The next morning, Elyndra's streets seemed ordinary once more, washed clean by the night's rain. Yet Kaelis could not shake the memory of the whispered call and the cloaked figure of Orin Thale. Every shadow seemed to watch him, every breeze felt alive with intent.
"Kaelis," Selara's voice cut through his thoughts. She stood at the entrance of the small apothecary where he worked, her dark hair still damp from the morning mist. "We don't have much time. Orin warned us… the first trial begins today."
Kaelis frowned, gripping the edge of the counter. "Trial? I thought… all of this was about magic and prophecy. What trial?"
Selara's eyes softened, but the intensity remained. "A test. To see if we can face the forces that are trying to invade our world. If we fail… well, let's not think about that. Just trust me."
He hesitated, then nodded. "Okay… I trust you."
They left the city streets behind, moving toward the ancient forest that bordered Elyndra. The air changed as they approached—heavier, charged with energy. The forest seemed alive, whispering secrets in a language only Selara could understand.
"Here," she said, stopping at a clearing marked by an ancient stone circle. "The trial begins now. You must focus, Kaelis. Your gift—it's stronger than you know. You can sense emotions, right?"
He nodded, closing his eyes. Slowly, he felt the rhythm of the forest, the emotions of every creature, every rustling leaf. And then… a shadow emerged from the trees, twisting and dark, with eyes like molten silver.
"You must face it," Selara said, her voice calm but commanding. "Together."
The shadow lunged. Kaelis's heart raced, but instinctively, he reached out—not with strength, but with empathy. He felt the fear, confusion, and loneliness within the shadow. Slowly, the darkness softened, and the creature froze, caught in the warmth of his understanding.
Selara's hands glowed, weaving light around them both. The shadow dissolved into the morning mist, leaving behind a faint echo of laughter.
Kaelis opened his eyes, breathless. "We… did it?"
Selara smiled, a mixture of relief and pride. "Yes. This was only the first trial. But it shows what we can achieve… together."
Kaelis looked at her, the bond between them deepening in ways he couldn't yet explain. Magic, fate, prophecy… it all felt less intimidating with her by his side.
"And this," Selara whispered, "is only the beginning of our story."