Bonds and lessons

Chapter 10

Aria pushed herself up off the low log she’d been sitting on. She stretched her arms and legs, still feeling the stiffness from yesterday's training. The sanctuary was really quiet now, with just the soft rustle of the wind through the trees and the gentle sound of the stream nearby.

Kael was already on the move, carrying two small bags toward the training ground. He caught her eye. “You’re up early.”

“Couldn’t sleep much,” Aria replied, brushing some dust off her dress. “Had a lot on my mind.”

“Thoughts can wait,” Kael said casually. “Training doesn’t.”

Aria hesitated for a moment but followed him anyway. The training ground was a flat spot surrounded by tall stone walls, all covered in green moss. It felt safer here than anywhere else she had been, even though she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being hunted.

“First things first,” Kael said, tossing her a small wooden staff. “We’re starting with control exercises. Hold this and try to focus on the ruin on your back, it's almost like trying to feel it. No need to force it.”

Aria took the staff, her hands shaking a bit. She closed her eyes and concentrated, picturing the Rune on her back glowing softly. She felt the warmth radiating down her arms.

“Nice,” Kael said after a few minutes. “Now try to extend it. Small bursts. Don’t overdo it.”

Taking a deep breath, Aria gave it a shot. A thin silver light shimmered along the staff. She blinked in surprise. “I… actually did it?”

Kael nodded. “Yep. You’ve got a strong connection. That’s why you were chosen.”

A few of the Moon-Blessed women came over Stella, Anna, and Penelope. Stella grinned when she spotted Aria holding the staff. “Look who’s finally awake! Did you manage to practice while we were snoozing?”

“I… was just resting,” Aria said quickly, not wanting to sound boastful.

Anna shot her a friendly smile. “That’s fine! You’re picking things up really quickly. That’s what counts.”

Penelope, however, crossed her arms and looked skeptical. “Just because you learn faster than everybody does now mean you're ready" she said coolly. “Don’t rush it.”

Aria glanced down at her feet, unsure how to respond. Kael stepped in. “She’s ready for this stage. No need to interfere. You’ll have your turn to train.”

Penelope pursed her lips but nodded. “We’ll see about that.”

Kael guided Aria through the exercises, showing her how to channel her Moonfire into small bursts and then pull it back without losing control. It was challenging. Her arms were sore, and her mind felt weighed down, but she kept at it.

During a short break, Kael plopped down next to her. “What’s got you so invested in all this?” he asked. “Not just the training, but surviving, fighting, all of it.”

Aria shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I just don’t want to feel weak anymore. I want to be in control of my own fate.”

Kael’s expression softened a bit. “That’s why you were chosen. That fire inside you isn’t just for causing destruction; it’s for protection and survival. You’ll get there.”

They trained for hours. Aria learned to project Moonfire in little arcs, feeling the warmth and strength in her hands. The other women watched her closely, some were curious, others a bit jealous. Penelope, in particular, kept her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed.

During their lunch break, Stella and Anna came up to her. “You did great,” Anna said with a friendly smile. “Most of us had a tough time with the staff for weeks.”

“You’re really talented,” Stella chimed in. “Even Kael seems to be impressed. Just don’t let Penelope get under your skin. She can be a bit… tricky."

Aria nodded, feeling a bit uplifted. "Thank you, I don't know why but I really need to fit in"

"I'm very sure you would fit in" Anna swung a hand over her shoulder chuckling and Aria suddenly felt relaxed.

After lunch, Kael made her practice again. They decided to do it at the field without being disturbed. "Today, we are going to learn how to manipulate your energy" he said. “You’ll learn to sense the Rune in others and defend against any attacks before they hit you.”

Aria followed his lead, shutting her eyes and reaching out with her senses. She noticed faint vibrations from the other women around her and then felt a sudden, stronger tug, her own Rune responding.

“Great job,” Kael said. “You’re picking up on things that even some of the older Moon-Blessed miss.”

By the end of the day, Aria’s muscles were sore, and her head was buzzing with all the new information. For the first time in Aria's life, she actually felt proud to be herself, she smiled thinking of how training went.

Just before they had ended training that day, Kael had pulled her aside to speak to her. "I'm glad everything is going smoothly so far, but don't forget to relax when you need to"

His gaze on her was soft but he held a deeper meaning. "Let me tell you something, I once failed someone, someone very important to me. I was meant to protect them, and I failed. That’s why I’m so determined now, not just with you, but with everyone who is chosen.”

Aria felt a twinge in her chest. “I get it. We all have our regrets. But you’re trying to make it right now.”

Kael nodded, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Yeah. That’s all I can do.”

Later, as they headed back to the sanctuary, Penelope approached Aria. “Not bad,” she said reluctantly. “Maybe you actually have some potential.”

Aria gave a faint smile. “Thanks.”

When night fell, Aria found herself outside her room, staring at the sky as the sun went out of view. Life here had been a bit bearable and she couldn't feel that pain that passed through the mate bond

She had learned to shut it out, but for how long did she plan to do so? Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she met a familiar pair of red eyes and a man that held a deep resemblance to Lucien.

"W...who are you?"