Chapter 39

Xiang's Awakening

Xiang woke with a start, her breath shallow and her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat. The dream lingered in her mind like a shadow—fragmented and unclear, yet it carried a weight that unsettled her deeply. Flashes of fire, shadows, and a voice she couldn't place had left her uneasy. She pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to recall more, but the images slipped away like water through her hands.

She chose not to share the dream with anyone, not even Wen Shia. His earlier words about her powers resonated now, and though she had brushed them aside at the time, she could no longer ignore them. The dream had stirred something within her—a sense of urgency.

A Kingdom on Edge

Once her health improved, Xiang stepped out of her room. The palace seemed different—tense and expectant. The guards stiffened as she passed, and the servants avoided meeting her eyes. Even the nobles, draped in their finery, looked at her with a mixture of awe and unease. The weight of their stares pressed down on her, but she held her head high, masking her discomfort with practiced composure.

The summons came swiftly. A servant informed her that the king awaited her in the grand hall. Xiang's heart tightened, but she followed the servant without question.

The hall was imposing as ever, the high ceiling and polished marble floor amplifying the king's commanding presence. He sat on his gilded throne, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp.

"You must learn to control your powers, Xiang," he said, his voice steady but firm. "These abilities you possess are a blessing, but without mastery, they're useless. Our kingdom stands on the brink of war. We need your strength—before it's too late."

Xiang's stomach churned. She didn't want this responsibility, not like this. The weight of the kingdom's expectations felt suffocating. Yet, she couldn't outright refuse.

"I will work on my powers," she replied carefully, her tone neutral.

The king studied her for a moment before nodding. Without another word, she turned and left the hall.

A Curious Encounter

As Xiang walked through the palace gardens, she tried to quiet her restless thoughts. The sound of hushed voices drew her attention. She spotted a group of ninjas gathered in a secluded corner, speaking to a woman dressed in commoner's clothes. The sight piqued her curiosity, but something held her back from approaching. Were they allies or enemies? What was their purpose here?

Her musings were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Xiang," Wen Shia called, his tone calm yet firm.

She turned to see him standing a few paces away, his expression unreadable.

"Come with me," he said, gesturing toward his chamber.

A Conversation in Confidence

In his room, Wen Shia gestured for her to sit. His usually guarded face softened with concern.

"Are you feeling better now?" he asked gently. "If there's something on your mind, you can trust me."

Xiang hesitated. She had grown to rely on Wen Shia's steady presence, but the dream—and the growing turmoil within her—felt too personal to share.

"Did you see something?" Wen Shia pressed, his voice patient. "Something you're not ready to talk about?"

Xiang lowered her gaze. After a long pause, she spoke.

"Yes," she admitted. "But it's not just the dream. I need to learn to control my powers. Can you teach me?"

Wen Shia's expression softened into a small, encouraging smile.

"Of course," he said. "But first, you need to understand something important."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a serious tone.

"You have an Element Stone inside you, Xiang. It's the source of your powers. But you must never speak of it—not to the king, the prince, or anyone else. If they find out, they might try to take it from you. Do you understand? This secret must remain between us."

Xiang's eyes widened. The revelation was shocking, yet it explained so much—the unease of those around her, the strange energy she often felt coursing through her body.

"I promise," she said firmly. "No one will know."

Wen Shia placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Your powers are not a curse, Xiang. They're a gift. But gifts can be misused, and that's why you must choose wisely. Use them for good, to protect others—not for destruction. Do you understand?"

Xiang nodded, determination lighting her eyes.

The Journey Begins

Over the following days, Wen Shia began teaching Xiang the basics of control. He guided her through meditation exercises, explaining that a calm mind was the foundation for mastering any power.

"Your emotions fuel your abilities," he explained. "But if you let them overwhelm you, your powers will take control instead of the other way around."

Xiang struggled at first, her frustration bubbling over more than once. But Wen Shia's patience never wavered. He reminded her that mastery wouldn't come overnight and encouraged her to trust the process.

Despite the seriousness of their training, Xiang's playful side often emerged. She found herself teasing Wen Shia, delighting in the rare moments when his stoic demeanor cracked.

"You're like a stone," she said one day, laughing as he raised an eyebrow at her. "But I'll make you laugh one of these days. Just wait."

Wen Shia merely shook his head, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.

A Glimpse of Destiny

As the days turned into weeks, Xiang grew stronger, her control over her powers improving with each passing day. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The dream that had unsettled her still lingered in the back of her mind, a silent reminder that her journey was far from over.

Unbeknownst to her, forces beyond her understanding were already at play. The path ahead would test her in ways she couldn't yet imagine, pushing her closer to the destiny she was meant to fulfill—a destiny that would shape not just her life but the fate of the entire kingdom.