Secrets of Elemental Kingdoms

A Touch of Laughter, A Hint of Doubt

The Power Within: Dinner Debates and Midnight Doubts

Arvanya's POV:

After a rigorous practice session, my friends waved goodbye, leaving me alone in the training arena, drenched in sweat yet feeling revitalized. As they disappeared into the distance, I took a deep breath, letting the cool evening air wash over me. 

Closing my eyes, I reached out to the nature around me, feeling the rhythm of life beneath my feet.

The trees responded, their leaves rustling as if they too were breathing with me. I sensed life in every blade of grass, every hidden root, as the earth's energy hummed with a subtle pulse. 

With a gentle wave of my hand, I coaxed a field of flowers to bloom, their petals glowing softly in the dimming twilight. The arena lit up with a warm, delicate glow, and I found a rare moment of peace.

If only everything in life could be this calm, I mused. But, as if on cue, a rumble from my stomach reminded me that even magical powers had their limits—particularly when it came to satisfying hunger.

With a final glance at the glowing blooms, I turned back toward the warmth of home and dinner.

Inside, the dining room buzzed with laughter. The table was set with a spread of my mom's best dishes, and the aroma of home-cooked food made my mouth water. I took my seat between my three brothers—Adrian, the wise eldest; Thiago, the jokester; and Luca, the youngest, whose knack for finding trouble was practically a talent.

"So, Arvi," Luca smirked, leaning in with a mischievous glint, "how's 'secret dragon training' going? Still perfecting that 'soft breeze' technique? You know, just enough to ruffle someone's hair but not blow their hat off."

I shot him a look, fighting the grin tugging at my lips. "At least I'm not the one who nearly flooded the kitchen last week showing off. What was it again? 'Watch me make the sink do tricks'?"

Thiago nearly choked on his drink, laughing. "Hey! It's not my fault the sink had a meltdown. It clearly couldn't handle the sheer power of my... charm."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, deadpan. "Maybe we should start calling you 'Flood' instead of Thiago."

Our mom shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "Boys, if you keep up these 'experiments,' I'll have to enroll you in cooking lessons. It's either that or I ban you from the kitchen entirely."

My mother was the renowned designer behind the label "Arviara", named on my name  celebrated in all the elemental kingdoms for her breathtaking creations. Her dresses were crafted with elements as inspiration, so they seemed to flow, glow, or shimmer with an ethereal beauty that had the kingdom's elite vying for a piece of her work. 

She could transform fabrics and textures into masterpieces—much like how I hoped to control my powers with grace one day.

I leaned back, crossing my arms. "It's called controlling the elements, guys. Perhaps if you two studied a little more, we wouldn't be in constant danger of a kitchen tidal wave."

Adrian nodded sagely, his expression deadpan. "Or we could just stick to takeout. Less chance of a tidal wave in the kitchen."

"Or," I added with a grin, "I could whip up a feast with my water dragons, and you all could enjoy the 'flood' of deliciousness. Maybe next time, I'll make a seafood dish—straight from the sea to your plate, courtesy of my powers."

Our dad, who had been quietly listening, chuckled, shaking his head. "I think your mom's cooking is safe for now, Arvi. Besides, we wouldn't want to lose our dinner guests to a watery disaster, would we?"