Blooming from the Ashes

Ch5: Ripples of Fear

In the stillness of the night, Elma stirs from her troubled slumber, her eyes fluttering open to the dim glow of candlelight.

We had all been consumed by worry during her unconscious hours, leaving Aiden unable to eat and me reluctantly taking in sustenance after Sister Margaret warned that I must eat since I was sick.

As the door swings open, we rush into Elma's room to find Sister Rosell seated beside her, engaged in earnest conversation with Father and the healer, Lee. Their faces bear expressions of concern and puzzlement as they discuss the cause of Elma's sudden collapse.

"It seems her body reacted to some kind of shock or trauma, causing her to faint in fear," Lee explains, his voice tinged with professional concern.

Father nods solemnly, expressing gratitude to Lee for his timely intervention.

"Thank you, Lee. Your expertise and the blessings of the Saintess have worked wonders for our children. Liliana's recent recovery from fever is a testament to that. And now, you've tended to Elma in her time of need." Sister Rosell says

Lee humbly accepts the thanks, his eyes reflecting a sense of duty and compassion. "It's my calling to care for the children to the best of my abilities," he responds.

"May her light guide you in your journey," Father says as Lee takes his leave.

"Now, will you three mind explaining what happened that frightened Elma?" Father asks

"We were simply by the lake, Father, and we were just talking among ourselves," I offer, trying to keep my voice steady amidst the tension.

Father's attention turns to Elma, his expression soft yet probing. "Elma, perhaps it's time you shared what you've been keeping from us," he prompts gently.

Elma's voice quivers as she speaks, "It is nothing."

"Do not lie, Elma," he says, his voice a bit stricter than before

Her eyes fixed on the floor in shame.

"I-I am sorry, it's just that I've been experiencing something strange lately. Whenever I touch someone, I see flashes of their thoughts or memories. I tried to understand why Liliana seemed troubled, but what I saw..." Her words trail off, choked by tears.

"Oh my goodness! The Saintess has truly bestowed her magic upon you, Elma!" Sister Rosell says, her voice filled with warmth and conviction,

Father's shock is palpable, his brow furrowing in deep contemplation as he absorbs the implications of Elma's revelation.

"Your gift is a rare and precious one, a testament to your connection with the divine." he says

Meanwhile, Aiden's expression shifts from confusion to curiosity, his eyes flickering with newfound understanding.

Whereas I was worried about what she must have seen in my memories.

"Looks like you have telepathic magic, Elma. Your powers are still developing. But you must keep it a secret, like Liliana." he further continues as suddenly all eyes turn to me

He exposed my magic, didn't he!

"W-Wait, Liliana has magic too?" Aiden asks, trying to adjust all this information into his head

Father nods solemnly, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, Aiden. Liliana has a unique gift as well, one that she has kept hidden for her own protection."

A sense of unease settles over me as I realize that my carefully guarded secret has been exposed, leaving me vulnerable and exposed in ways I never anticipated.

"Aiden, you must understand the gravity of this situation," Father continues, his tone grave yet compassionate. "The knowledge of magic must remain confined to those who can be trusted."

"But dear," Sister Rosell turns to Elma and asks gently, "What did you see in Liana's memories that brought you to this condition?"

Elma looks at me warily as she answers,

"All I saw was blood, and f-fire everywhere. There was a lot of smoke and I saw my-her skin melting and burning in it."