Crimson Veil (Book I)

A New Path

Elena spent hours reading the ancient book Selene had given her, the strange symbols and cryptic passages slowly started to make sense. It was like a door opening in her mind, connecting her to the magic in ways she had never experienced before. The words on the page seemed to speak directly to her, the power within them sparking something deep inside.

She looked up from the book to find Selene watching her closely. "How does it feel?"

Elena blinked, still adjusting to the rush of energy she felt. "Different. It's like the magic in me is... calmer. More focused. This book is showing me how to guide it, not just control it."

Selene nodded approvingly. "That's the key. Magic isn't about suppressing power or letting it run wild. It's about balance—knowing when to hold back and when to unleash it."

Elena leaned back, taking a deep breath. "Lucien never explained it like this. He made it sound like I had to keep everything locked away or it would destroy me."

Selene's eyes softened. "Lucien's been shaped by fear. His family has long believed that uncontrolled magic leads to chaos, and he was raised to believe that control is the only way to survive."

"And Dante?" Elena asked, raising an eyebrow.

Selene's smile turned wry. "Dante represents the other extreme. He's reckless, driven by the thrill of power without understanding its consequences. He wants you to embrace your magic, but without any regard for what it might cost you."

Elena sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's always been those two—pushing me in different directions. I've spent so much time trying to decide between them that I didn't stop to think about what I actually want."

Selene crossed her arms, leaning against the table. "That's why you're here. The decision is yours, Elena. You don't have to choose between control and chaos. You can forge your own path."

Elena met Selene's gaze, determination flaring inside her. "I want to learn how to use my power without being afraid of it. But I also don't want to lose myself in it. I need balance."

Selene smiled warmly. "Then that's what we'll work on."

Before Elena could respond, the door burst open, and Lucien stormed in, his face tight with anger. "What's going on here? I've been looking for you."

Elena shot up from her seat, startled. "Lucien, what are you doing here?"

Lucien's eyes flicked between her and Selene, suspicion darkening his expression. "I felt something—your magic. It's different. What did she do?"

Selene stayed calm, her voice steady. "I didn't do anything. Elena's discovering her own power, on her own terms."

Lucien's jaw tightened, and he stepped closer to Elena, his voice low. "You're messing with something you don't understand, Elena. This magic is dangerous."

Elena squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze. "It's dangerous because no one's ever shown me how to truly use it. I've been kept in the dark, and I'm done with that. Selene is helping me understand what I'm capable of."

Lucien shook his head, his eyes full of worry. "She's filling your head with lies. You don't need ancient texts or hidden orders to learn control. You need to trust me."

Elena frowned, her frustration bubbling up. "Trust you? You've been hiding things from me since the beginning. I had to find out about the prophecy from you and Dante, both keeping parts of it from me."

"I was trying to protect you!" Lucien snapped, his voice rising. "You're not ready for this kind of power."

Selene stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "She's more ready than you think, Lucien. She's not a child who needs protection. She's a woman with more magic in her than anyone in centuries, and it's time she learns to use it."

Lucien glared at Selene, his voice tight with anger. "And what's your role in all this? You just show up, out of nowhere, and start feeding her ideas about how to use her magic? You don't care about her. You're just like Dante—using her for your own purposes."

Elena felt the tension rising, but she wasn't going to let them pull her into another argument. "Stop," she said firmly, stepping between them. "I'm not a pawn in some game between all of you. This is my decision, and I'm choosing to learn more about my power—on my terms."

Lucien looked at her, his eyes full of hurt. "You're going to get hurt, Elena. You don't know what's at stake here."

Elena softened slightly, reaching out to him. "Lucien, I know you're trying to protect me, but I have to do this. I can't keep hiding from my magic, and I can't keep letting you and Dante push me in opposite directions."

Lucien looked down at her hand, his jaw clenched. "And what about us?"

Elena's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. "I don't know yet. I care about you, Lucien, but I need to figure out who I am before I can think about anything else."

Lucien pulled away, frustration clear on his face. "And Dante? He's still in your head, isn't he?"

Elena sighed, shaking her head. "Dante wants power. He sees me as a way to get that. But I'm not choosing him either. I'm choosing myself."

Lucien's shoulders sagged slightly, his anger fading into resignation. "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," Elena said softly. "But I need space to figure this out. I can't do that with you and Dante constantly fighting over me."

Selene cleared her throat, reminding them both of her presence. "Lucien, Elena needs to discover her own power. You've spent so long trying to shield her from the dangers of magic that you've forgotten she's capable of protecting herself."

Lucien shot her a glare, but he didn't argue. Instead, he turned back to Elena, his eyes full of emotion. "If you need space, I'll give it to you. But don't shut me out completely."

Elena nodded, her heart heavy. "I won't."

Lucien glanced at Selene one last time, then turned and walked out of the room, the door closing softly behind him.

Elena let out a long breath, her emotions swirling inside her. She felt a mixture of relief and sadness, but also a strange sense of freedom. She had taken the first step toward claiming her power, but it had come at a cost.

"Are you alright?" Selene asked, her voice gentle.

Elena nodded, though her voice was shaky. "Yeah. I just... I didn't expect that to be so hard."

Selene smiled softly. "Making your own choices is never easy. But you're stronger for it."

Elena glanced down at the ancient book still lying open on the table. "What do we do next?"

Selene's eyes gleamed with determination. "Now, we learn. Your magic is evolving, and you need to evolve with it. We'll unlock its full potential, but in a way that allows you to stay true to yourself."

Elena took a deep breath, the weight of what lay ahead settling over her. "I'm ready."

Selene smiled, a warm, encouraging smile. "Good. Let's begin."