I could still hear the echoes of Finn's harsh words mingling with my own guilt—a constant reminder of the dangerous, unpredictable power that now burned inside me. The cool darkness of our refuge felt heavier than before, as if every shadow carried the weight of secrets I wasn't yet ready to face.
Lying on my cot, I stared up at the flickering light of an oil lamp, its uncertain glow casting trembling shapes on the walls. My thoughts drifted back to the mission—the moment when my power flared, when a burst of fire erupted from my fingertips—and I felt that unbidden surge of heat still pulsing beneath my skin.
Why me? I whispered into the quiet, questioning whether my loss, my grief, and the memory of Aldrick had unlocked this forbidden magic. Had my deep connection with him been the key? The thought both terrified and intrigued me.
I pressed my palm against my chest, as if trying to feel the truth of it. The sensation was both alien and achingly familiar—a lingering echo of the bond I once shared with him. I wondered if this power was meant to save us or if it would ultimately be my undoing.
As the first hints of dawn seeped into the hideout, I resolved that I could no longer remain in the dark about this mystery. Tomorrow, I would follow Elric deeper into the ancient lore that might finally explain the transfer of magic, hoping to understand why I was chosen—and how to control it before it consumed me entirely.
With that thought, I closed my eyes briefly, letting sleep overtake me as I braced for the coming day.
The first rays of light crept through the cracks in the hideout's makeshift curtains, casting long shadows across the room. I woke with a start, the remnants of my restless dreams fading as the reality of the situation settled in once again.
I lay there for a few moments, staring up at the low ceiling, listening to the soft sounds of the hideout waking up around me. There was an underlying hum in the air, something that felt different today—something I couldn't quite place. The flickering of the lantern, the rustle of fabric as someone moved in the next room—it all felt strangely distant.
Then, my mind snapped back to the mission. The fire. The magic. Aldrick's magic.
I swallowed hard, pushing down the unease that clawed at me. I had no answers yet, only more questions. Why had Aldrick's magic transferred to me? What did it mean? And why did it feel so… personal?
I could still feel the warmth of the fire inside me, the heat pulsing under my skin like it had been there all along, waiting for the right moment to awaken.
I had to know more. If magic could transfer, then what else was possible? Could I control this power, or would it control me?
I needed to speak to Elric.
Throwing off the covers, I quickly dressed and made my way through the small hideout, the cold stone floors sending a shiver up my spine as I walked. The others were already up, talking in low voices as they prepared for the day ahead. Cass, as usual, was the first to notice me.
"Morning, sunshine," he said with a grin, his usual playful tone a little softer than I was used to. He had an odd way of making light of things, and yet, his presence was strangely comforting.
"Morning," I replied quietly, trying to keep the weight of the conversation I needed to have from showing on my face. "Is Elric here?"
Cass nodded toward the far corner, where Elric was quietly reviewing some old scrolls and books. His calm presence was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that I still couldn't seem to shake.
I took a deep breath and walked over to him, trying to steady my nerves.
"Elric," I said softly, hesitating for a moment. "I need to talk to you about… about the magic."
His eyes, always so calm and steady, flickered with understanding. He set down the scroll he had been reading and gave me his full attention, his posture open and receptive.
"I'm glad you're here, Lyra," he said quietly. "It's time we talk about what's happening. But are you sure you're ready for it?"
I nodded, determination hardening my resolve. "I need to understand what happened. Why Aldrick's magic transferred to me. Why I have this power now. And how to control it before it controls me."
Elric studied me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine, as though weighing my readiness. Finally, he nodded.
"The transfer of magic, Lyra, is something that's both rare and powerful. It's not a simple thing, and it's not always clear why it happens. Magic, as you know, is a living force. It bonds to its user—choosing them, if you will. But sometimes, in moments of great emotional attachment, when one soul is deeply connected to another, the magic can transfer. It's not always the result of something physical, but something much deeper—grief, love, or loss."
He paused, letting his words settle between us before continuing. "It's also possible that the power you now carry could be denied. The bond doesn't always form, and when it does, it's unpredictable. Some users can control it easily, others struggle with it. And in rare cases, the power can consume them. I know you're frightened, Lyra, but this is something you can learn to wield. With time."
I felt a weight lift off my chest, though there was still so much left to understand. But at least I wasn't entirely alone in this.
"What do I need to do?" I asked, the urgency in my voice betraying my nerves.
Elric gave me a small, reassuring smile. "For now, we begin with the basics. Magic doesn't just come from within—it's intertwined with the world around us. To control it, you must first learn to listen to it, to understand its rhythm. Magic flows through everything—nature, the elements, the very air we breathe. And you, Lyra, have already begun to tap into it. But it's volatile. The fire that surged within you on the mission was a sign—one that you need to respect."
"I… I don't want to hurt anyone," I admitted, my voice shaking slightly. "What if I can't control it?"
"You will," Elric assured me. "You have a bond with it now, and that bond is strong. But it will take patience. We'll work together to help you understand it."
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Before I could say anything else, Cass approached, his usual cocky grin back on his face. "What's all this serious talk? You aren't going to combust again, are you?"
I shot him a quick glance, but his lighthearted teasing was exactly what I needed. He always had a way of cutting through the tension, even if it was just for a moment.
"No fire today," I said, forcing a smile. "But maybe I'll surprise you later."
Cass chuckled, giving me a playful nudge. "Looking forward to it."
As we all settled into the rhythm of the day, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. The magic was still a mystery, but I had people who believed in me. And I was beginning to believe in myself.