Crimson Veil (Book I)

Awakening the Power

Elena stood in the centre of the sanctuary, the ancient book resting on a pedestal before her. The glowing runes that covered the walls seemed to pulse with energy, and she could feel the air humming with magic. Selene stood beside her, calm and composed as always, guiding her through this next crucial step.

"Today, we're going to start with something deeper," Selene said, her voice steady. "You've already begun to understand your power, but now it's time to awaken the core of it."

Elena glanced at her, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "The core of it? You make it sound like I've only scratched the surface."

"You have," Selene replied, meeting her gaze. "Your magic is ancient, older than the families that have fought to control it. What you've been using so far is only a fraction of what's inside you. The core is where the true potential lies. But to reach it, you need to be open—completely."

Elena took a deep breath, her mind racing. "And what does that mean exactly? Open to what?"

"Open to yourself," Selene said softly. "To your fears, your desires, everything you've kept hidden. Magic flows freely when there's no resistance, no barriers. Right now, you're holding back."

Elena frowned. "I thought I wasn't supposed to just let it all out—that I needed balance."

Selene nodded. "Balance doesn't mean restraint. It means understanding when to let go and when to hold on. You've been focused on control because that's what you've been taught. But now, I'm asking you to trust your instincts."

Elena hesitated, feeling the weight of Selene's words. "I'm still afraid of what might happen if I let go."

Selene stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. "That fear is what's holding you back. You have to face it, Elena. Let it be part of your magic, not something that limits you."

Elena stared at the book in front of her, feeling the pull of its ancient power. The fear she had been carrying for so long—the fear of losing control, of hurting the people she cared about—was still there, but now it was mingled with something else. Curiosity. Desire. A hunger to know what she was truly capable of.

"I'll try," Elena said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Selene smiled, nodding in approval. "Good. Start by closing your eyes and focusing on the magic inside you. Don't force it, just let it rise."

Elena took a deep breath and closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the familiar warmth of her magic. It stirred immediately, a gentle current at first, but as she relaxed into it, the power began to grow, spreading through her veins like fire. It was stronger than before, more vibrant, and she could feel it pushing against the edges of her control.

"That's it," Selene's voice was calm, guiding her through it. "Now, go deeper. Let the magic reach every part of you. Don't fight it."

Elena's heart raced as the magic surged higher, filling her with a wild energy that made her pulse quicken. For a moment, panic threatened to break through, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the flow of power. It felt alive, like a force of nature, and it was growing stronger with each passing second.

"I can feel it," Elena whispered, her voice shaking with the intensity of the magic coursing through her. "It's... overwhelming."

"That's normal," Selene reassured her. "You've spent so long holding it back. Now, let it fill you. Trust yourself."

Elena took another deep breath, letting the magic rise further, until it felt like it was spilling over the edges of her mind. Her entire body tingled with the sensation, and the room around her seemed to blur. It was as if she was standing on the edge of something vast and endless, the raw potential of her power just out of reach.

But there was still a part of her that was afraid—afraid of what might happen if she let go completely. Afraid of what she might become.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice trembling.

"I know," Selene said softly, stepping closer. "But fear is part of the journey. It's not something to run from, but something to embrace. You have the strength to face it, Elena. You just have to trust yourself."

Elena clenched her fists, the magic inside her pulsing like a storm. She could feel the edges of her fear, the doubts she had carried for so long. But beneath that fear was something more—something powerful and undeniable.

With a deep breath, she made the decision. She let go.

The magic exploded through her, a wave of raw energy that shook the air around her. Elena gasped as the power surged, lifting her off the ground. She could feel it flooding her senses, her mind spinning with the sheer intensity of it. It was wild, untamed, and more powerful than anything she had ever felt before.

But she wasn't afraid anymore.

She opened her eyes, and the room was ablaze with light. The runes on the walls glowed brighter than ever, and the air crackled with energy. Elena's body pulsed with magic, her senses heightened, and for the first time, she felt truly alive.

"I did it," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Selene's smile was radiant. "Yes, you did."

Elena looked down at her hands, watching the magic flicker like fire around her fingertips. She had never felt so connected to her power, so in control even as she let it flow freely. It was exhilarating, and yet there was a calmness to it, a sense of balance she hadn't expected.

"It's not just power," Elena said softly, her eyes wide with realization. "It's... me."

Selene nodded, her voice full of pride. "Your magic is a part of you. It always has been. You're not separate from it, Elena. You are the magic."

Elena's heart swelled as she took in the truth of Selene's words. She had spent so long fearing her power, seeing it as something dangerous, something that could consume her. But now, she understood. It wasn't about control or chaos—it was about balance, about embracing every part of herself.

"I never thought I could feel like this," Elena admitted, her voice trembling with emotion. "I was so afraid."

"You're not afraid anymore," Selene said gently. "You've unlocked the core of your magic, Elena. And now, you have the freedom to choose your path."

Elena smiled, the weight of her fear finally lifting. "I know. And I'm ready."

As she stood there, glowing with the power of her awakened magic, Elena felt something she hadn't felt in a long time—hope. The future was still uncertain, but now, she knew she had the strength to face it.