Page 74 of A Hunter for Luna

"Starlight magic is a fickle thing," Calia said, leading us into a sun-drenched atrium. "Especially for an adult who’s used it in a certain way. It requires a great deal of focus and dedication to change the paths you’ve already set."

"I'm willing to put in the work," Benedetto said.

Calia hummed thoughtfully. "I’ve never seen evidence you’re willing to take the harder road, other than your famous quest. Training is not easy or quick."

A young girl burst into the room, her cheeks flushed. "Mistress Calia, I?—"

She stopped short, eyes widening at the sight of us and bobbed a hasty bow.

Calia sighed. "Eleni, what have I told you about interrupting?"

The girl ducked her head. "Apologies, Mistress. I didn't realize you had guests."

"No harm done. Now, off with you. We'll speak later."

The girl, Eleni, bobbed another bow and scurried away. I caught the way her gaze lingered on Calia, the adoration in her young eyes. She admired her greatly. Perhaps even more than that.

It spoke well for the woman’s character. Being taught didn’t necessarily inspire affection.

"Forgive the interruption." Calia turned back to us. "Apprentices can be rather enthusiastic at times."

I smiled, genuine warmth seeping into my expression. "It's quite alright. Eagerness to learn is a precious thing."

"Indeed." Calia studied me for a moment, as if seeing me in a new light. "Perhaps we could continue this conversation at a later date? Away from the distractions of home. This visit was not expected, and my day is already full."

"We would be delighted." Benedetto bowed his head.

As we made our farewells, I couldn't shake the feeling that Calia saw more than she let on. That she understood, on some level, the true nature of our visit. We needed to tread carefully. She was no fool. But then again, neither were we.

And perhaps Benedetto did need the training.

Benedetto took my arm as we left, his grip firm. "That went well," he said.

"It's a start," I said. "But we have a long way to go."

The scent of exotic spices and aged leather enveloped me as we entered Naran Olar's residence. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of nomadic life on the steppes Several kegs lined the walls, holding his famous beer.

Naran himself stood before us, his broad shoulders draped in a fur-lined cloak, his hawk-like gaze assessing us with a piercing intensity.

"You want training?" he asked skeptically. "You, d’Alvarez? After what happened to your brother?"

Benedetto tensed beside me, his jaw clenching.

I placed a gentle hand on his arm, a silent reminder of our purpose.

"That's true," I said, my gaze steady on the mage. "But people change, Master Olar. And sometimes, they realize their fears have held them back for too long."

Naran's expression softened, just a bit. He nodded, as if understanding some unspoken burden. He drew three small glasses of ale from a keg. We sipped in silence as he considered.

“When your mother was searching for a teacher for you, she said you sourced from the starlight. That’s hard to teach for anyone who doesn’t also source from it, since it draws power from both sun and moon.”

Benedetto nodded.

"If you're serious, you'll need to speak with someone who knows the old ways, like Moonshifter or Soulrider. Have you asked the apprentice in your household for the location of Soulrider’s tower?”

I shook my head. “Sofia suggested we not seek him out.”

Naran shrugged. “She’d know her master best. That leaves you with Moonshifter, who taught your brother. Last I heard, he'd moved back to the tower in the Renhos Mountains, near the Ygris Pass. Turn left at the blasted oak and follow the second game trail."

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