Beyond the Gateways

Chapter 6: The Awakening

The echoes of the figure's ominous words hung heavy in the air, the alley now eerily silent, save for the distant hum of magic still crackling around them. Ariana's hands shook slightly as she lowered them from the barrier she had helped to reinforce, the power still buzzing beneath her skin like an electric current. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of fear and adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Dorian stood beside her, his eyes sharp as he scanned the empty alley, searching for any sign of movement. But the threat had vanished, leaving nothing but the lingering sense of unease.

"Well," he finally said, breaking the tension, "that was... unexpected."

Ariana turned to him, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Who was that? What was that?" Her voice cracked slightly, betraying the swirl of emotions she was trying to suppress. "And how did I... how did I do that?"

Dorian glanced at her, his expression softening for just a moment. He took a step closer, placing a hand on her shoulder, steadying her. "I don't know who they were," he said quietly, his voice low. "But I've encountered their kind before. Not often, but enough to know they're dangerous. And as for what you did..." He trailed off, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. "You tapped into a power inside you, Ariana. A power that's been waiting to awaken."

Ariana shook her head, trying to make sense of it all. "But how? I don't even understand what I'm doing half the time. How can I have so much power? And why now?"

Dorian's expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he exhaled slowly. "The Gateways have a way of amplifying things. They open up hidden potential—powers that were always there but buried deep within. I suspect you've been connected to them far longer than you realize. It's why they're reacting to you." He paused, his gaze narrowing as he studied her, a quiet intensity in his eyes. "And it's why they'll keep coming for you."

Ariana swallowed hard, trying to absorb the weight of his words. "But why me? Why are they after me?"

Dorian sighed, stepping away to lean against the brick wall of the alley, his arms crossed over his chest. "That's the question, isn't it? There's something about you, Ariana. Something unique. The runes on your wrists... they're not just symbols. They're keys—keys to unlocking the Gateways, or perhaps controlling them."

Ariana felt the coolness of the metal against her skin as she glanced at her wrists. The runes glowed faintly in the dim light, an ancient language she couldn't begin to understand. But Dorian's words made sense—she had always felt different, like she was meant for something more, something greater. The sensation only deepened when she had touched the Gateway, when her power surged and stabilized the unstable portal.

"You said 'keys.' So, the runes... they're connected to the Gateways?" she asked, more to herself than to him.

"Exactly," Dorian replied, his voice steady. "And we need to figure out what they're unlocking before someone else does."

Ariana's stomach tightened. "But what if I'm not ready? What if I don't know how to control this power?" The fear was there, but there was something else too—a flicker of excitement, of curiosity. What if she could control it? What if she could be more than just an observer of this world?

"You're more capable than you give yourself credit for," Dorian said, turning back to her, his tone soft yet firm. "And that's why I'm here. To help you learn. To train you."

Ariana shook her head, the weight of everything settling on her shoulders. "You make it sound so simple."

Dorian's lips twitched upward into a half-smile. "It's not simple. But it can be done. You'll need time. You'll need patience. And above all, you'll need to trust me."

Ariana glanced at him, her gaze searching his face for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all she saw was determination—a promise that, despite the uncertainty swirling around them, he would guide her through this.

"Alright," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest. "I'll trust you."

The corner of Dorian's mouth lifted, and he nodded, his eyes glinting with approval. "Good. Now, let's move."

They walked away from the alley, heading toward a secluded training ground where Dorian had prepared a safe space to begin Ariana's lessons. As they walked, the silence between them was comfortable—an unspoken understanding settling in.

"I still don't get it, though," Ariana said, breaking the quiet. "That figure—the one who attacked us—why did they call me the 'lost key'?"

Dorian's face darkened once more. "That's what I'm trying to figure out. Whoever they are, they know more than they should. And that means we can't waste any time. The more you learn about the Gateways, the more we'll be able to stop them from exploiting you—or worse."

Ariana nodded, the sense of urgency creeping in. But then, as if to push the fear aside, she turned to Dorian with a teasing grin.

"By the way," she said, her tone playful, "You looked kind of cool back there with that glowing shield thing. When did you learn to do that?"

Dorian raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "You think so?" he said, sounding amused. "Well, I've had a lot of practice. It's not all about throwing magic around, you know."

Ariana snorted. "Oh, I know. You're just an expert at being mysterious and brooding."

Dorian's eyes sparkled, the playful banter momentarily easing the tension in the air. "Mysterious and brooding? Maybe. But you've got to admit, it works."

Ariana rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "We'll see how long that 'mysterious' act lasts when we start your training."

Dorian chuckled, his voice low and amused. "You might find it more difficult than you think to crack my secrets, Ariana."

"Oh, I'm sure I will," she shot back. "But hey, at least I'll try."

For a brief moment, the world seemed to fall away, and Ariana allowed herself to enjoy the banter between them—something light in the midst of all the chaos. As they neared the training ground, however, the weight of the responsibility ahead settled back in.

"You ready?" Dorian asked, his voice shifting back to serious.

Ariana nodded. "I'm ready."

And with that, the real training began.