I am Prince's pampered wife

Chapter 36

Days melded into each other, the sun dipping and rising in a slow, inevitable cycle. Pari's frustration mounted with each futile attempt at magic.

Just then, she noticed the old man.

She sighed, exasperated. "Fine. Teach me," she said, her tone resigned yet defiant. I have nothing to lose.

The old man smirked, a glint of amusement in his eye. "Sure."

He led her to a winding river, its waters sparkling like diamonds under the sun. "Step in and dip yourself completely," he instructed. "Then concentrate on the middle part of your forehead."

"Am I supposed to drown?" she shot back, crossing her arms defiantly.

He shook his head. "No. After some time, you can breathe underwater. It's all about focus."

Pari nodded and waded into the cool water and submerged herself entirely. Concentrate, concentrate, she reminded herself with each heartbeat echoing in her ears. She focused all her energy on the area he'd pointed out.

As time stretched on, a strange sensation began to wash over her, a mix of warmth and pressure. Is this how it feels to be magic? she wondered, but then life-giving air became elusive. Panic bubbled up inside her, yet she battled against it, determined to stay down.

Suddenly, a figure broke through the surface—the old man! He looked distraught, fear etched on his features as he dipped his face into the water, searching for her.

When he found her, his eyes widened in disbelief. How is she... he thought, astonished. She's breathing underwater!

Pari lifted her head out of the water, gasping for air, her heart racing with revelation and exhilaration. "Did you really teach me that?" she breathed, disbelief echoing in her voice.

"You can do so much more," he replied, watching her with newfound respect. "Now, are you ready to learn?"

"Teach me," she insisted, stepping closer, determined to seize this opportunity.

The old man regarded her carefully, his expression enigmatic. "Call me 'master' again."

"Master, teach me everything within two months," she declared boldly, surprising even herself.

His eyebrows shot up in intrigue. "Two months? But it will take tremendous effort... a lot of effort," he warned, a sly smile curving his lips.

Pari narrowed her eyes, her apprehension brewing. This old man looks kind of... sinister, but she swallowed her doubts. "Yes. Just teach me!"

From that day onwards, the training commenced in earnest. The old man pushed her beyond her limits. Every morning began with a relentless run through the maze of trees, her breath hitching in her chest as she struggled to keep up. Every night, she faced the river again, plunging into its icy depths as he watched with keen eyes.

Slowly yet surely, her powers ignited. She learned to summon fireballs, their warmth crackling in her palms. He taught her to listen to the forest, to feel the vibrations of the earth, so she could sense when danger approached.

Lily has to work hard for food . These two creatures eat a lot so she has to make extra food for them .

As the days merged into a blur of effort and endurance, the bond between them grew, yet so did the veil of mystery surrounding the old man. What secrets does he keep hidden? Pari pondered, glancing at him from time to time but never daring to ask.

Finally, as their training reached its climax, he ensnared her within a colossal block of ice. "Focus entirely on your body," he instructed. "Only through unwavering focus can you break free."