Page 17 of Heatbound Hearts

The tension between us builds with each step, each accidental touch. I find myself hyper-aware of his presence, the way his wings shift as he walks. I'm mesmerized by their massive size, by everything about them.

There's an undeniable attraction, but also uncertainty. We've known each other for such a short time, yet I feel drawn to him in a way I can't explain.

I'm not sure I want to.

9

ZYX

Istand before Kairos and Naia, my wings slightly spread in a relaxed position. I was all too excited when they told me they were both wielders and wanted to learn how to do so on Nythorra.

"You said the magic here feels different from what you're used to," I start, reaching for the magic that hums in my veins. "That might be because our elements are different. We draw power from the shadows and twilight."

I raise my hand, fingers splayed. Wisps of darkness coil around my arm, dancing between my fingers. "Feel the energy around you. It's not just light or dark, but the space between."

Kairos's eyes narrow in concentration. His hands twitch, and I see a flicker of shadow play across his skin. "Good," I nod. "Now, try to grasp it."

Naia's brow furrows as she mimics my movements. A faint shimmer of twilight energy sparkles at her fingertips. "Excellent start," I encourage. "Remember, it's not about forcing the magic. Let it flow through you."

I demonstrate again, this time pulling shadows from the nearby trees. They twist and writhe in the air, forming intricatepatterns. "Our magic is about balance. Light and dark, dusk and dawn."

From the corner of my eye, I catch Bronwyn watching. Her green eyes are wide with wonder, a hint of longing in her expression. For a moment, I'm distracted by the way the faint light plays across her face.

Shaking off the thought, I turn back to my students. "Now, try to manipulate the shadows around you. Start small – maybe just altering their shape."

Kairos grunts in frustration as the shadows slip through his grasp. Naia has more success, coaxing a tendril of darkness to curl around her wrist.

"Patience," I remind them. "This magic is subtle. It's not about brute force, but finesse."

I continue the lesson, guiding them through basic exercises. They are both pretty quick to pick it up, given that they've been on the planet for a day.

"Feel the shift," I murmur. "The world balances on the edge of day and night. This is when our power is strongest."

As I speak, I let my own magic flow freely. Shadows swirl around me, and twilight energy crackles in the air. It's a display of power, yes, but also a demonstration of the beauty and complexity of noctari magic.

I watch with growing surprise as Naia's fingers dance through the air, shadows coiling around her arms like obedient serpents. Her eyes sparkle with a newfound confidence, a far cry from the wary woman I first encountered.

"That's it," I encourage, adjusting my stance to mirror hers. "Feel the twilight energy. Let it flow through you, not just around you."

Naia nods, her brow furrowed in concentration. With a fluid motion, she weaves the shadows into a complex pattern, onethat would challenge most noctari trying to learn. I can't help but raise an eyebrow, impressed.

"You've got a natural talent for this," I say, circling her to observe from different angles.

I shift my attention to Kairos, who's struggling with a more basic exercise. "Here," I say, moving to his side. "Think of it less as controlling the shadows and more as... persuading them. They're not tools, they're extensions of yourself."

Kairos grunts, frustration evident in his clenched jaw. I place a hand on his shoulder, channeling a bit of my own energy to help him connect with the twilight magic. His eyes widen as he feels the difference.

"There you go," I nod approvingly. "Now, try again."

As Kairos makes another attempt, I turn back to Naia. She's progressed even further, now manipulating multiple shadow tendrils simultaneously. Her movements are graceful, almost dance-like, as she weaves complex patterns in the air.

"Incredible," I murmur, more to myself than to her. Louder, I say, "Naia, try forming a solid object. Start with something simple, like a sphere."

Naia's eyes narrow in concentration. The shadows around her hands condense, swirling faster and faster until they coalesce into a perfect orb of darkness. She lets out a surprised laugh, the sound bright and joyous in the twilight air.

"I did it!" she exclaims, her face lit up with pure delight. For a moment, I see past the hardened exterior to the person she might have been without the weight of her past.

"You certainly did," I agree, unable to keep the smile from my voice. "Your control is remarkable for a beginner. How does it feel?"

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