Draven blinked in the dim light. His head throbbed, the world spinning around him. He tried to sit up, only to realize he wasn't on the cobblestone streets of Eldervale anymore.
"Where… where are we?" he muttered, his voice hoarse.
Beside him, Klein groaned and rubbed his jaw. "I… I don't know. That hit was harder than I thought."
They slowly opened their eyes. The room was dark but not completely. Dust motes floated in the sunlight that sneaked through broken shutters. Old wooden beams creaked above them, and tattered curtains swayed gently in the breeze through missing panes.
It Looks abandoned ," Klein said, voice trembling between awe and unease.
Draven's heart jumped. From the shadows of the far corner, three figures emerged.
A lady, tall and graceful, though her clothes were worn and patched. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. Behind her were two boys, their age maybe a year or two older than Draven and Klein. Both grinned, stepping closer with hands tucked behind their backs like they were planning something.
"Ah… you're awake, the lady said, her voice melodic. Good. I was beginning to think you'd sleep forever.
Draven's mouth went dry. Who… who are you?he croaked.
The boys giggled. One leaned forward. "Don't worry. We're not going to hurt you… much. He winked, clearly teasing.
Much? Klein echoed, narrowing his eyes. What does that mean?
The lady laughed softly, walking closer. It means we like to have fun. You've had a long, exciting day, haven't you?
Draven glanced at Klein. Exciting isn't the word I'd use.
You'll get used to it,the second boy said, bouncing on the balls of his feet. We like to scare people a little. Just to see their reactions.
Draven's stomach twisted, but he could sense no real danger. Something about the air in the room the faint warmth of it, the way the sunlight touched the dust made him relax slightly.
"Scare us?" Draven said, trying to sound braver than he felt.
Yes! the first boy grinned. He snapped his fingers, and suddenly a shadow fell across Draven's chest, stretching like a dark hand. Draven yelped and stumbled backward—but the shadow didn't touch him.
Ha! See? the lady said, laughing. All show. No harm.
Klein exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. Okay… I admit, that was… impressive. But seriously, who are you?
The lady tilted her head. Names don't matter right now. You can call me Miriel. These two troublemakers are Joren and Lys. And you two well you're guests for now.
Draven frowned, rubbing his temples.
Guests? I don't feel like a guest. I feel like… like we were kidnapped.
Miriel's smile widened. Ah, perceptive. Yes, you were. But don't worry. We won't let anything bad happen to you. Not while you're here.
Joren twirled a stick between his fingers, smirking. Unless you count a little teasing as bad. Then, yes… we're horrible.
Lys elbowed him playfully. Stop scaring them too much, Joren. They look nervous.
Draven glanced at Klein. I don't know if I should be scared or relieved.
Klein shrugged, cheeks flushed. I'm… leaning toward relieved. Mostly.
Miriel stepped closer again, her eyes glinting like she knew a secret. Good. You'll need to stay calm. There's much to learn, and you'll need to see the world in ways you haven't yet.
Draven's pulse quickened. Learn what?
The lady's smile turned almost mysterious. Everything. But first… you must understand your place. Here, you are neither lost nor safe. You are… watched.
Draven's stomach tightened. He exchanged a glance with Klein, who swallowed hard. Something told both of them that this wasn't a prank.
Joren and Lys grinned, sensing the tension. Don't worry, Lys said. It's fun. You'll like it… eventually.
Draven frowned, leaning back against the wall. I have a feeling… things just got a lot more complicated.
Miriel tilted her head, laughter in her voice. Oh, indeed. But don't worry. All in good time, little ones and she stepped closer, her eyes fixed on Draven with an intensity that made him shift uneasily. I saw you today, she said softly, her voice carrying a weight that made even Klein pause. At the market square… the way the cart moved beneath your hands.
Draven froze. You… you saw that? he asked, his throat tight.
Miriel nodded, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. Of course. That's what drew me to you. You're… different, just like me.
Klein leaned forward, curiosity piqued. Different? What do you mean? You're saying you can…..
Miriel raised her hand, and the tips of her fingers sparked, glowing like molten copper in the dim light of the abandoned house. Slowly, a ribbon of flame uncoiled from her palm, twisting and dancing in the air like a living thing. It hovered a few inches above the floor, bending and curling as if listening to her thoughts. With a subtle flick of her wrist, the fire leapt into a circle around a pile of old wood, but instead of burning it, the flames swirled harmlessly, contained, warm and vibrant.
Draven's eyes widened, the hum in his chest stirring as he instinctively reached toward it, mesmerized. It… it moves with you," he whispered. Miriel smiled softly. "Yes. Power like ours is not just strength,it's an extension of who we are. And you, Draven, are only beginning to understand what yours can do.
Draven stared at the dancing flames, a mixture of awe and longing stirring inside him. He raised a hand hesitantly, fingers trembling, unsure what to do. "I… I don't know if I can," he whispered.
Miriel's gaze softened. You won't know until you try. Let it respond to you, not your fear.
Draven took a deep breath, letting the rhythm of the room settle in him,the creak of beams, the dust motes floating, the hum of the air. He focused on the subtle movements around him, the faint sway of the curtains, the cool draft brushing against his skin. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, a ripple of wind stirred in the air, brushing Miriel's hair against her cheek.
He gasped, heart racing. Did… did I do that?
Miriel's eyes lit up. Yes! You felt it, didn't you? That's the beginning. Let it flow."
Encouraged, Draven spread his hands, and the air around the room began to twist and curl, lifting dust and loose papers like tiny whirlwinds. A faint whistle threaded through the rafters, the temperature dipping slightly as the wind gathered strength, swirling in response to his will.
Klein's jaw dropped, eyes wide. Whoa… you're… you're making a storm!
Draven's pulse thrummed in his chest. It's… I can feel it. It's alive.
Miriel stepped closer, her fire bending to avoid the tiny spirals of wind. Exactly. Your power is part of you, Draven, like the fire is part of me. But storms are untamed they obey only when you understand them. And that understanding… will come with time and practice.
Draven clenched his fists, smiling for the first time in days. "Then I'll learn. I have to.