Born To Die

I learn magic

The lessons with Heavenly and her mother, Hecate, began in the moonlit clearing behind the main encampment. The air was heavy with the scent of night-blooming jasmine, and a circle of flickering lanterns cast a warm glow around us. Heavenly, with her jet black hair catching the light, stood beside me, a knowing smile on her face as she prepared to teach.

"Tonight, we start with the basics," she said, her voice soft but steady. "Magic is not just about power; it's about connection. You must understand nature, let it flow through you and become an extension of who you are."

Hecate appeared as if stepping out of the shadows themselves, her presence commanding yet comforting. Her dark robes seemed to ripple like the night sky, and her eyes shone with an ancient wisdom that sent a chill down my spine.

"You have potential, Isla," Hecate said, her voice echoing with a duality that felt both near and far. "But power without control is nothing. Are you ready to learn discipline?"

I nodded, my pulse racing with anticipation. This was my chance to become more than just a strategist, more than a fighter. It was my chance to wield true magic, to be someone who could stand by Luke's side and protect what we were building.

We started with the magic of nature. Heavenly led me through an exercise, hands outstretched to the stars, feeling the pulse of the earth beneath my feet. I focused on the rustle of leaves, the whisper of the wind, and the way the ground felt like it was breathing under me. Slowly, tendrils of ivy began to shift, wrapping around my ankles and then retreating as I willed them.

Hecate watched with a proud glint in her eyes as we moved on to astral projection. "Close your eyes," she instructed. "Feel yourself lifting, moving beyond the confines of your body."

At first, it was like trying to lift a mountain with my mind, the weight of my consciousness tethered to my physical self. But with guidance, I felt a lightness, a sudden freedom as my spirit hovered, looking down at my own form. It was exhilarating, a rush that felt like both flight and falling at the same time.

The final lesson of the night was telekinesis. Heavenly demonstrated first, lifting a small rock with just a flick of her fingers. I took a deep breath, focusing on an object nearby—a lantern. My heart beat faster as I concentrated, feeling the heat of magic surging through my veins. The lantern shuddered and then, slowly, it lifted into the air, suspended in my invisible grip.

"Good," Hecate said, her voice warmer now. "You are beginning to understand. Keep practicing, and you'll find these abilities as natural as breathing."

I opened my eyes, feeling an energy coursing through me that hadn't been there before. This was power. Real power. And with it, I knew I could stand firm against whatever the gods or the fates dared to send our way.

The air thrummed with an energy i could feel in my bones.

"Close your eyes, my lady," Heavenly instructed, her voice calm but firm. "Feel the pull of the earth beneath you, the heartbeat of the trees, the breath of the wind."

I did as as was told, letting the cool air wash over my skin. Slowly, i began to sense it: a soft thrum beneath my feet, as if the world itself was alive and whispering secrets to me. My fingers twitched, and without touching them, the leaves rustled, responding to my command.

"Good," Hecate's voice resonated, deeper than Heavenly's and rich with power. "You are a child of both strength and cunning. Magic runs through you as surely as blood. Now, reach beyond your body. Feel the astral."

A shiver of excitement tingled down my spine. I took a breath, steadying myself before pushing my consciousness outward. The world seemed to blur and shift, the edges of reality peeling away. Suddenly, i felt lighter, untethered. I opened my eyes and gasped: my physical form stood still in the circle, but i hovered above, translucent and aglow.

Heavenly smiled, proud and encouraging. "You're doing it. Now, focus. Telekinesis next."

From the corner of my vision, i noticed a small stone and willed it to rise. It trembled, then floated in mid-air, spinning gently at my silent command. My heart swelled with joy as I  pushed my power further, making the stone dance.

"Impressive," Hecate remarked, a small, approving nod breaking through her otherwise stoic expression. "But remember, magic is not just power; it is intention. It demands balance."

As i returned to my body, i felt the weight of those words. I could wield magic, shape it, but with it came responsibility..

With sweat on my brow and a smile on my face, i met their eyes, ready for whatever came next.

I sprinted back to the ship, my heart thundering with excitement. The moon cast a shimmering path on the water, guiding me as I rushed to show Luke what I had learned. My mind spun with thoughts of his reaction, the pride I knew would light up his eyes.

Reaching our shared cabin, I pushed the door open, breathless and flushed. Luke sat at the desk, pouring over a map with furrowed brows, lost in thought. At the creak of the door, he looked up, and the tension in his face softened into a warm smile.

"Isla," he said, standing up. "What's got you so worked up?"

I didn't wait for him to ask twice. Raising a hand, I let my focus narrow to a glass of water sitting on the edge of the table. With a flick of my wrist, the glass lifted into the air, floating weightlessly. Luke's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth parting as he watched it hover and then twirl in slow, graceful circles.

"Look at this," I whispered, barely able to contain my excitement. "I can control it, Luke. I can feel the energy, guide it."

Before he could respond, I closed my eyes and willed myself forward, imagining the sensation I had just discovered. A cool rush flooded over me, and when I opened my eyes again, I was looking at him from just above—an astral version of myself shimmering softly in the dim room.

Luke stepped back, blinking rapidly as if trying to convince himself he wasn't dreaming. "You're... Is that really you? Isla, this is incredible."

I grinned and, with a thought, returned to my body. The room swayed for a moment as I reoriented myself, but I caught the edge of the desk to steady myself.

"Pretty impressive, huh?" I said, a playful lilt in my voice as I looked at him.

Luke's eyes softened, and he stepped forward, cupping my face in his hands. "Impressive doesn't even begin to cover it. You're amazing."

A thrill ran through me as his words wrapped around my heart, making it flutter. I reached out, resting my hands on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart under my fingers.

"With this, we're stronger," I said, my voice steady and filled with conviction. "We can protect each other, no matter what comes."

Luke's eyes, stormy blue and filled with unwavering resolve, met mine. "I know we can. And we will."