Chapter 8 the Samadhi flame

"Grandmaster, I didn't understand. What do you mean by that?" My voice trembled with confusion, my heart pounding in my chest. Miss Veena, who stood beside me, mirrored my bewilderment, her brows knitted together.

The Grandmaster's eyes sparkled like distant stars, a warm smile gracing his weathered face. "Your fire makes you special, Mira. You possess a flame unlike any other in this universe. Even in the heavens, no one has the fire attribute you possess."

A wave of emotions crashed over me—pride, disbelief, and an undertow of trepidation. "Is my fire truly that rare? No one has had it before?" I questioned, my pulse quickening, each beat echoing the uncertainty swirling in my mind.

"Indeed, no one possesses this flame now, but there was someone who had it long ago," he replied, his voice steady yet imbued with an ancient weight.

"Who was it, Grandmaster?" My curiosity surged, an insatiable thirst for knowledge igniting a fire within me. Miss Veena turned to me, her voice dropping to a reverent whisper. "High Goddess Maya," she said, her eyes wide with awe.

"Yes, it was only High Goddess Maya who wielded the Samadhi Flame before you," the Grandmaster affirmed, his words swirling around me like a soft breeze. I felt as if I were standing on the precipice of something monumental, yet daunting. The gravity of his statement hung in the air, laden with significance.

"The Samadhi Flame," he continued, his voice resonating with solemnity, "is not just any flame. It embodies purity, enlightenment, and the very essence of creation. It burns with a radiant blue and white hue, shimmering like a serene lake kissed by moonlight. Its heat is both gentle and invigorating, capable of igniting inspiration in the hearts of those who behold it. Yet, it can also unleash devastation if wielded by those unprepared to control its power."

As he spoke, I could almost feel the warmth of the flame enveloping me, a sensation both comforting and terrifying. The idea of possessing such a force sent chills down my spine and excitement racing through my veins. "Mira," the Grandmaster continued, his gaze penetrating, "the fire inside you is called the Samadhi Flame, and it was once possessed by the goddess herself. After her death, no one has ever seen this blue fire again."

My mind reeled, the enormity of his words washing over me in waves. The Samadhi Flame was legendary, and I—an ordinary girl—was somehow connected to it. "Mira, since you possess this flame, you are no ordinary child. Goddess Maya was the protector of Earth, and with this flame comes great responsibility. Are you ready for it?"

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach, anxiety gripping me like a vice. "I still don't know, Grandmaster…" My voice faltered, doubt creeping in. The weight of his expectations pressed down on me like a thick fog, suffocating and overwhelming. Just yesterday, I had been fumbling through basic spells, and now I was expected to embody a legacy that spanned centuries?

"Do not worry. You do not have to answer me now," he reassured, his expression softening like the first light of dawn breaking through a dark night. "However, since you possess this extraordinary flame, it would be unwise for you to remain in the outer court." He turned his gaze toward Miss Veena, as if seeking her counsel.

"Whatever you say shall be done, Grandmaster," she replied, her voice laced with reverence. I watched her closely, sensing the depth of her respect for him. Witnessing his immense power had left me in awe, and now, I felt like a small leaf caught in a tempest, completely at the mercy of forces far beyond my understanding.

"Very well," he declared, his demeanor shifting to one of joy. "Mira, from today onward, you shall join the inner court and become a part of 'the 7 Devils.' You are officially conferred the title of the 7th Devil of the academy."

His proclamation struck me like a thunderbolt. My heart raced, and my breath caught in my throat. Shock coursed through my veins, rendering me momentarily speechless. Was this old man truly insane? Did he really think I had the capability to join the inner court and the revered group of the Seven Devils? My mind raced back to my earlier failures—how could I possibly be one of them?

"But Grandmaster, I haven't thought about it! What if—" My voice trembled, desperation creeping into my words.

"No ifs and buts. You want time to think, correct? Then you can contemplate in the inner court as well," he insisted, his tone brooking no argument. His smile remained unwavering, exuding a warmth that belied the weight of the responsibility he was placing upon me.

"Yes, Grandmaster," Miss Veena said, her grip on my hand tightening as if to reassure me. "Mira, please come with me." She began to lead me out of the Grandmaster's office, and I felt like I was floating through a dream, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what had just transpired.

"Where are we going now, Miss Veena?" I asked, my voice a mere whisper, still reeling from the revelation.

"To the inner court," she replied, her tone encouraging. "Don't worry, Mira. I will ensure that you won't face any problems in the inner court."

As we walked down the opulent corridors of the Grandmaster's residence, I glanced around at the magnificent decor. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, depicting celestial battles and legendary heroes, their stories alive in the patterns of the wood. The air was thick with a blend of incense and ancient magic, each breath filling me with an intoxicating mix of excitement and dread. The flickering lights from enchanted sconces cast dancing shadows that seemed to whisper secrets, adding to the magical ambiance.

Doubt gnawed at my insides despite the beauty surrounding me. I was stepping into a world I didn't fully understand, one where expectations loomed like dark shadows. What awaited me in the inner court? Would I truly be able to embrace my destiny as the bearer of the Samadhi Flame?

With every step, the weight of the Grandmaster's words echoed in my mind, igniting a flicker of determination deep within me. But as we reached the entrance to the inner court, that flicker felt fragile, teetering on the edge of uncertainty. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding like a drum, as I prepared to step into a new chapter of my life—one filled with magic, mystery, and perhaps, a destiny I was not yet ready to face.

"Remember, Mira," Miss Veena said, breaking the silence, "your fire is unique, and so are you. Embrace your potential, and do not shy away from the greatness within you." Her words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, grounding me as I faced the unknown.

The heavy wooden doors swung open, revealing the inner court—a realm brimming with energy and possibilities. As I stepped inside, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life had irrevocably changed. The weight of the past melted away, replaced by the exhilarating thrill of the journey that lay ahead.