Learning

Chapter 10 – Learning

It was harder than it sounded. The fire wanted to spill free, wild and alive, but she managed to reel it in until the light flickered out.

She tried again, channeling the energy slower this time. The light steadied, curling from her fingertips like smoke.

Suddenly, her knees wobbled. Kael caught her wrist. “Easy. That’s enough for now.”

Aria exhaled shakily. “I didn’t think it would take so much.”

“Power always does,” he said.

They rested briefly. Penelope kept her distance, watching with an expression that was part irritation, part interest.

When Aria’s breathing steadied, Kael gestured toward the center of the clearing again. “One more round.”

“Already?” Aria groaned.

He smiled faintly. “You’ll thank me when you’re still alive tomorrow.”

The second round was harder. The Rune flared hotter, reacting faster each time she called on it. Her palms burned, her pulse drumming in her ears.

But the pulses of light were becoming less choppy. She was able to manage the distance and how bright it was. She even formed a tiny ball of silver light hovering between her hands.

Silence followed.

Then Penelope smirked. “Not bad, little flame.But don’t get too comfy. You’ll need more than this to get by.”

Aria smiled, breathless. “Thanks… I think.”

Kael gave a rare, approving nod. “That’s progress.”

By midday, her muscles ached and her hands tingled. “Can we take a quick break?” Aria asked, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

Kael nodded. “Five minutes. Grab a snack.”

The women settled under the trees for lunch. Anna offered her some dried fruit, “Here, eat this. You’ll need some energy.” Aria took it gratefully, sitting on a tree root and snacking quietly.

Stella tossed her a flask of water. She nudged Aria and said, “You’re doing great. Don’t stress too much about Penelope. She’s just allergic to compliments.”

Penelope shot her a glare, but said nothing.

Kael stood close by, constantly scanning the surroundings, his dagger in hand even while she munched away. “Eat fast. We’ll resume after.”

Aria bit into the fruit. “Are we safe here?” she asked quietly.

Kael glanced at her. “Nothing is ever completely safe. But this spot is off the radar. They won’t find us easily. Just focus on your training. That’s your best defense.”

His words lingered long after lunch ended.

The rest of the morning dragged on. The next training focused on stillness, learning to feel the Rune rather than use it. They sat cross-legged in the clearing, hands resting on their knees, eyes closed.

Listen,” Kael murmured. “The Rune is tied to the moon, but it beats with your own heart. If you listen long enough, you’ll hear it answer you.”

At first, Aria heard nothing but her own shallow breathing. Then, slowly, something deeper, the faint hum of something otherworldly. Her pulse synced with it, and the warmth that had once felt wild now steadied, calm and sure.

When she opened her eyes again, the light around her fingers was soft and controlled.

Kael smiled, just a little. “That’s it.”

Penelope’s voice broke the quiet. “She’s learning fast. Too fast.”

Kael’s gaze met hers. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“It usually is.”

But Aria wasn't listening, she was busy learning to control her moonfire in short bursts, to feel the energy around her, and even to pick up on changes in the forest. She discovered an unexpected ability, she could sense movement, almost like a heads-up before it actually happened.

“Hey! Look!” Aria exclaimed out of nowhere. “I sensed it before it moved. Something’s coming!”

Kael turned quickly, but there was nothing there. The other women raised their eyebrows, intrigued.

“Not bad,” Kael said. “You’re stronger than you think. That instinct could really help you out.”

Aria felt a mix of pride and nerves. Could she really handle this?

After lunch, Kael introduced some meditation techniques. “Sit down, close your eyes. Tune into the Rune. Feel the energy of the forest. Connect with it without forcing anything.”

At first, Aria struggled to keep her mind from wandering. Thoughts of Lucien and the Alpha King kept intruding. Penelope gave her a gentle nudge. “Just stop thinking and focus on feeling.”

Eventually, she managed to quiet her mind. The Rune pulsed softly, and she felt warmth spreading through her chest, connecting her to the trees, the ground, and even the other women.

“Nice job,” Kael said. “This is how you’ll grow stronger. It’s all about control, focus, and awareness. Trust yourself.”

As evening set in, the women tidied up and got a small campfire going. Aria felt drained but accomplished. Kael sat next to her. “You did well today. Time to rest. Tomorrow’s going to be tougher.”

“I… think I’m ready,” Aria replied, though her voice was shaky.

Kael nodded. “You’ll never truly feel ready. That’s why we train. But you’ve improved since yesterday. That’s what counts.”

The fire crackled while the women chatted quietly. Stella and Anna showed Aria some cool Moonfire moves she could use in a fight. Penelope still kept a close eye on her but nodded occasionally when she saw progress.

Kael leaned back, scanning the trees. “Stay alert. Lucien’s scouts will be out tonight. You might notice their presence.”

Aria shivered a bit. “I’ll be careful.”

“You better,” Kael warned. “Moon-Blessed are strong, but that strength won’t matter if you get caught off guard.”

Aria nodded, feeling the weight of his words. That night, as she lay on her sleeping mat, she reflected on what she’d learned. She was getting better at controlling her Moonfire, sensing danger, and figuring out how to protect herself.

She whispered to herself, “I can do this. I have to.”

Outside, the wind rustled through the trees. In the distance, she imagined Lucien’s scouts moving quietly, but fear wasn’t really creeping in, at least not yet.

She closed her eyes, feeling the Rune's pulse against her back. Tomorrow would be another day of training, and she’d get even stronger. She would survive.

She was Moon-Blessed, and this was just the beginning.