Saharabi: Awaken the Veil

Awakening

ADIL'S P.O.V

The tempo of my emotions struggled to find the rhythm within the dimly lit cabin as I watched Nia's chest rise and fall. I only hoped the ship's gentle rocking would surround her soothingly as she slept. I caressed her hair, the soft strands slipping through my fingers as I watched her sleep. Her face, usually so animated and full of life, was almost pale and still, her breathing shallow but steady.

How had I allowed myself to be overwhelmed by those things? I was supposed to be strong, to protect the people I cared about...to protect her. Yet, it was Nia who had saved me. I felt inept, useless...weak, undeserving of the air I was now breathing. Still, her power, the way it awakened left me in awe. She dazzled like sunlight coming out of the gloom. If I had to be saved a thousand times to see that, then I would. She was even more intoxicating when she exuded power.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. I turned to see Sekai and Zara entering the cabin, hand in hand, their faces reflecting their love. Though I was glad to see they had sorted out their issues, my heart ached with complex emotions—happiness for my friends, admiration for their courage, love, and the remnant of my shortcomings.

Nia stirred, her eyes fluttering open and focusing on me. A weak smile spread across her face. "Adil... you're okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. "Thanks to you, Nia. You saved my life."

I helped her sit up as gently as I could.

"We should talk," Sekai said, his voice laced with some urgency.

"Good thing I came back in time then," Siya chimed in from the cabin entrance. "Nini, you're up. Are you feeling okay?" Squeezing into the small room to hug Nia. "You and Zara looked so amazing with the floating and the glowing light... It was so beautiful." He said, reaching out to hold both their hands.

"Thank you, Siya. I feel fine now."

"And you'll only get better, Nia, with time and practice. It won't always tire you out," Zara assured her sister.

Nia nodded, acknowledging her sister's words. "I am curious about something, though... It seemed like they wanted Adil. Like it was all strategic, the way they occupied us and suddenly rushed for him"

"That is what I wanted to talk about," Sekai said, drawing our attention once again.

He shut the door, and we all settled in around the cabin to listen to him. I hadn't noticed that there were too many plagueriders on me until I was overwhelmed.

"The plagueriders targeted Adil because of his strong aura," Sekai began, his voice calm yet serious. "Marzathor and his creatures are drawn to powerful energies, particularly those that are close to fire energy. Fire acts as a catalyst for their dark magic. If you're not careful it consumes, destroys, and leaves behind nothing but ash. Marzathor uses this as a foundation to spread his pestilence and decay."

He paused, glancing at me. "While Adil isn't a fire user, there was a moment when his energy resonated with a similar intensity. That made him a prime target."

"It was the moment that thing rushed towards Nia when her back was turned," Zara interjected. "He lost his cool but he also used his gift."

"So was it my emotions or power that increased my aura?" I asked, confused.

"Both. Magic is also linked to our emotions. It's a tricky thing, your emotions can either amplify your talents or condense them, just like magic."

Sekai's words made things clearer. "When I saw that plaguerider go after Nia, my body felt different, it was heavy and tense. I felt my blood sizzle underneath my flesh and the heat emanated around me like I was an open flame. But..."