Page 412 of Evil Hearts

“Very well,” Brian said, stepping back and regarding her with an appraising look. “Then let’s begin your training.”

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the atmosphere in the forest shifted. Shadows lengthened and danced between the trees, and a warm, golden hue enveloped the glade. Brian led her through various exercises, teaching her how to harness her magic by focusing on her emotions and the energy around her.

“Let go of fear,” he instructed as they stood in a small clearing. “Channel your anger or joy into a burst of energy. Imagine it like a stream flowing from your heart.”

Elara closed her eyes, breathing deeply. She remembered the excitement of the dance, the joy of the fairies, and even the sense of loss she felt for her family. She combined those emotions, feeling them swirl together within her. Slowly, she extended her hands and focused on the ground before her.

At first, nothing happened. Then as she persisted, a shimmer began to rise from her palms—a faint glow that danced and twirled in the air. With a surge of exhilaration, she opened her eyes to see a small vine erupt from the earth, spiraling upward and blooming into delicate flowers of violet and blue.

“Excellent!” Brian exclaimed; his voice full of genuine surprise. “You’re a natural.”

Elara’s heart soared at his praise, but she could still feel his distance, an invisible wall that separated them despite the shared moment of triumph.

“What about you?” she asked, curiosity bubbling up inside her. “What’s your role in all of this?”

His expression shifted, momentarily shadowed by something she couldn’t decipher. “I am a guardian of the forest, an envoy of the creatures that inhabit it. My duty is to protect this realm and ensure the balance between our world and yours. That’s what elves, my kind do around here.”

“Then why do you seem so… conflicted?” Elara pressed, sensing the tension between them. “I can see it in your eyes. You care, yet you push me away.”

Brian’s jaw clenched, and for a moment, she thought he would refuse to answer. Instead, he took a deep breath, his voice low and steady. “Caring can be a weakness in my position. You are a princess—once a symbol of strength for your people. But now, you are something more. You are both a weapon and a beacon.The world beyond the forest is still fighting to reclaim its peace, and you could be the key to that.”

“Then let me help!” Elara pleaded, stepping closer. “I want to be a part of both worlds—to help my family and this realm.”

Brian’s gaze softened again, his walls crumbling just slightly. “You are brave, Elara. But bravery does not shield you from pain. You will face hardships that will challenge everything you believe in.”

“I can handle it,” she insisted, determination shining in her eyes. “As long as I have the strength of the forest behind me, I won’t back down.”

Brian studied her for a long moment, the tension in the air thick with unspoken words. Finally, he nodded. “Very well. But know that as you step further into this world, you may lose parts of yourself you never thought you could. There will be sacrifices.”

Elara felt her heart flutter in response to his intensity, yet a wave of unease washed over her at his warning. “What kind of sacrifices?”

His expression darkened, and for a heartbeat, the distance between them stretched impossibly wide. “Things you hold dear. Friends, family, perhaps even the very memories of who you were. You may come to find that the power you gain here is accompanied by consequences.”

Swallowing hard, Elara steeled herself against the fear bubbling inside her. “I’m willing to take that risk. I won’t lose hope, and I won’t forget my purpose.”

Brian regarded her for a long moment, a flicker of admiration shining in his dark eyes. “Then we begin tomorrow at dawn. Your training will be rigorous, and you must learn to trust your instincts.”

Chapter 4

The sun peekedthrough the dense canopy of leaves, casting a dappled glow across the forest floor as Elara stood at the edge of a small clearing.

Brian was instructing her on the art of camouflage, a skill essential for survival among the forest folk. “You need to blend in with your surroundings,” he said, demonstrating by kneeling low and draping vines and leaves over himself like a cloak. “This isn’t just about hiding; it’s about becoming part of the forest.”

Elara watched intently, her heart racing as she admired his ease in the natural world. He moved like a shadow, fluid and graceful, a stark contrast to her own clumsy attempts.

“Like this?” she asked, trying to imitate him. She grabbed a handful of leaves and awkwardly positioned them around her shoulders.

Brian looked at her, a bemused smile curling his lips. “Almost. You need to feel the forest, Elara. It’s not just about the leaves; it’s about the energy. Close your eyes.”

She complied, shutting out the vibrant colors of the forest and focusing on the sounds—the whisper of the breeze through the branches, the distant chirping of birds, and the soft rustling of small creatures hidden among the underbrush. With each breath, she felt her pulse synchronize with the rhythm of nature.

“Now, think about becoming part of it. Imagine the leaves absorbing you,” Brian instructed, his voice low and soothing.

As Elara inhaled deeply, she felt a warmth spread from her core, flowing through her limbs. When she opened her eyes, she was astonished to see the leaves glimmer faintly around her, shimmering as though they had absorbed her essence.

Brian’s eyes widened, a spark of surprise and admiration flashing across his features. “That’s it! You’re starting to connect with the magic of this realm.”

Her heart fluttered at his praise, and a rush of confidence surged through her. “It feels incredible, Brian! I can sense the energy—like it’s alive within me.”

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