Kate left the classroom, her mind whirling with thoughts as her stomach rumbling with hunger. She had spent the morning immersed in spell theory and enchantment principles, and now she craved a break and a hearty meal. The mess hall seemed like the perfect destination.
As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't help but admire the intricate paintings that adorned the walls. Each piece depicted scenes of magical history, legendary battles, and mythical creatures. The midday sun poured through the tall glass windows to her right, casting shimmering patterns of light and shadow across the polished floor. Kate paused for a moment, taking in the vibrant colours and fine details of a painting depicting a dragon soaring over a mountain range.
Her gaze shifted to the view outside the window. Below her, the academy's training field was a hive of activity. Students practised their spells with intense concentration, their faces set with determination. Kate watched, fascinated, as a fire whip crackled and wrapped around one student's leg, yanking them off their feet. Nearby, another student sent a blast of air spiralling into the sky, the gusts ruffling their hair.
An idea sparked in her mind. She had always been curious about the potential of using multiple elements simultaneously. It seemed logical that combining different types of magic could yield powerful and versatile results. "I should ask Professor Evershade about this next time I'm in class," she mused, her curiosity piqued.
Her attention was drawn to a sudden burst of movement. A snowball, magically conjured, was hurled across the field, aiming at another student who skillfully dodged it. "Oh, it seems some people are already experimenting with combined magic," she noted with interest. She watched as two students collaborated on a spell, melding earth and fire to create a boiling pit of molten rock. With a coordinated effort, they launched it into the air.
An air mage intercepted the fiery mass, pushing it to the left with a powerful gust. However, the redirection sent it hurtling toward the stands where students sat, engrossed in conversation. Panic erupted as the ball of lava sped toward them, the air filled with screams.
Time seemed to slow as she watched the fiery projectile hurtle closer to the students in the stands. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized her friend among the group. Both Ella and the others were frozen in place. Her mind raced, searching for a way to intervene, to save Ella from impending danger. The helplessness she felt was overwhelming, and she wished with all her might that she could reach through the glass and pull her friend to safety.
"Ella!" Kate screamed, her voice filled with desperation. She pounded on the window, tears streaming down her face. The scene unfolding before her eyes awoke a nightmare she had experienced, as if her mind remembered it only just now.
As the ball of lava descended...
----------------------------------------
She was held captive, her limbs bound and her movements restricted, forced to watch the horrific scene unfolding before her. Flames roared with a fierce hunger, consuming the figures before her. The acrid stench of burning flesh filled the air, mingling with the pungent smoke that made it hard to breathe. She tried to scream, but the sound was lost in the chaos around her.
“Mother! Father!” she cried out desperately, her voice cracking with agony. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of her helplessness. The heat from the flames seared her skin, and the sight of the inferno was unbearable.
In front of her stood an older man draped in robes of white, yellow, and red, his face set in an expression of solemnity. He raised his arms and chanted in a slow, rhythmic tone, “Our Lady of the Light, cleanse these sinners in your purifying light.” His words were detached, almost serene as if he were performing a routine task rather than presiding over this nightmare.
Her gaze was forced to remain fixed on the burning victims by a guard who stood beside her. The guard’s grip was unyielding, and he held her face firmly in place, making sure she couldn’t look away. The laughter of the crowd around her was a cruel contrast to the scene, mocking her despair with every echoing sound.
“K-” she started to stammer, but her voice was drowned out by the cacophony of laughter and the roar of the flames. The laughter felt like a knife twisting in her heart, its cruelty amplifying her agony. The guard’s harsh grip and the sounds of the crowd made the entire experience surreal like she was trapped in a twisted, nightmarish play.
As the flames danced higher, she desperately reached out a trembling hand, her fingers straining toward the burning figures as if she could somehow pull them back from the brink. Her vision blurred with tears, the searing heat causing them to evaporate almost as quickly as they fell. The suffocating smoke stung her eyes and choked her throat, making each breath a struggle.
The older man in the robes continued his chant, his voice rising above the chaos. “May their souls find redemption in the holy fire,” he intoned, his eyes closed as if in prayer. The crowd around him murmured in agreement, their faces twisted in a grotesque mixture of reverence and sadistic glee.
