Page 59 of Eternal Thorns

“I know.”

Each deepening of his bond with Silas gave the entity more power to potentially corrupt. Yet the thought of pulling away, of rebuilding those careful walls, felt like trying to force spring back into winter.

“You've made a decision,” the Elder Willow observed, materializing beside him. “I can feel it in your magic.”

“Yes.” Thorne's form settled fully into its true nature, crown of branches catching dawn's first light. “Though it's probably going to get us all killed.”

“Or save us all.” She smiled gently.

20

LEARNING HEARTS

“Breathe,” Kai muttered behind him. “You're making the key glow bright enough to signal ships at sea.”

“I am not,” Silas whispered back, though he couldn't stop fidgeting with the key's chain.

“Oh please. You're practically vibrating. Should I give you two some privacy? Write some poetry about his majestic forest magic?”

“I will push you into a thornbush.”

“Aww, look who's getting all defensive. Don't worry, I'm sure he finds your magical pining adorable?—”

Before Silas could follow through on his thornbush threat, Thorne materialized from the morning mist. The sight stole his breath entirely. The forest guardian had maintained his true form from the night before - crown of twisted branches catching sunrise, silver-white hair moving like moonlight on water. But what truly caught Silas's attention was the shy smile that transformed Thorne's usually stern features.

“Good morning,” Thorne said softly, his voice carrying undertones of rustling leaves and distant thunder.

“Morning,” Silas managed.

They stood awkwardly for a moment, neither quite sure how to navigate this shift in their relationship. Everything felt simultaneously natural and terrifyingly new”.

I thought we might start with the moonweave glade,” Thorne finally said, extending his hand. “The path can be tricky for those unfamiliar with forest magic.”

The simple offer of guidance sent Silas's heart racing. When their fingers touched, silver sparks danced between them.

“Right behind you,” Kai called cheerfully. “At a respectful distance. Just pretend I'm not here.”

“Shut up, Kai,” Silas muttered, but he couldn't help smiling at his friend's obvious amusement.

The forest itself seemed to respond to their shared awareness, paths opening more readily beneath their feet. Branches shifted to let morning light paint patterns across their joined hands. Even the sprites following at a distance appeared to be giggling amongst themselves.

“The magical currents are particularly visible here,” Thorne explained as they walked, though his thumb absently traced patterns on Silas's palm that had nothing to do with lessons.

Silas tried to focus on the actual instruction, but found himself constantly distracted by new details about Thorne's true form.

“You know,” Kai commented from behind them, “when Agnes said you'd help restore balance between realms, I don't think she meant by making heart eyes at the forest guardian.”

Both Silas and Thorne pretended not to hear him, but their linked hands tightened slightly.

The path ahead beckoned with promise of both magical discovery and deeper understanding. Neither could say exactly where it led, but walking it together felt right in ways that defied explanation.

“Forest magic flows in harmonies,” Thorne explained, moving to stand behind Silas. “Like music, different types of power can create either discord or symphony when they meet.”

His hands settled on Silas's shoulders, guiding him into the proper stance. The touch sent warmth cascading through both their magical signatures, creating ripples in the surrounding forest magic.

“Like this?” Silas raised his hands, trying to focus on the lesson rather than the distracting heat of Thorne's chest pressed against his back.

“Almost.” Thorne's fingers slid down Silas's arms, adjusting his position. “Think of it like conducting an orchestra. Each gesture shapes how the magic flows.”

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