The intensity of the Tabernas Desert mirrored the challenge before me. The scorching sun bore down upon the rugged terrain, much like how Christi's chaotic energies threatened to consume her. With every breath, I could taste the dryness in the air, a sharp reminder of the journey ahead.

Christi's eyes fluttered, her face a mask of confusion and fear. "Where are we?" she murmured, her voice raspy.

"Safe," I replied, knowing full well that 'safe' was a relative term. Here, in the vastness of the desert, there was no place for her power to harm innocent bystanders. But that also meant isolation from help, should we need it.

She closed her eyes momentarily, trying to push back against the onslaught of her power. "It's so loud," she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "I can't..."

I tightened my grip around her, grounding her. "You're not alone, remember? We'll quiet the storm together."

Using my own energy, I channeled healing vibes into her, aiming to alleviate the pain she felt. While my efforts only provided minimal relief, they did seem to lessen her discomfort slightly.

As time passed, Christi slowly began to regain clarity and focus. This allowed me to guide her in understanding and adapting to the newfound power within her small frame.

Night after night, I assisted Christi in navigating the intricate maze of her consciousness. Together, we faced her dark memories, past traumas, and the daunting force that seemed poised to consume her.

The initial days were especially challenging, as we saw little to no progress in achieving equilibrium.

Whenever Christi slept, I'd take short trips to Níjar to gather essentials and to coordinate with Damon about managing my business in my absence. I established a post office box where our passports and other crucial documents could be sent, preparing for when we decided to move on. I emphasized to Damon the importance of keeping our whereabouts confidential, assuring him we'd return once Christi had her powers in check.

By the end of the second week, a transformation began to take hold. The energy within her began to harmonize, the once-clashing forces finding a delicate balance. There was still work to be done, but for the first time in a long while, hope glinted in Christi's eyes.

"It's quieter now," she murmured, exhaustion evident in her voice. "Thank you."

I smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Our journey isn't over, but we're on the right path. And together, there's nothing we can't overcome."

The Tabernas Desert, with its harsh terrain and scorching heat, became our unexpected haven. Originally a place of refuge, it transformed into a sanctuary where healing and growth thrived. Over weeks, our primary focus was on helping Christi control her burgeoning power. After three dedicated months, she was finally ready to harness her strength rather than merely suppressing it.

However, amidst this rigorous training, I overlooked Christi's changing demeanor. She had become increasingly introspective and quiet. Concerned, I approached her, "Christi, is everything alright? I understand it's tough, but we'll get through this."

After a heart-wrenching pause, her voice trembled, "Mommy's gone, isn't she?" The realization dawned upon me; during our time in the desert, we never once discussed her mother. I had been so engrossed in her physical well-being that I had neglected her emotional state.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I replied, "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I tried my best to reach her in time, but I couldn't. I did everything in my power, but it still wasn't enough."

Christi wrapped her arms tightly around me, her head buried against my chest. The size difference between us wasn't much, considering she was only ten. Her sobs grew uncontrollable, and, overwhelmed by her pain, I too began to cry softly as I held her close. The weight of everything she had endured was immense; she was just a child, after all. We needed more than just power training to heal.

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Gently stroking her hair, I murmured, "Christi, how about we head home for a few days? We can lay your mom to rest, gather our belongings, and then find a cabin in the woods to settle down. You've always enjoyed camping, right?"

Christi's reply was a mute nod, her face still pressed against me, tears soaking into my shirt.

Tears streamed down Christi's face, and as I comforted her, my mind was already busy with planning. To ensure her safety, it was clear that we'd need a private jet; commercial flights with crowds would be too dangerous for her now. I'd also have to get her new travel attire and contact Damon, ensuring he was ready for our arrival. On top of all that, there was Angelina's burial to organize. I felt a twinge of gratitude remembering that during a previous visit to town, I had Damon and Belinda use blood magic to preserve Angelina's remains.

Exhaustion from the day's events began to pull at me, and with Christi nestled securely against my chest, we both succumbed to sleep.

After a few hours, I woke up, letting Christi continue to rest. I headed into town to set our plans in motion. Damon was filled in on everything, and I gave him access to my accounts to secure a private jet for us. Our rendezvous point would be Almería Airport, but there was a snag – the jet wouldn’t be available for a few more days.

Rather than let this deter us, I decided we could use the time to enjoy the nearby beach, Playa Del Perdigal. I booked us rooms at the Los Arcos Hotel-Restaurante for the interim. Having finalized our arrangements, I returned just as Christi was stirring awake.

Christi blinked groggily, adjusting to the dim light of the desert leaking in through our shelter. When her gaze met mine, I could see the remnants of her tears and the pain they held. But she also looked relieved to see me.

I sat down beside her, taking her hand in mine. "We have a few days before our jet is ready. I thought... maybe we could spend some time on the beach at Playa Del Perdigal, and stay at the Los Arcos Hotel-Restaurante. A mini vacation of sorts. It might do us good."

Christi considered this for a moment, her eyes distant. "I think... I think I'd like that," she finally said. "I haven’t been to the beach before. Mom always said we would go some day but she never had the time off work or the money to do it."

I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Together, we can go and see the beach for the both of you and she can look down on you and see you finally made it. Your mom will always be with you no matter what. That divine power inside you is all her and every time you feel it or use it just remember that is her protecting you. Plus this break might be the breather we both need."

Over the next few days, we did our best to appreciate the beauty of the coastal town. The sea air, the comforting sounds of waves crashing on the shore, and the serene surroundings of Los Arcos Hotel-Restaurante worked wonders on our spirits. We walked on the beach, letting the cool water wash over our feet and attempted to leave behind, if only momentarily, the weight of our troubles.

Of course, the reality of Angelina's passing and the impending journey back home were always present, casting shadows over our short respite. But the moments of reprieve, the chance to breathe and gather ourselves, made it all worth it.

As our departure day approached, Christi and I felt an unprecedented bond, united in our determination to face the uncertain future.

The day to leave Spain finally dawned. En route to the airport in the taxi, I detailed the plan for our new life to Christi. "Once we're home, you'll have all the time you need to say your goodbyes to your mom. After that, for safety reasons, we'll need to go off the grid, to keep you hidden until you're well-equipped to defend yourself. We'll find a remote cabin where I'll train you intensively, both in combat and in harnessing your magical abilities. And don't worry about education; we'll set up a stable satellite connection for online learning and any other resources we may need."

Christi's expression turned despondent. "But what about gymnastics and other sports?" she inquired.

"I'll guide you in any discipline you desire," I promised her. "When you're college-bound, you'll have the skills to join any athletic team. But you must grasp that your new abilities will put you far ahead of your peers. It won't be a level playing field if you compete."

The weight of my revelation reflected in her eyes, but they also sparkled with a fierce determination. "I want to be able to shield others, like you do. Can I become strong enough to stop the bad men? To fight the monsters as you do?"

I tried to reassure her, even though reality was more complex. "You're going to be incredible. You'll defend those you love, and your strength will deter anyone thinking of harming them." I wished such statements could be entirely truthful, but the world was more unpredictable than that, filled with opportunists and those willing to cross lines for personal gain.

The airport came into view, and soon enough, we were boarding the private jet. "This flight is about 15 hours, so we should rest up," I advised as the plane taxied on the runway. "There's a bed in the back if you prefer that, or these seats are rather comfortable for a nap."

"This is my first time on a plane. It's exciting," she confessed, her excitement tempered by the somber circumstances. "I wish it wasn’t so sad."

"I bet your mom would want you to find moments of joy, even now," I murmured, just as the plane began its ascent. The world outside our window blurred, marking the start of our journey home.