The Ivory Daughter

Chapter 3: The Awakening of Magic

The next morning arrived with a soft golden light spilling into Aarin's room. The promise of a new day filled the air, tinged with excitement and nervousness. Aarin sat up in bed, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Today was the day she would begin to learn how to harness her magic.

After hastily dressing, Aarin made her way to the attic, eager to find her mother. She arrived to find Amra already there, arranging her things and preparing for the lessons ahead.

"Good morning, Aarin," Amra greeted, her expression warm but serious. "Are you ready?"

"I think so," Aarin replied, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within her. "What will we start with?"

Amra motioned for Aarin to sit on the floor, surrounded by her sketches. "First, I want you to understand the nature of your magic. It's not just a gift; it's part of who you are. You have to respect it."

Aarin nodded, feeling the weight of her mother's words. "I understand. I want to learn."

"Good," Amra said, her tone softening. "Magic is about connection—between you and the world, you and your voice. You'll learn to channel your emotions into your singing, allowing the magic to flow through you."

Aarin's heart raced at the thought. "How do I do that?"

Amra smiled faintly, a glimmer of pride in her eyes "It begins with understanding your emotions. Your voice is a powerful tool, and it can convey feelings more profoundly than words ever could. We'll start by focusing on your breath. Your breath is the bridge between your body and your magic."

Aarin nodded, her excitement mingling with nervousness as she settled cross-legged on the floor. "What do I need to do?"

"First, close your eyes," Amra instructed gently. "I want you to feel the air around you. Notice how it moves, how it fills your lungs. Take a deep breath in... hold it for a moment... and then release it slowly."

Aarin obeyed, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply. She felt the air fill her lungs, cool and invigorating. For a moment, the world around her faded away, and all that existed was the rhythm of her breathing. As she exhaled, she imagined her worries drifting away like leaves caught in a gentle breeze.

"Good," Amra said softly, her voice a steady anchor in Aarin's mind. "Now, let's add sound. Hum softly as you breathe. Let the sound flow with your breath, and allow it to fill the space around you."

Aarin nodded, feeling a flutter of nervousness as she began to hum. The sound reverberated in the attic, a gentle vibration that seemed to awaken the dust motes dancing in the sunlight. As she continued, she felt a warmth building within her, a spark of magic that pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat.

"That's it," Amra encouraged, her voice a soft melody amidst the silence. "Let your emotions guide you. If you feel joy, let that joy resonate in your hum. If you feel sadness, let it color the sound. Your voice is an extension of your heart."

Aarin focused on the emotions swirling within her—excitement, fear, hope. She allowed them to mingle as she continued to hum, feeling the warmth of her magic radiate from her core. It was intoxicating, a connection she had longed for but never quite understood.

Suddenly, the hum turned into a soft note, rising and falling like a gentle wave. Aarin's eyes flew open, surprised at the sound she was producing. It was a soft, ethereal quality, unlike anything she had ever sung before.

"Very good!" Amra exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You're starting to tap into your magic. Keep going; let it flow."

Encouraged by her mother's praise, Aarin closed her eyes again and let the music carry her away. The sounds swirled around her, merging with the memories of the forest, the feel of the wind, and the warmth of the sun.