Chapter 76: Training Begins

The morning sun streamed through the trees, casting long shadows across the training grounds. The air was cool, and a faint mist lingered, swirling around Lysandra's feet as she took her position in the center of the clearing. Her heart beat steadily, but there was a nervous flutter in her chest as she prepared for what lay ahead.

Zephyrion stood a few paces away, his gaze steady and focused. He had traded his armor for a simple training tunic, though his presence remained as commanding as ever. Althara watched from the edge of the clearing, her expression thoughtful and contemplative. She had gathered a few relics and charms, laying them out on a nearby stone for Lysandra to use if necessary.

"This is where we start," Zephyrion said, his voice strong but encouraging. "You need to learn to summon the light at will, to call upon it and command it. It's not enough to rely on it appearing when you're in danger."

Lysandra nodded, taking a deep breath. She felt the latent power within her, like a flame waiting to ignite, but each time she tried to reach for it, it seemed to elude her grasp. "How do I control something that feels like it has a will of its own?" she asked.

"It's not about control," Althara interjected. "It's about understanding and aligning yourself with the force. You need to think of it as an extension of yourself, not a separate entity. The light is a part of you, Lysandra, not something you need to dominate."

Lysandra closed her eyes, feeling the world around her slow as she focused inward. She reached for the light, imagining it as a warm glow deep within her chest, a source of energy and life. For a moment, she felt it spark to life, a faint warmth spreading through her limbs. But as soon as she tried to focus on it, the light slipped away, vanishing like a wisp of smoke.

"It's not enough to simply sense it," Zephyrion instructed. "You need to let it flow naturally. Don't grasp too tightly."

Gritting her teeth, Lysandra tried again, this time letting go of her need to control every detail. She envisioned herself as a conduit for the light, a vessel through which it could flow. Slowly, she began to feel the warmth building again, this time stronger, as if responding to her willingness to surrender.

Suddenly, a bright glow enveloped her hand, the light flickering to life in her palm. Lysandra's eyes snapped open, and she stared at the glowing energy, her heart racing. It was beautiful and terrifying all at once, the power within her finally responding to her call.

"You did it," Althara breathed, a hint of pride in her voice. "You've taken the first step."

But the light was already fading, slipping through her fingers like sand. Lysandra felt a pang of frustration, but Zephyrion's voice cut through her disappointment. "It's a start," he said. "You're learning. Don't expect perfection on the first try."

Lysandra gave a curt nod, the determination in her eyes reigniting. She would not let the power slip away from her. This was only the beginning, and she would master the light, no matter how many attempts it took.

Zephyrion's expression softened, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Again," he ordered, his tone both commanding and reassuring. "And this time, let the light flow through every part of you."

As Lysandra took her stance and prepared to summon the light once more, a quiet resolve filled her. She would master this power, not just for herself, but for the people who depended on her. She would not allow the darkness to reclaim its hold.

To be continued…