something new — focus.
"Come," Kael said, rising. "Today, you begin."
They walked to a small clearing, wide and open, with tall grass and a circle of stones. Kael stopped in the center.
"You must understand something," he said. "This power is not magic. It is part of you — like your hands, your voice, your heart."
Mira listened closely.
"The wind is alive," Kael continued. "It listens. It speaks. But only to those who respect it."
Mira nodded.
Kael lifted his hand, palm open. A breeze moved through the trees — slow at first, then faster. It circled him gently, then stopped.
"You try," he said, stepping back.
Mira took a deep breath. She closed her eyes. The forest became quiet again.
She thought of her father.
Of his voice.
Of the night the wind called her name.
Then, she lifted her hand… and waited.
At first, nothing happened.
But then — a soft breeze brushed her fingers. Her hair lifted. The grass swayed. It was small, but it was there.
Kael smiled. "Good."
Mira opened her eyes and gasped. "I felt it."
"You called it," he said. "And it answered."
Her heart beat faster. She tried again — this time, with both hands. The breeze returned, a little stronger, spinning the leaves around her feet. They danced like they knew her.
Mira laughed softly — the first real laugh in a long time.
She was beautiful in that moment — not just in her face, but in the way she stood, proud and alive, like a storm waiting to rise.
Kael watched her carefully. "You learn fast. But there is more. Power will grow — and so will danger."
Mira's smile faded. She nodded. "I'm ready."
Kael stepped closer. "One more thing, Mira. Your father's gift is rare. And you're not the only one who wants it."
Mira looked at him. "You mean Gorn?"
Kael's face grew dark. "Gorn… and others. You must be careful. You must grow stronger than them all."
Mira looked at her hands again. They no longer looked weak.
The wind moved through the trees — soft, strong, and sure.
So was she.