She managed to catch a glimpse of her parents' faces, their expressions a mixture of pain and resignation. Her mother’s eyes met hers for a brief, agonizing moment, filled with love and sorrow. Her father’s mouth moved as if to say something, but the words were lost in the inferno. She screamed again, the sound raw and primal, tearing from the depths of her soul.
As the flames danced higher, she desperately reached out a trembling hand, her fingers straining toward the burning figures as if she could somehow pull them back from the brink. But darkness began to close in, swallowing the light and the noise. A thick fog started to envelop her mind, clouding her thoughts and leaving her in a haze of despair.
In those final moments, before complete darkness took her, her last coherent thought was a whispered, heart-wrenching apology: “I’m sorry, Mother, Father. I love you.” The fog deepened, and the nightmare swallowed her whole, leaving only an echo of her sorrowful plea in the suffocating silence.
Her vision swam as the guard’s grip tightened, forcing her to continue watching. The older man’s chant grew louder, the words echoing in her ears like a relentless drumbeat. She felt herself slipping away, her consciousness fading as the horror became too much to bear.
The last thing she saw before the darkness claimed her was the sight of her parents, engulfed in flames, their bodies consumed by the merciless fire. The image burned itself into her mind, a permanent scar on her soul. The laughter of the crowd and the chanting of the man in robes blended into a cacophony of torment, echoing in her mind even as she fell into unconsciousness.
In the depths of her despair, she felt a faint, comforting presence, a whisper of something warm, old and familiar. “Stay strong, Kate for we will meet one last time”
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{Ella’s POV}
“We should do some practice during our free time, after the break” Ella said, smiling at Lucas. The baby griffin, Zephyr, chirped at a butterfly fluttering nearby, perched on Lucas's shoulder. The tiny creature's antics always brought a smile to her face, a small reminder of the simpler joys in their magical world. Zephyr's golden feathers shimmered in the sunlight, and its curious eyes followed the butterfly with rapt attention.
“I need to work on my air magic; it’s weaker than my water magic,” Ella added, stretching with a yawn. Her muscles felt tight after the intense morning classes. She glanced at the other students who were practising in the training field, their spells lighting up the area with bursts of energy. The air was filled with the hum of magic, and occasional sparks and flashes punctuated the rhythmic chanting of incantations.
Lucas nodded, his eyes following a particularly impressive spell cast by one of their classmates. “Yeah, I get that. Balancing different elements is tough. But I think the four of us could make it into a bit of a game, so it doesn’t just feel like training.” His words were accompanied by a warm smile, and Zephyr chirped in agreement as if understanding the conversation.
Ella chuckled. “Thanks, Lucas. I just need to find a way to harmonize them better. Maybe I should ask Professor Evershade for some tips.”
“Oh wow, they’re going pretty hard with their spells. Where's the referee?” Lucas asked, looking around at their fellow students. The intensity of the practice session seemed unusually high, and the absence of a supervising professor was concerning. He frowned, his brow furrowing with worry.
“Ummm, good question. Are they doing this duel without someone—” Ella paused as they watched a combined spell being formed. Two students were channelling their magic together, creating a swirling mass of fire and earth. The energy crackled in the air, and a palpable sense of danger emanated from the growing sphere. They threw the boiling mass, as an air mage lifted the ball of lava into the air, its fiery glow casting long shadows across the field.
“Oh no,” Lucas said as screaming began. The massive ball of fiery earth was headed towards them and those nearby. Some of the students slipped or tripped over as everyone tried to run away in time. But both Lucas and Ella were frozen in fear, unable to move as the deadly spell hurtled towards them. The scene played out in slow motion, each second stretching into an eternity.
Ella's mind raced her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. She wanted to do something, anything, but her body refused to obey. The heat from the approaching lava ball was intense, and she could feel the panic rising in her chest, threatening to overwhelm her.
Suddenly, thick glowing roots sprouted from the ground, rapidly shaping into the form of a hand that caught the ball of magma. The roots glowed with an otherworldly light, absorbing the heat and energy from the molten rock. The air around them cooled instantly, and the tension that had gripped the field began to dissipate.
