Liam drew his sword, its blade shimmering in the candlelight.
*I'll never let you hurt Emilia, Ethan,* he said, his voice low and deadly. *If you want to take her from me, you'll have to go through me first.*
Ethan sneered.
*Always the hero, brother,* he said, charging toward Liam with a fierce battle cry.
The brothers clashed swords, their blades ringing out as they fought across the room. Emilia watched in horror, her heart racing with fear.
Suddenly, she heard a faint whispering in her ear.
*Emilia, help him,* the voice said. *Use your magic.*
Emilia spun around, but saw no one. The voice seemed to come from all around her.
*What magic?* she whispered back.
*The magic of your ancestors,* the voice replied. *It flows through your blood. Trust in it, and trust in Liam.*
Emilia turned back to the battle, her eyes locked on Liam. She raised her hands, feeling a strange energy building inside her.
*Ancient ones, hear my call,* she whispered, the words coming from deep within her soul. *Guide my magic, and protect my love.*
A brilliant light burst forth from Emilia's hands, striking Ethan's sword and sending him flying across the room. Liam stood panting, his eyes wide with shock.
*Emilia... how did you do that?* he asked, sheathing his sword.
Emilia shook her head, still feeling the magic coursing through her veins.
*I don't know,* she said. *It just came to me. Like I've done it before.*
Liam's eyes narrowed.
*You have done it before, Emilia. In past lives. Our ancestors' magic is awakening within you.*
Emilia's mind reeled. Past lives? Ancestors' magic? What did Liam mean?
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a figure loomed in the doorway.
*Well done, Emilia,* the figure said, its voice low and mysterious. *You have passed the first test.*