Chapter 5: The Awakening

As days passed, Finn couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He had strange dreams of a dark force watching him, whispering his name. He kept waking up in cold sweats, his heart pounding in his chest. One morning, when he woke, he felt a strange warmth in his hands. Looking down, he saw faint traces of light dancing across his palms.

"What is this?" he asked Kalen, showing him the glow.

"You're connected to the magic of this world now," Kalen said, his voice tense. "It's starting to awaken inside you."

Finn was horrified. He had no interest in magic, especially after learning the dangers it posed. But Kalen insisted that it was too late. The longer he stayed in Elysana, the more connected he would become to its power.

"You have to learn to control it," Kalen warned. "Or it will consume you."