Beyond the Stars

Chapter 5: Caspian

"It's hard being in your group, Alon," Blessica groaned as we walked across the training grounds. "How can you master bending all the elements? It's already impossible to master one — and you're expected to study all of them?"

Alon only shrugged, his usual calm confidence on display. "Freshman year is general bending. They don't expect us to master anything yet. Sophomore year, we choose the element we want to specialize in. Then junior and senior years, we focus on the details. That's when the real training begins."

Blessica hummed in thought, nodding as though that made sense.

I hesitated before blurting out my own question. "Is there a chance we... couldn't use our powers?"

The three of them stopped to look at me, puzzled. "What do you mean?" Danilo asked.

"I mean..." I fiddled with my fingers. "What if the power just doesn't come? Like it disappears, or it doesn't work when you need it?"

Their faces softened with understanding.

"It can happen," Blessica admitted. "When you're panicked, or too exhausted, sometimes it's hard to channel energy. Our gifts come from the body and spirit. If one is too weak, the other suffers."

Alon added, "That's why stamina is important. A clear mind, steady breathing, a rested body. The powers are still there, but they respond best when you're balanced."

I nodded, though my stomach twisted. That explained why my powers failed me that night in Caspian. I'd been exhausted and terrified. Still, the memory of those boys' words made me shiver.

Blessica's eyes narrowed at me. "What's up with you? You've been... different since that night we went out. We shouldn't have left you alone."

"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile. I wasn't fine. My heart was still knotted with confusion, with fear, with questions no one could answer.

*Flashback*

"In fact, Therondians are the enemies of us Caspians," the boy had said.

The words rang in my ears even now.

I remembered how they'd narrowed their eyes at me, suspicion flickering as they drew closer. Weapons hung at their sides, and my throat tightened. They know. They'll kill me.

"You're not from here, are you?" the taller one asked.

I froze.

"Wait... are you a visitor?"

I could only nod. Technically, I was. A stranger in their world, lost and out of place.

They exchanged a look before lowering their weapons. "That explains it," the first boy said. "If you don't know where you are, then you must be new. Just... be careful. There are bad people out here." His voice shifted, sharper now, as if implying something. Therondians.

I didn't breathe until they turned to leave.

Then, cutting through the stillness, I heard my name. My real name. Angeline! Blessica's voice rang out, calling across the night.

Relief flooded me. I tried my power again — and this time, the portal opened. My body lurched forward, and I tumbled back into Therondia.

Blessica was there, waiting, her face white with fear and anger. She didn't even let me speak before scolding me like a furious older sister. "Do you want to die wandering alone?! You scared us!"

I thought of my mother and almost laughed bitterly. I escaped her constant lectures, only to find another girl eager to take her place. Still, I let myself be dragged back to our room. Exhaustion crushed me, and before I could even process what happened, sleep claimed me.