The first light of dawn spilled over the treetops, painting the forest in soft gold. Lyra sat on a fallen log, staring at the crystal in her hands. Its glow had dimmed since last night, but the warmth it radiated made her feel less alone. She still didn't fully understand what had happened—or what she had become.
Adrian stirred a few feet away, sharpening his sword with quiet precision. His movements were methodical, almost meditative, but Lyra could sense the tension beneath. Every so often, he glanced toward the shadows beyond the clearing, as if expecting the darkness to leap out at them at any moment.
"Why did it… follow me?" Lyra finally asked, breaking the silence. Her voice trembled, betraying her fear.
Adrian paused and looked at her, his eyes, partially hidden beneath the hood, serious. "That was no ordinary creature," he said. "It was sent to test you—or perhaps to weaken you before others arrive. The darkness knows you exist. They have been waiting, watching for a long time."
Lyra hugged the crystal to her chest. "But why me? I'm just… me. I don't even know magic. I can barely even walk through a forest without tripping over roots."
Adrian's expression softened ever so slightly. "You underestimate yourself. Magic in Eldoria is not something you learn from books. It is a living force, and it has chosen you. That crystal recognizes your bloodline. Your magic is ancient and powerful, but volatile. If you can't control it, it can be dangerous—to yourself and others."
Lyra's pulse quickened. Control it…? How am I supposed to do that?
Adrian sheathed his sword and gestured toward a small clearing further in the forest. "We will begin your training here. You need to understand the basics before we move toward the kingdom. If you are to survive, you must awaken your powers and learn to harness them."
The clearing was circular, surrounded by towering trees whose trunks were engraved with faint, glowing runes. Adrian knelt in the center, tracing symbols on the ground with his sword. "These runes amplify magical energy," he explained. "They will help you focus."
Lyra stepped hesitantly into the circle. Her eyes scanned the carvings. Strange symbols seemed to shift beneath her gaze, glowing faintly in response to the crystal she held. A shiver ran down her spine.
"Close your eyes," Adrian instructed. "Focus on the crystal, and feel the energy within you. Do not think, do not doubt. Let it flow."
Lyra did as he said, though her mind was screaming with fear. She closed her eyes, pressing the crystal against her chest. The warmth spread through her body like liquid fire. She felt a tingle in her fingertips, then a vibration in her chest.
Suddenly, the clearing erupted in light. Blue energy spiraled from the crystal, encircling Lyra and drawing intricate patterns in the air. She gasped, nearly dropping the crystal, but it floated gently in her grasp as if guided by invisible hands.
Adrian's voice broke through the dazzling glow. "Good. Now, focus that energy outward. Imagine a thread connecting you to the world. Let it extend."
Lyra willed herself to do it. Slowly, a thin strand of light extended from her fingertips, weaving through the trees. Leaves rustled, birds scattered, and the air hummed with power. She opened her eyes in awe.
"I… I did it," she whispered.
"Yes," Adrian said, his tone approving but serious. "But this is only the beginning. Controlling power is different from summoning it. You must practice, or the darkness will exploit your weaknesses."
Before Lyra could respond, a shadow flickered at the edge of the clearing. She turned sharply. Two figures emerged—cloaked and silent, moving like wraiths. Her heart pounded.
"Enemies?" she asked, fear edging her voice.
Adrian's hand went to his sword instantly. "Yes. They are scouts. They may not attack yet, but they are here to observe… and report. If they see weakness, the darkness will come for you in full force."
Lyra gritted her teeth. Then I won't give them a weakness. I won't be afraid.
Adrian nodded at her determination. "Good. That resolve is as important as magic. Remember, fear is a weapon against you, but courage… courage can become your shield."
For the rest of the day, Adrian taught Lyra to manipulate the crystal's energy, focusing on simple movements—sending a beam of light, creating protective shields, and sensing magical currents in the air. It was exhausting, both physically and mentally, but Lyra felt a spark of confidence.
By evening, the forest was quiet, and Lyra sat against a tree, the crystal dim and cool in her hands. She was covered in sweat and dirt, her muscles aching, but a strange sense of satisfaction filled her.
"You've done well today," Adrian said, handing her a waterskin. "Tomorrow, we begin learning combat. Magic alone is not enough. The darkness won't wait for you to be ready."
Lyra sipped water, staring at the last rays of the sun filtering through the trees. I can do this. I have to do this. For the kingdom, for my family… for myself.
As night fell, she heard the forest stir again—quiet whispers riding the wind, carrying promises of danger and secrets yet to be revealed. She shivered, but this time, it wasn't just fear. It was excitement. Her journey had begun, and the girl from Ashvale was slowly becoming something more—a force to be reckoned with.
Outside the circle, in the darkness, a pair of glowing eyes watched. A soft hiss escaped the shadowed figure, unheard by Lyra or Adrian.
"Soon… the heir will face her first true test."