The sight of the magical roots was both awe-inspiring and bewildering. Ella’s breath caught in her throat as she watched the roots pulsate with a gentle, calming light. They seemed almost alive, a protective force that had intervened at the last possible moment. She exchanged a glance with Lucas, his wide eyes reflecting her astonishment.
“Are you both okay?” a voice called out, breaking through the stunned silence. Two unknown professors appeared out of nowhere, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. They quickly checked on both Ella and Lucas, ensuring they were unharmed.
Ella nodded numbly, still in shock. “I... I think so,” she managed to say, her voice trembling. The reality of what had just happened was beginning to sink in, and she felt a wave of gratitude for the mysterious roots that had saved them.
A third professor appeared, along with the headmaster, a tall elf with an air of authority. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and the students fell silent, watching her closely. “What in the great divinity is going on—” she paused and looked closely at the scene before her, her eyes narrowing as she took in the situation.
“You four,” she pointed at the four students responsible for the spell, chains wrapping around their limbs and chaining them to the ground. “Professor Zero, may you please take these four students to your classroom? I will be there soon,” she said as Professor Zero spun a small frost of snow around the four students and himself. The snow-covered them fully before they disappeared completely.
“Now,” she turned towards Ella and Lucas, a kinder look on her face, as she noticed the two students who were quite pale and still unmoving, staring at the root hand holding the dripping ball of cooling earth. “Professor York, please take these two to the medic room and get them seen too. They appear to be in shock, but I want them checked out just in case,” she said as York nodded her head, and began to slowly guide them away. Her voice was calm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded.
“Come on now, my dears, you’ll both be fine,” York whispered as they walked away a hand resting on the middle of their backs. The professor's gentle guidance helped them take one step at a time, but the shock of the near-death experience was still evident in their vacant stares.
“Headmistress,” the last professor said, looking over towards the massive root hand, which had started to burn at the edges of the fingers. The flames licked at the roots, but they held firm, protecting those they had saved.
“Do we know who did this?” the headmistress asked, examining the hand. Her keen eyes scanned the area, taking in every detail.
“This wasn’t cast. It’s as if the roots themselves wanted to protect those two,” the professor replied, a note of wonder in his voice. “It’s as if the magic of the academy itself responded to the danger. Or someone unknown can use life essences”
The headmistress nodded thoughtfully, her expression grave. “We must investigate this further. The safety of our students is paramount. Ensure that those involved are thoroughly questioned and that such a lapse in supervision does not happen again.”
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As they walked away, Ella couldn’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and fear, her legs trembling with every step. She glanced at Lucas, who gave her a small, reassuring nod. They were safe for now, but the memory of the fiery ball hurtling towards them would not be easily forgotten.
----------------------------------------
{Ella’s POV}
“We should do some practice during our free time, after the break” Ella said, smiling at Lucas. The baby griffin, Zephyr, chirped at a butterfly fluttering nearby, perched on Lucas's shoulder. The tiny creature's antics always brought a smile to her face, a small reminder of the simpler joys in their magical world. Zephyr's golden feathers shimmered in the sunlight, and its curious eyes followed the butterfly with rapt attention.
“I need to work on my air magic; it’s weaker than my water magic,” Ella added, stretching with a yawn. Her muscles felt tight after the intense morning classes. She glanced at the other students who were practising in the training field, their spells lighting up the area with bursts of energy. The air was filled with the hum of magic, and occasional sparks and flashes punctuated the rhythmic chanting of incantations.
Lucas nodded, his eyes following a particularly impressive spell cast by one of their classmates. “Yeah, I get that. Balancing different elements is tough. But I think the four of us could make it into a bit of a game, so it doesn’t just feel like training.” His words were accompanied by a warm smile, and Zephyr chirped in agreement as if understanding the conversation.
Ella chuckled. “Thanks, Lucas. I just need to find a way to harmonize them better. Maybe I should ask Professor Evershade for some tips.”
“Oh wow, they’re going pretty hard with their spells. Where's the referee?” Lucas asked, looking around at their fellow students. The intensity of the practice session seemed unusually high, and the absence of a supervising professor was concerning. He frowned, his brow furrowing with worry.
