Page 26 of Dark Fate

Noticing my lingering anxiety, Faderyn gently adds, "Let us focus our energies on your training. Your magic is still quite unstable, but learning control will grant you valuable focus."

His observation hits the mark. Ever since I set foot in this realm, it's like my powers have been cranked up to eleven. Right now, they're a live wire beneath my skin—unruly, ravenous, in a way that's entirely new to me. This place seems to tug at the raw edges of my abilities, or maybe the void Rhyland's absence has left has thrown them into disarray.

The reason doesn't matter; the bottom line is clear: I have to control this wild energy coursing through me before it overwhelms my control and turns the tables on me.

Faderyn guides us to a quiet grove surrounded by ancient trees. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy overhead, making it peaceful and serene—an ideal place to concentrate.

"Magic here is deeply connected to the natural world," Faderyn explains. "The energies of living things nourish power and lend stability. This area is protected by ancient magic—healing itself. That is why we train among trees and earth—they will ground you."

My hand presses on the rough texture of an aged oak tree, its every groove and ridge familiar to the touch like braille telling ancient stories. With my palm on the bark, I sense the deliberate rhythm of its life force—a steady, patient beat. Faderyn's wisdom is undeniable; this tree's presence soothes me.

I let my eyes fall shut, immersing myself in the symphony of the woods—the quiet rustle of leaves, the secretive whispers of the wind. The air is a tapestry woven with the earthy fragrance of the forest floor. Temporarily, my anxieties slip away as I am enveloped by the here and now, cocooned in the tranquil embrace of the moment.

When I open my eyes, Faderyn is smiling. "There, you sensed it—our shared vitality. Magic is not a weapon here, but a partnership." His voice rings with conviction. "I know you can master yourself, Dani. Just remember—power flows gently when given freedom, not forced."

Riding high on his vote of confidence, I take a deep breath and wrangle my scatterbrain into submission. Alright, let's do this—I signal with a decisive nod. IfFaderynthinks he can turn me into reigning in this haphazard hocus-pocus of mine, then I'm all ears. Master this mojo, and I'm not just a random hazard to the squad—I'm their ace in the hole.

Bring on the growth spurt, universe. I'm ready to be epic.

Two excruciating hours tick by, and I'm still at war with my own light show. In the thick of a fight, sure, it's like fireworks—bang, surprise! But try to tap into it with a smidge of finesse? That's a big negative. I'm a walking fire hazard—ask the local foliage that's had a taste of my pyrotechnics.

And let's not forget my near-miss with Faderyn. Hello, accidental light grenade! Thankfully, he dodged it.

The forest possesses an astonishing regenerative gift in this sanctum, safeguarded by ancient wards and steeped in enigmatic magic. Wounds inflicted upon it are fleeting; trees, flora, and fauna recover with a swiftness that defies the natural order. Here, the concept of harm is transient, healed in the blink of an eye by the land's own hand.

Save the trees, anyone?

Despite it all, Faderyn's cooler than a cucumber in a frost spell. But I've got to get a grip. We're talking about an environmental disaster if I keep tossing out these wild blasts. I need to learn to dial down the dazzle and maybe not leave a trail of destruction when I need to light a candle.

"Let it flow naturally from your core, like exhaling a breath," he instructs. "Feel it awaken, then softly release."

Deep breaths, Dani. Focus inward and feel that warmth. Be the light—Wait, did I really just think that? So cheesy.

Taking a deep, centering breath, I extend my palm toward the target—a simple bullseye etched onto a boulder. I envision kindling a glow in my core, coaxing it steadily outward. A faint shimmer builds in my palm. I stroke it gently with my will, feeling it grow...pulsing, pulsing… It’s working!

Until it isn't, the boulder I am aiming at explodes instead.

Shit. This is gonna take forever. I'm basically a walking nuclear disaster.

Discouragement wells up. I'm aware of Erik standing nearby with a vigilant watch. Though he provides space for us to concentrate, his protective presence reassures me. His imposing figure leans casually against a tree, but his focus never stops monitoring the surrounding woods. He is always the wary sentinel.

"Do not lose faith—you felt it stir this time," Faderyn encourages, patting my shoulder. "Magic is stubborn when restrained. You must persuade, not command."

I swallow frustration and force myself to refocus. Maybe I'm tackling this wrong, trying to wield power like a tool or weapon. But actual control means working in cooperation, not domination.

"These powers aren't combative; rather, they're about guardianship and preservation," he explains, his voice as soothing.

Seriously though, I have to figure out how to control this chaotic light before I accidentally burn down the whole realm or blind everyone permanently. No pressure or anything! Deep breaths...feel the glow...guide it gently...annnd tree number four is on fire.

Nailed it. Ugh, this is gonna take some work.

"This is pointless," I admit.

"No. It's not. Try again." Faderyn pushes.

Closing my eyes again, I sink into a meditative calm, then tenderly rouse the luminous well within. Heat builds, but I let it rise gradually, envisioning it streaming smoothly from my core through every limb. The warmth intensifies, then suddenly spills forth in a controlled radiance that hits the target squarely, just for an instant before I reel it back in.

"Perfect," Faderyn cheers.

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