the books of hidden worlds

chapter five: Elias

Fire!" Cassian's panicked cry echoed through the halls, waking us all as thick smoke engulfed the surroundings. "Kian, Alden, Rowan-get up now!" he yelled, his voice urgent as he tried to rouse the others. We scrambled to our feet, the weight of the situation sinking in.

"Dorian, help!" Cassian shouted, desperation thick in his tone. Dorian stepped forward, raising his wand, his voice steady amidst the chaos.
"Ventus Clarus!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the smoke-filled air.
"Ventus Clarus, caeli purgatio, omne fumum dispergatur!"
(Translation: "Clear wind, cleansing of the skies, let all smoke disperse!")

As if obeying his will, the smoke vanished, dissipating into nothingness, leaving the air clear once more. We all rushed outside, gasping for fresh air, the weight of what had happened settling over us.

"I'm sorry... because of us, you lost your home," I muttered, my voice laced with sorrow as I turned to Dorian, guilt gnawing at me.

Dorian's face hardened, his voice clipped with anger and frustration. "We need to leave this place. Now."

Without wasting another moment, he raised his wand once more, casting another spell.
"Vita Equus!"
(Life of the Horse-enter here! Let this object become a horse!)

In a matter of seconds, lifeless objects sprang into motion, reshaping themselves into horses, their forms solid and real. "Get on," Dorian urged, and we didn't hesitate. The horses galloped swiftly, their hooves thundering against the ground as we made our way to Alara Harrison's home.

At last, we arrived, the house looming before us. Dorian dismounted, turning to me with a strange look in his eyes. "This is where I leave you, my friend," he said softly.

Kian knocked on the door, and as it opened, we were greeted by a woman whose face sent a shock through our veins-it was Alara, our mother's twin sister. "How did you get here? It's dangerous," she said, her voice filled with worry.

"Because of the book," I replied, still catching my breath.

"Quickly, get inside!" Alara beckoned us in, and as we stepped into her home, I couldn't believe my eyes. From the outside, it looked like a simple, small cottage, but inside, it stretched endlessly, far larger than I could have imagined.

"You live here... alone?" Rowan asked, his voice hushed with awe.

Alara nodded, her expression somber. "Yes, ever since my mother and father passed. But forget what I said, alright?"

I nodded quietly, feeling the weight of her words settle on my chest.

"Have you eaten?" Alara asked, her voice softening as she turned to Kian.

"Not yet," Kian admitted.

"Hurry, sit down and eat," she insisted, waving her hand as a meal appeared before us as if by magic.

"Wow... that was fast," I muttered, marveling at the feast.

"Magic," she said with a wink.

After we had eaten, Alara sat down with us, her expression turning serious. "Your mother told me that each of you has a power you haven't yet unlocked. But don't worry-I'll teach you how to use it properly. We'll discuss more after you've finished eating."

Alden, with a mischievous grin, leaned over. "So, what are we? Wizards or witches?" he teased.

"Alden, now's not the time for jokes," Rowan scolded, his tone sharp.

Kian shook his head, glancing at Alden with disapproval. "He's right. This isn't a game."

I turned to Alara, the question burning in my mind. "What are we? Wizards or witches?" I asked, the words heavy with anticipation.