Page 9 of Tempest Rising

The moment I settled on his back, he launched into the sky with a force that stole my breath. The wind roared around us, the ground falling away in a blur of green and gold. For a brief moment, the tension in my chest unraveled, replaced by the exhilarating rush of flight. Up here, nothing else mattered—not the doubts, not the whispers, not the impossible expectations.

Just the sky. Just the freedom.

I closed my eyes for a second, letting the wind whip across my face, savoring the feeling. But deep down, I knew this wasn’t just a carefree ride. Thalon wouldn’t have brought me here unless it was important.

As if sensing my thoughts, Thalon angled downward, gliding toward a secluded clearing nestled deep within the forest. He landed with practiced grace, his talons sinking into the soft earth without a sound. The meadow before us was breathtaking—wildflowers swayed gently in the golden light, and towering redwoods stood like ancient sentinels, their branches whispering secrets to the wind.

I slid from his back, my legs unsteady beneath me, the thrill of the flight still humming through my veins. Thalon curled himself around the edge of the clearing, his immense form creating a protective barrier against the outside world.

“This place is beautiful,” I whispered, hardly daring to disrupt the stillness.

Thalon lowered his massive head, his molten amber eyes locking onto mine with a steady confidence that both comforted and challenged me."It is beautiful, little one,"he agreed, his voice a rich, resonant hum that seemed to vibrate through me."But its beauty isn’t the only reason I brought you here."

I tilted my head, curiosity mingling with apprehension as I placed a hand against the warm scales of his snout. "Then why did you?"

His vast form shifted slightly, his shadow stretching across the sprawling meadow. The golden glow of the setting sun reflected off his shimmering scales, illuminating the obsidian depths running like rivers through his massive frame."Because it’s time to prepare you for what’s coming."

My stomach tightened. Of course, it wasn’t just a respite. Of course, he had planned this moment with purpose. "You mean the Survival Challenge."

Thalon lowered his head until his molten amber eyes met mine, filled with a steady, unwavering certainty."This isn’t just about the Survival Challenge, Tess,"he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through my bones."You need to understand your magic. Now."

I swallowed hard, my fingers curling into fists at my sides. “I know,” I admitted. “I’m trying.”

"Trying isn’t enough anymore."His voice was gentle, but there was no mistaking the gravity of his words."This path you’ve chosen won’t be easy. You’ll be challenged in ways that will demand more than raw courage. You’ll need strength, skill, and a profound connection to your magic. That’s why we’re here—to start building those things. You have potential, little one, but potential alone is not enough.”

Something in his tone grounded me, even as a flicker of unease spread through my chest. "And you believe I can get there? That I can... become ready?"

Thalon’s amber eyes softened."I wouldn’t have chosen you as my rider if I didn’t believe in you."His immense bulk shiftedslightly as he straightened, the power in his form radiating like an unspoken promise.

"But belief isn’t the same as coddling. My role isn’t to shield you from what’s hard or uncomfortable. It’s to ensure you survive it—and thrive because of it. I will push you, Tess, and there will be moments you’ll hate me for it. But I will never let you face these challenges alone. You have me at your side, always."

I drew in a shaky breath, the tension in my shoulders easing ever so slightly. "So that's why you brought me here—not just to escape for a moment, but to start training."

“Precisely,”he said, his tone shifting into something lighter—though the determination beneath it remained unwavering.“Your magic is an extension of us, of the bond we share, and it’s time for you to learn how to use it. Everything we do here will be to prepare you for the trials ahead. Now...”He nudged me lightly with his snout, his immense presence gentler than I thought possible."Shall we begin?"

I squared my shoulders, a flicker of determination sparking within me. "Yes. Where do we start?"

"Close your eyes,"Thalon instructed gently."Focus on your breath. Feel the energy within you."

I did as he said, letting my eyes flutter shut. The sounds of the forest faded away as I concentrated on my breathing. In... out... in... out...

"Now,"Thalon's voice echoed in my mind,"reach inside yourself. There's a ball of energy in your chest. Can you feel it?"

At first, I felt nothing but the steady thrum of my heartbeat. But as I focused, I became aware of a warmth spreading throughmy chest. It pulsed with a rhythm all its own, distinct from my heartbeat.

"I... I think I feel something," I murmured, not daring to open my eyes.

As I focused on the warmth in my chest, a vivid image formed in my mind's eye. A swirling sphere of light pulsed gently, its surface swirling with equal parts shimmering gold and deep, rich purple.

"Thalon," I whispered, "I can see it. It's... beautiful. Like a ball of light, half gold and half purple."

I felt a wave of excitement and pride wash over me through our bond."Remarkable, Tess,"Thalon's voice resonated in my mind."What you're seeing is a perfect reflection of my own magical essence. This is why we've bonded through Soul Resonance – your core magic matches mine exactly."

My breath caught in my throat. "Really? That's... incredible. What do the colors mean?"

"The gold and purple represent the types of magic I possess,"Thalon explained."Try reaching out to each color with your mind. What do you feel?"

Cautiously, I extended my awareness towards the golden light in the sphere. As I made contact, a sense of structure and harmony washed over me. It felt... orderly, like the pieces of a complex puzzle fitting perfectly together.

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