Heart of Elaria

chapter 7

The next morning dawned colder than usual, a mist hanging low over the Academy grounds as I made my way toward the training field. The fog gave everything an eerie quality, and a strange chill ran down my spine. It felt almost as if the land itself was holding its breath. I pushed the thought away, determined to focus on the day's classes. After the obstacles we'd already faced, any day of training felt almost manageable.

The first session was Runes & Enchantments, held in a quiet, dimly lit classroom where candles flickered in each corner, casting an amber glow across the stone walls. Professor Thalia Serwyn, a slight woman with piercing green eyes and an air of authority, stood at the front, her hands folded. She waited until we were all seated, her gaze sharp as she took us in.

"Today, we'll be working on basic protective wards," she announced. "Runic magic has been the foundation of Elaria's defenses for centuries. You'll learn how to draw these wards, how to channel magic through them, and, if you're successful, how to create a barrier strong enough to hold back any elemental force."

We each received a smooth, polished stone to inscribe with runes. "Remember," she said, "runic magic isn't just about power. It's about precision and intent. Those of you with elemental affinities will find it easier to channel that power into your runes, but even those without magic can produce a faint effect if you focus hard enough."

The weight of the stone felt familiar, grounding. I watched as the others quickly took to the task, etching small runes across their stones and infusing them with faint glimmers of magic. Kaelan's, of course, was perfectly carved, each mark glowing with dark energy, while Sylas's stone began to sprout tiny, green tendrils. Even Iris, who sat beside me, managed to get a soft glow from her light-based magic, her stone radiating with a gentle golden hue.

When my turn came, I closed my eyes, trying to feel for something within myself that might bring the rune to life. I pictured the rune etched onto the stone and imagined it sparking to life, filling with energy. I could feel my focus slipping, but I gritted my teeth and tried to push through. Still, nothing happened.

Professor Serwyn approached, her voice gentle. "Liora, remember that magic isn't something to be forced. Sometimes, it requires patience and trust. If it doesn't work today, there will be other days."

Her words were kind, but the feeling of inadequacy still stung. Watching everyone else succeed so effortlessly only reminded me of what I lacked. I gripped the stone, feeling its smooth, cold surface, and slipped it into my pocket, determined to keep practicing.

After class, I met up with Fiora, who held her stone triumphantly, its runes still faintly glowing. "Look, it actually worked!" she said, eyes shining. "It's so strange, like the rune knew exactly how to hold the magic."

"Not for me," I replied with a half-smile, trying not to sound defeated. "But I'll get there. Eventually."

We joined up with the others for Meditation & Inner Magic. Master Kalanth, a tall, serene figure with a flowing gray robe, guided us to sit in a circle, closing our eyes to focus on the energy within. "Magic is more than power," he said softly. "It is about control, inner strength, and knowing oneself. Today, I want you to focus on finding that quiet place within."

Everyone closed their eyes, and I did my best to shut out the creeping doubt. I listened to the rhythm of my breathing, trying to tap into some kind of power, but all I found was frustration and a sense of emptiness. Meanwhile, Kaelan was effortlessly surrounded by wisps of shadow, and Sylas's presence was calm and grounded, a hint of green light surrounding him.

I stole a glance at Kaelan, who seemed utterly focused, his expression unreadable. There was a natural confidence to his power, an ease I couldn't help but envy. As the session ended, he opened his eyes and glanced in my direction, his face unreadable.