Despite her proud declaration, Felicity soon discovered that motivation alone wasn't enough to surpass a generational genius.
The days bled together inside the strange world of the trial, a stage replaying Morgana's youth like a cruel theater piece.
Every morning, the little prodigy woke with radiant energy, her hair unkempt yet her eyes sharp with focus. Her spells grew stronger, cleaner, faster. The elements danced for her, looking joyful to answer her call.
And every day, Felicity mimicked her. Her form, her words, her focus. But no matter how precise she was, her spells still sputtered, lagged, and broke apart in useless bursts of color.
One afternoon, Morgana's child form sat in the royal garden, surrounded by her parents. The Ravenshade Duke and Duchess clapped delightedly as their daughter summoned each element with elegance and ease.
"Our daughter is exceptional," the mother said softly, pride shining in her tone. "We must hire the best tutors in the kingdom."
