Page 27 of Dark Fate

Giddiness rises in me—I did it! But the small victory rapidly drains my energy. Swaying with fatigue, I gratefully accept the waterskin Faderyn offers. The pride in Erik's eyes is unmistakable. His grin and nod of approval hearten me as much as Faderyn's overt praise in his fierce way.

Erik shares in each small success. "Good job, Little One," he assures me.

But disappointment lingers. After only one successful attempt, I'm already depleted. Sensing this, Faderyn squeezes my shoulder. "You've made an immense breakthrough today. Control is the hardest part. Mastery takes time—even years. But the path has begun."

"Why am I so tired from using my abilities? I never felt drained like this back in the mortal realm," I say, frustration mounting again.

Faderyn considers thoughtfully before responding. "The innate magic of this realm likely amplifies your powers but also requires more energy to channel properly. Like an overly powerful electrical current overloading a device meant for lower voltage. Your mortal body wasn't built to handle the sheer intensity of magic here."

Erik adds his insights as well. "I believe it's also because you need the Faerite stone to enhance your gifts in this land. Remember the crown." His eyes point to the top of my head. His words make me recall Seraphina's counsel about the stones' importance. Of course—she said the artifact helps harness the realm's mystic forces. Without it, I'm like a lone wire straining to conduct too much energy. "And your severed mate bond probably worsens the strain," Erik continues solemnly. "It's like an open wound, leaking your reserves. Without Rhyland's stabilizing presence, your power bleeds out faster when you use it."

His explanation resonates deeply. Seraphina warned me that Rhyland is my conduit and helps temper my abilities. Alone, they rage unchecked—burning me out swiftly.

Faderyn nods along to Erik's assessments. "Well reasoned, friend. Her mortal form falters, adjusting to the uncontrolled magic here. But in time, with training, you can augment your endurance." He smiles encouragingly at me.

My brain's throwing a massive tantrum, fit for a queen of meltdowns. Powers are on the fritz, Rhyland is MIA, and I'm on an epic scavenger hunt for mystical bling—it's a hot mess with no emergency exit. Powerlessness? I'm not a fan. It's like walking in high heels on a treadmill—totally pointless.

I'm a science gal, for crying out loud! Give me some data to chew on, a hypothesis to test, and let me flex my logic muscle. But nope, here I am, all aboard the hot mess express—emotions cranked to eleven and as aimless as a GPS without a signal, while my abilities throw tantrums left, right, and center.

I'm a bubbling cauldron of pent-up energy and stress, ready to blow my lid. All revved up with nowhere to go, I'm pacing back and forth like a lioness trapped behind bars. My brain is on a treadmill—running, running, getting nowhere fast.

This whole 'sitting on my hands' routine? Yeah, it's not my jam. I was made to dissect puzzles, not play the damsel in distress drowning in a sea of chaos. Power? Control? Might as well be on the moon for all the good they're doing me. So, here I am, gnawing on conundrums like they're the world's worst chew toy.

Seeing my rising fury, Faderyn grasps my shoulder. "Patience, Dani. Axilya will succeed. We must allow her efforts time to succeed."

Erik's observant gaze softens with concern. "Your emotions are becoming tumultuous, Little One," he cautions gently. "The distance from your mate weighs heavily upon you, it seems. You must master them, lest you face repercussions."

His steadfast calmness cools my remaining ire. I take a deep breath and nod, gripping my unraveling composure. “I get it. Feels like I’m on an emotional joyride, not in the driver's seat.”

Erik emits a grunt of assent, momentarily placated. "You're possibly also picking up on Rhyland's emotions."

"Hang on, Rhyland," I say down the bond, and I'm met with the black void.

Danica

12

After destroying yet another tree, I'm ready to collapse. Sweat drips down my back as I glare at Erik.

"Again," he repeats firmly, unmoved by my snarling.

"Give me a break!" I snap, wiping grimy strands of hair off my face. "We've been at this all day. I'm drained, Erik. We should just burn the forest down," I mutter, staring at the fallen tree. It was the fourth one in less than three hours. I am sweating, exhausted, and fucking sick of blowing up trees.

"You need to get a handle on your magic, or it will continue to control you," Erik states as if I didn't already know that. I glare at him and Faderyn before focusing back on the tree.

"Concentrate, Dani," Faderyn says.

Okay, Yoda, I am trying.

I focus, feeling the magic run through my veins, then unleash a single blast of power. The tree explodes, shards of wood flying in all directions, and Erik lets out a low sigh.

"Again," He demands. I growl and turn to look at him, but he is staring at the destroyed tree before it begins to grow another in its place.

"Maybe she needs a break?" I offer, hopeful that he will say yes.

Faderyn smirks, and Erik shakes his head. His eyes soften slightly in understanding, but resolve remains etched on his stern face. "You must persist until you harness control. Otherwise, your power owns you."

I kick a charred fragment of wood bitterly. He's right, as much as I hate admitting it. One careless outburst could kill innocents if I don't master this chaotic force.

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