Crimson Veil (Book I)

Uncharted Waters

Elena's body still thrummed with the energy she had unlocked, and the world felt different—clearer, sharper. The sanctuary seemed to hum in response to her presence as if recognizing her as a part of its magic now. She stared at her hands, still feeling the pulsing of her power beneath her skin, a constant reminder of the strength she had tapped into.

Selene stood quietly, watching her with a knowing smile. "You feel it now, don't you?"

Elena nodded, her voice filled with wonder. "It's like everything's more alive. More connected."

"That's the magic inside you," Selene said softly. "You've become part of it. No more fear, no more separation. This is who you truly are."

Elena glanced at Selene, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I always thought this kind of power would be terrifying. But now... it feels right."

Selene's eyes sparkled with pride. "Because it is right. You were always meant to reach this point, Elena. Now, the question is—what will you do with it?"

Elena's smile faded as the weight of that question settled over her. "I don't know yet. There's still so much I don't understand."

"That's the beauty of it," Selene replied, stepping closer. "You're at the beginning of something new, and you get to decide where it leads."

Elena took a deep breath, her mind swirling with possibilities. "I've spent so long being pulled between Lucien and Dante. They both want something from me, but neither of them have ever really asked me what I want."

"And now that you've unlocked your power," Selene said, "you don't have to let them decide for you."

Elena frowned, her thoughts drifting to Lucien. "Lucien's not a bad person. I know he's trying to protect me, but he doesn't see the full picture. He's so focused on keeping everything under control that he forgets magic doesn't work that way."

Selene nodded, her expression understanding. "Lucien's been shaped by fear, just like you were. But now that you've moved past that fear, you can help him see a different way. If he's willing to listen."

"And Dante?" Elena asked, her voice uncertain.

Selene's smile faded slightly. "Dante's harder to predict. He craves power, and while he genuinely believes in your strength, he also wants to see what he can gain from it. He won't stop pushing you if he thinks there's more you can give."

Elena sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I care about them both, in different ways. But I don't want to be used by either of them. I need them to understand that this is my journey, not theirs."

Before Selene could respond, the door to the sanctuary burst open, and Dante strolled in, his usual swagger tempered by something sharper, more focused. He took one look at Elena, and his eyes widened, gleaming with excitement.

"Well, well," Dante said, his voice full of admiration. "You've done it, haven't you? I can feel it—your magic is practically crackling in the air."

Elena stood her ground, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I've unlocked my power, yes. But this isn't about what you want, Dante. It's about me."

Dante raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Is that right? And what do you want now, Elena?"

Elena's voice was steady, filled with a newfound strength. "I want to choose my own path. I'm not here to serve your vision of the world or Lucien's. I have my own magic, and I'll decide what to do with it."

Dante's smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "I'm not here to control you, Elena. I've always said you should embrace your power, and that's exactly what you've done."