Closing her eyes, Cora took a deep breath and focused on the warmth spreading deep inside her chest. It felt like a wild animal, but she didn’t try to cage it this time. Instead, she let the feeling flow, imagining it spreading through her arms and down to her fingertips.
The soft crackle of energy began to build. Her palms warmed, and when she opened her eyes, a faint glow pulsed in the air around her hands.
“There you go,” Elena praised with a grin. “Now, hold it steady.”
Cora inhaled slowly, focusing on keeping the energy contained. It wavered for a moment, threatening to spiral out of control, but she steadied herself and willed it to remain. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.
“Better,” Elena told her, nodding. “Now, let’s see if you can shape it.”
“Shape it into what?” Cora asked.
“Whatever feels natural,” Elena replied. “A sphere, a shield, a blade. You know that magic is an extension of you. It’ll take whatever form you need it to.”
Cora glanced at Elena skeptically but didn’t argue. She didn’t need to be instructed like a child—she’d been working with magic for years. But something about Elena’s calm, steady guidance helped her concentrate and cut through the noise of her frustration and doubt.
Closing her eyes again, she focused on the glowing energy in her hands. She thought of a shield, something strong and unyielding, something that could protect her from the threats lurking around every corner. The energy responded, shifting and condensing until a faint, translucent barrier formed between her palms.
“Good. You’re starting to get it.”
Cora opened her eyes and stared at the shimmering shield. It flickered once, then twice, before vanishing entirely. She let out a frustrated sigh, and her shoulders slumped.
“It’s not enough. If something happens—if Theodore’s people come for me again—this won’t be enough to stop them.”
“Not yet,” Elena admitted. “But you’re stronger than you realize, Cora. The more you practice, the more control you’ll gain. You’ve just got to give yourself time.”
Cora bit her lip. “What if time isn’t something I have?”
Elena’s expression grew serious. She stepped forward and placed a hand on Cora’s shoulder. “Then you make the most of the time you do have. Start trusting your instincts. If you feel danger coming, don’t ignore it. Prepare for it. You’re not helpless, no matter what your doubts are telling you.”
Cora nodded, though the knot of anxiety in her chest didn’t loosen. “Thanks, Elena. For helping me. I don’t think I could do this alone.”
“You’ve got more people in your corner than you think. Even Grayson.”
At the mention of his name, Cora’s chest ached for an entirely different reason. She hadn’t stopped thinking about him since last night—since that amazing night together. It had beena collision of emotions she hadn’t been ready for. And now, she didn’t know where they stood.
Elena seemed to sense her discontent. “You should talk to him.”
“I don’t even know what to say,” Cora admitted.
“Start with the truth,” Elena suggested. “It’s scary, but it’s the only way forward.”
Cora managed a small smile. “When did you get so wise?”
“Years of making my own mistakes,” Elena said with a wink. She squeezed Cora’s shoulder before stepping back. “I’ve got to go, but keep practicing. And remember what I said—trust your instincts.”
Cora watched as Elena walked away and disappeared into the trees. She stood there for a moment with the stillness of the clearing pressing in around her. The faint scent of herbs and magic lingered in the air as a reminder of the progress she’d made, however small it felt.
She flexed her fingers, feeling the residual hum of energy beneath her skin. It was a start, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that time was slipping away. Theodore’s shadow loomed closer with every passing day, and the knowledge of that threat was a constant presence in the back of her mind.
Taking a deep breath, Cora turned back toward her apartment. There was still so much to figure out, but for now, she had to keep moving forward—one step at a time.
The sun hung lower in the sky by the time Cora stepped out of her apartment and onto Main Street. The day had slipped by faster than she realized, leaving her feeling a strange mixture of progress and unease. Her magic training with Elena had been a small victory, but there was still so much anxiety set in hermuscles. Trust your instincts, Elena had said. Right now, her instincts were screaming. She just didn’t know for what.
The bell above the bakery door jingled as Cora entered, the familiar scent of cinnamon and sugar briefly soothing her nerves. Business had slowed for the day, and only a handful of customers lingered at the small tables near the windows. Cora made her way behind the counter, exchanging a quick smile with Laila.
“You’re late,” Laila teased, brushing flour off her apron.
“Lost track of time,” Cora replied, tying on her own apron. “Need me to close up tonight?”
