(Chapter 24 (Mira's POV)
Time flew by, and I was getting better at controlling my powers.
Under the white witch's guidance, I learned to sharpen my senses, to bend the energy within me rather than let it consume me. The raw, untamed force that had once acted on emotion now followed my command—mostly. But there was still one lesson I had yet to master.
Mind-linking.
It was a skill few possessed and even fewer could perfect. The ability to connect one's mind with another, to communicate beyond words, to feel their presence even when miles apart. It was an ability I needed especially with the threats looming closer.
And I had to learn it with Lorenzo.
The training ground was a secluded clearing behind the cottage, shrouded by towering trees. The sun barely touched the mossy earth beneath us, and the wind carried whispers of magic through the air.
Lorenzo stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his crimson gaze unreadable. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
I exhaled, centering myself. "I don't have a choice, do I?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "No. You don't."
The white witch, who insisted I call her Mother Corra, stepped between us, her presence commanding despite her frail appearance. "Mind-linking requires trust. A bond. If there are barriers between you, this will fail."
Trust.
I glanced at Lorenzo, but he was already watching me. How much did I truly trust him? Enough to let him into my mind?
Mother Corra gestured for me to sit. "Close your eyes."
I did as she said, feeling the damp earth beneath me.
"Breathe. Let the world fade, and reach out—not with your hands, but with your mind."
I inhaled deeply, trying to push past the noise in my head, the distractions, the doubt. The space between Lorenzo and me felt like an invisible wall, thick and impenetrable.
"Find him," Corra urged.
I tried. I pushed forward, stretching my consciousness toward him, but all I felt was emptiness.
A tsk of disapproval came from Lorenzo. "You're hesitating."
My eyes snapped open. "I am not."
His smirk deepened. "Then prove it."
I glared at him but shut my eyes again. Fine. If he wanted proof, I'd give it to him.
I reached again, pushing harder this time, focusing on the dark presence that was uniquely Lorenzo. His aura was cold, vast, and guarded, but I could feel it. Like stepping into a freezing ocean, I braced against the chill and reached deeper—
And suddenly, I wasn't alone.
A pulse of awareness flooded my senses, and a whisper slithered through my mind.
Mira.
I gasped, my eyes flying open. Lorenzo was staring at me, his expression unreadable.
"You heard me," he said.
I swallowed. "That was… you?"
His head tilted slightly. "You're catching on."
Mother Corra smiled. "Good. Now, do it again."
I hesitated but shut my eyes once more. This time, the connection came faster, easier. I reached, and his presence met me halfway.
Lorenzo?
You don't have to say my name every time. His voice echoed in my mind, rich and teasing. But yes, it's me.
A shiver ran through me. This was more than just words—it was feeling, understanding. I could sense his emotions, the faintest flicker of amusement beneath his otherwise stoic demeanor.
This is… strange.
You'll get used to it.
Mother Corra's voice pulled me back to reality. "Enough for today. You've done well, Mira."
I opened my eyes, breathing heavily, my body oddly drained. Mind-linking took more energy than I expected.
Lorenzo stepped closer, offering his hand. I hesitated before taking it, his grip firm and grounding.
As we walked back toward the cottage, I couldn't shake the feeling that this connection had done more than just link our minds.
It had tied us together in ways I wasn't sure I was ready to understand.