“You said you’d lost everything too. How did you get past it? How did you move on?” Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.
Vaelric didn’t look at her as he spoke, his eyes still on the distant horizon. “I took things into my own hands. I found power and learned to use it for myself. I saved myself and got revenge on those who took everything from me.”
He paused, his voice heavy with something she couldn’t quite place. “But it came at a price.”
His hand moved to his face, his fingers tracing the etched scars that marred his otherwise flawless features. She stood, brushing off the dampness from where she’d been sitting, and offered her hand to Vaelric. He took it without hesitation, his grip warm and steady despite the chill that lingered in the air. Together, they walked toward the edge of the woods, the fading light casting long shadows around them.
Just as they reached the tree line, Vaelric stopped and turned to her. “It was nice to see you again, Riona,” he said, his voice low and smooth, “I hope you find whatever it is you’re searching for.”
He didn’t wait for her to finish. Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the night, his figure melting into the shadows like a wisp of smoke.
Riona stood there, frozen in place, the weight of his words sinking into her chest.
Chapter 49
Unlocking Potential
The days blurred together. Riona rarely left her room at the inn, barely sleeping and picking at her meals. She couldn’t put the book down, the words pulling her deeper with each passage. The outside world faded into the background, swallowed by the book’s grip. It wasn’t until a letter arrived with her morning meal that reality pierced the haze. The summons to patrols was clear; she couldn’t delay any longer. Scrambling, Riona bathed, dressed, and left to meet Kael.
Kael stood outside the Circle’s outpost, his posture immaculate as ever, the crisp morning air cool against her skin. He handed her a folded parchment, his tone as icy as his movements.
“I’ve arranged your accommodations,” he said. “You made it clear Frostfire and the Keep didn’t suit you. There’s a cottage in Coill Dorcha. Modest but adequate.”
Riona unfolded the parchment and scanned the neat description. A simple, functional cottage, tucked away at the edge of Coill Dorcha. It wasn’t much, but the idea of a quiet place, away from the chaos, brought relief.
“Thank you, Commander,” she said sincerely.
Kael nodded. “You’ll be able to move in after today’s patrols and training. It should meet your needs better than the inn.”
“It will,” she replied, her voice softer now. “I appreciate it.”
Kael’s gaze lingered on her. “Your father’s name is known here. That alone brings certain expectations.
Commander General Byrne set a high standard, and I intend to uphold it.”
Riona bristled slightly but nodded. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
His expression softened, though his voice remained formal. “Prove that you belong, and you’ll find your place here.”
The air seemed charged with tension, as if the proximity to the Veil made every moment feel urgent. The training grounds left her speechless. They stretched farther than she remembered, the sheer scale of the place staggering. Sparring circles filled the space, cadets locked in combat under the watchful eyes of their trainers. Targets floated erratically in the air, glowing faintly with runes, while soldiers hurled spells and arrows with unerring precision. The air buzzed with the energy of magic being wielded, the sounds of swords clashing and the rhythmic thud of fists hitting dummies. At the center of it all stood a towering structure, its stone walls carved with intricate symbols that pulsed faintly. It was a place that radiated strength and resilience.
Kael’s voice broke her thoughts. “You’ve seen this place before, haven’t you?”
Riona nodded slowly. “As a child. My father brought me here.”
Her memories flickered walking these grounds, her small hand in her father’s, his voice explaining the importance of the Circle. She remembered the awe she felt watching the soldiers train, their movements precise and deadly. But those memories were shadowed by others, her father’s distant gaze, his cruel words, the growing chasm between them as she grew older. She hadn’t stepped foot here in years…
Kael’s voice broke her thoughts. “You’ll train under three mentors.”
Amara stepped forward first. Tall, muscular, and poised, her mahogany skin gleamed under the sun. Wavy hair adorned with small charms swayed as she moved, and her hazel eyes seemed to pierce through Riona. She carried a staff etched with intricate, glowing runes.
“I’m Amara,” she said, her tone steady and commanding. “Combat and endurance are my domain.
Nextwas Zara. Her sleek black braids framed angled eyes that watched Riona with quiet intensity. Her uniform bore patterns unfamiliar to Riona, and her movements were precise and calculated.
“I’m Zara,” she said, her tone cool but calm. “Runes, elemental casting, and defensive magic. Here, control is everything.”
Last was Niko, his easy grin a stark contrast to the others’ intensity. His hair fell messily over his sun-warmed face, and the massive axe strapped to his back glowed faintly.