“Ummm, good question. Are they doing this duel without someone—” Ella paused as they watched a combined spell being formed. Two students were channelling their magic together, creating a swirling mass of fire and earth. The energy crackled in the air, and a palpable sense of danger emanated from the growing sphere. They threw the boiling mass, as an air mage lifted the ball of lava into the air, its fiery glow casting long shadows across the field.
“Oh no,” Lucas said as screaming began. The massive ball of fiery earth was headed towards them and those nearby. Some of the students slipped or tripped over as everyone tried to run away in time. But both Lucas and Ella were frozen in fear, unable to move as the deadly spell hurtled towards them. The scene played out in slow motion, each second stretching into an eternity.
Ella's mind raced her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. She wanted to do something, anything, but her body refused to obey. The heat from the approaching lava ball was intense, and she could feel the panic rising in her chest, threatening to overwhelm her.
Suddenly, thick glowing roots sprouted from the ground, rapidly shaping into the form of a hand that caught the ball of magma. The roots glowed with an otherworldly light, absorbing the heat and energy from the molten rock. The air around them cooled instantly, and the tension that had gripped the field began to dissipate.
The sight of the magical roots was both awe-inspiring and bewildering. Ella’s breath caught in her throat as she watched the roots pulsate with a gentle, calming light. They seemed almost alive, a protective force that had intervened at the last possible moment. She exchanged a glance with Lucas, his wide eyes reflecting her astonishment.
“Are you both okay?” a voice called out, breaking through the stunned silence. Two unknown professors appeared out of nowhere, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. They quickly checked on both Ella and Lucas, ensuring they were unharmed.
Ella nodded numbly, still in shock. “I... I think so,” she managed to say, her voice trembling. The reality of what had just happened was beginning to sink in, and she felt a wave of gratitude for the mysterious roots that had saved them.
A third professor appeared, along with the headmaster, a tall elf with an air of authority. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and the students fell silent, watching her closely. “What in the great divinity is going on—” she paused and looked closely at the scene before her, her eyes narrowing as she took in the situation.
“You four,” she pointed at the four students responsible for the spell, chains wrapping around their limbs and chaining them to the ground. “Professor Zero, may you please take these four students to your classroom? I will be there soon,” she said as Professor Zero spun a small frost of snow around the four students and himself. The snow-covered them fully before they disappeared completely.
“Now,” she turned towards Ella and Lucas, a kinder look on her face, as she noticed the two students who were quite pale and still unmoving, staring at the root hand holding the dripping ball of cooling earth. “Professor York, please take these two to the medic room and get them seen too. They appear to be in shock, but I want them checked out just in case,” she said as York nodded her head, and began to slowly guide them away. Her voice was calm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded.
“Come on now, my dears, you’ll both be fine,” York whispered as they walked away a hand resting on the middle of their backs. The professor's gentle guidance helped them take one step at a time, but the shock of the near-death experience was still evident in their vacant stares.
“Headmistress,” the last professor said, looking over towards the massive root hand, which had started to burn at the edges of the fingers. The flames licked at the roots, but they held firm, protecting those they had saved.
“Do we know who did this?” the headmistress asked, examining the hand. Her keen eyes scanned the area, taking in every detail.
“This wasn’t cast. It’s as if the roots themselves wanted to protect those two,” the professor replied, a note of wonder in his voice. “It’s as if the magic of the academy itself responded to the danger. Or someone unknown can use life essences”
The headmistress nodded thoughtfully, her expression grave. “We must investigate this further. The safety of our students is paramount. Ensure that those involved are thoroughly questioned and that such a lapse in supervision does not happen again.”
As they walked away, Ella couldn’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and fear, her legs trembling with every step. The adrenaline from the near-disaster still coursed through her veins, making each footfall feel unsteady. She glanced at Lucas, who offered her a small, reassuring nod. They were safe for now, but the memory of the fiery ball hurtling toward them was seared into her mind, a terrifying image that would not be easily forgotten.
They continued down the hallway, the echoes of their footsteps muted by the heavy silence that surrounded them. Before long, they reached a pair of imposing wooden doors reinforced with iron, the handles cold to the touch. Each door was adorned with two metal snakes, intricately coiled around a wooden staff—a symbol of healing magic. The serpents’ eyes seemed to glimmer in the dim light, adding an eerie beauty to the doorway.
The door creaked open as Professor York led them into a small, cozy room. Inside, the air was thick with the medicinal scent of herbs and potions. The walls were lined with shelves filled with various jars and bottles, each containing ingredients that glimmered faintly in the low light. Two additional double doors stood opposite them, carved with the same serpentine symbols, marking the entrance to the deeper healing chambers.
The front room seemed to be served as a waiting area, with a round desk at its centre. The desk was neatly organized, with scrolls and parchment carefully stacked, and a quill resting in an inkwell. The atmosphere was calming, the silence only broken by the occasional crackle of a nearby fire in the hearth, its warmth adding to the room's inviting ambience.
"Professor Honey?" Professor York called out as she guided Ella and Lucas to two nearby chairs. The chairs were cushioned and surprisingly comfortable, a welcome relief for their tired bodies.
From deep within the other room, an old yet vibrant voice responded. "Professor York? Give me a minute, I'll come to the front." The voice carried a warmth and reassurance, speaking of years spent in service to others, and holding an unspoken promise of safety and care.
“Come on, dearies, sit down over here while I get the healer,” Professor York said with a gentle smile, her demeanour soothing some of the anxiety that still lingered in their hearts. She made sure they were settled, her reassuring presence a balm to their frayed nerves, before turning to find Professor Honey.
Ella sank into the chair, feeling its softness envelop her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. The events of the day were a blur of fear and uncertainty, but being in this calm, quiet space allowed her a moment to begin processing everything that had happened. She glanced at Lucas, who looked just as shaken but offered her a small smile in return.
Ella sank into the chair, her body still trembling slightly from the adrenaline rush. She glanced at Lucas, who was equally pale but trying to put on a brave face. Sensing the tension, Zephyr nuzzled against Lucas’s cheek, offering silent comfort.
They heard soft footsteps approaching, and soon an elderly woman appeared, her kind eyes twinkling behind round spectacles. She wore a robe of soft, earthy colours, and her silver hair was tied back in a neat bun. "Hello, my dears. I'm Professor Honey. Let's have a look at you, shall we?"
Professor Honey moved with practised ease, her hands gentle but firm as she examined them. She murmured a few words, and a soothing warmth spread through Ella's limbs, easing the tightness in her muscles. "There we go. Just a little shock. You both were very brave."
Ella managed a small smile. "Thank you, Professor Honey. I... I still can't believe what happened."
Professor Honey nodded, her expression understanding. "It's not every day you face such danger. But you're safe now.
Ella and Lucas exchanged glances, both feeling a mixture of relief and lingering fear. The reality of what had happened was still sinking in, but being in the care of the kind professor made them feel a little more secure.
Professor York returned, her eyes filled with concern. "How are they, Professor Honey?"
"They'll be just fine. A little rest and some calming tea should do the trick," Professor Honey replied, reassuringly smiling. "I'll stay with them for a bit, make sure they're fully recovered."
Professor York nodded. "Thank you. I'll report to the headmistress and ensure those responsible are dealt with appropriately."
Professor Honey busied herself preparing a fragrant tea as Professor York left the room. The aroma filled the air, and Ella felt herself relaxing even more. "Here you go, my dears. This will help soothe your nerves."
They sipped the tea, its warmth spreading through them. Ella took a deep breath, feeling the tension slowly melt away. "What do you think happened out there?" she asked Lucas quietly.
Lucas shook his head, still processing the events. "I don't know. But whatever it was, those roots saved us.”
Suddenly, the tranquillity of the room was shattered as two students burst into the front room, their faces pale with panic. "Help! We found a student unconscious!" one of them shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.
They brought in a reddened student, her body limp and lifeless. Both Ella and Lucas stared in shock, their hearts sinking as they recognized her.
“Kate!” they both exclaimed at once, their voices a mix of fear and concern.
Professor Honey quickly reached the students and ushered them through the double doors into the back room. They gently placed Kate on a nearby bed, where her hands immediately began to glow with a soft, healing light as she assessed the situation.
"Everyone, give her space," Professor Honey instructed her tone calm yet laced with urgency. She hovered her hands over Kate's chest, the glow intensifying as she concentrated, weaving a spell of restoration that filled the room with a comforting warmth.
Ella and Lucas stood nearby, their eyes wide with worry. Kate's normally vibrant complexion was ashen, her breathing shallow and laboured. The soft hum of Professor Honey's magic seemed to be the only sound in the room, a delicate yet powerful energy that pulsed with life.
The seconds ticked by, each one stretching into what felt like an eternity as the tension in the room grew. Ella found herself holding her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Lucas, normally so composed, clenched his fists at his sides, willing Kate to wake up.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Kate's eyelids fluttered. She took a deep, shuddering breath, the colour slowly returning to her cheeks. Her eyes opened, blinking in confusion as she tried to make sense of her surroundings.
"Kate," Professor Honey said softly, her voice filled with relief. "You're safe now. Just rest. You're going to be alright."
Kate's gaze shifted to Ella and Lucas, who were watching her with a mixture of relief and lingering concern. She managed a weak smile, the corners of her mouth trembling. "What... what happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Professor Honey gently brushed a strand of hair from Kate's forehead, her touch reassuring. "You fainted, dear. But you're safe now, thanks to some quick thinking and a bit of magic. Just focus on getting your strength back."
"I'll be back to check on you shortly," Honey added, her voice soothing. "I just need to get these two settled down." She glanced over at Ella and Lucas, who were still hovering over Kate, their concern evident in their eyes.
Ella reluctantly released Kate's hand, giving it one last squeeze before stepping back. "We'll be right here, Kate," she promised, her voice steady despite the worry etched on her face.
"Take it easy," Lucas added, his tone gentle. "You've been through a lot."
Professor Honey guided Ella and Lucas toward the door, her hand resting on their shoulders as she ushered them out of the room. "Come on, let's give Kate some space to rest. She needs some time to recover."
As they stepped out into the hallway, the tension that had gripped them inside the room seemed to ease slightly, though the worry lingered like a shadow. Ella glanced back at the closed door, her thoughts still with Kate.
"She’s going to be okay, right?" Ella asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty as they walked down the corridor.
Professor Honey gave her a reassuring smile. "Kate is young and strong, but she's in good hands. She just needs time to regain her strength. You've both been through a lot today yourselves, so make sure you take care of yourselves too."
Lucas nodded, though his mind was still racing with the events that had unfolded. "It’s just… seeing her like that… it was terrifying. And those roots… they just appeared out of nowhere. What do you think that was?"
Professor Honey paused, choosing her words carefully. "I wasn’t there to witness it, so I can’t say for certain. But sometimes, in rare moments, magic can respond to the needs and emotions of those who wield it. In times of extreme stress, it can manifest in unexpected ways. Those roots may have been a reaction to the danger—an instinctual defence to protect you, or to protect others."
Ella bit her lip, the memory of the glowing roots vivid in her mind. "But who could have done that? None of us cast that spell."
Honey shook her head, her expression thoughtful and concerned. "That's something we'll have to investigate. Magic is a powerful and unpredictable force. It can sometimes act on its own, especially when strong emotions are involved. For now, the most important thing is that you're all safe."
She gently guided them to a quiet room nearby, a space meant for reflection and recovery. The room was dimly lit, with soft chairs and a large window overlooking the academy gardens, offering a serene view. "Stay here for a bit, take some time to breathe and calm your minds. I'll go check on Kate and see how she's doing."
Ella and Lucas nodded, sinking into the chairs as Professor Honey left them. The day’s events replayed in their minds—the fear, the shock, and the strange, protective magic that had saved them.
Ella leaned back in her chair, staring out the window at the peaceful scene outside, trying to reconcile it with the chaos they had just experienced. "Lucas… what do you think this all means? Those roots… Kate fainting… it’s all so strange."
Lucas sighed, rubbing his temples as he tried to make sense of it all. "I don’t know, Ella. It feels like there's something bigger happening here, something we don’t fully understand yet. Those roots… they felt alive like they had a will of their own. And Kate… maybe she’s connected to all of this somehow."
Ella nodded slowly, the weight of his words settling in. "Yeah, maybe. Whatever it is, we need to stay close to her. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of something much larger."
They sat in silence for a moment, the reality of their situation sinking in. The world of magic they had known, with its rules and limits, suddenly seemed a lot more mysterious and unpredictable.