Chapter Three: Forging Power

The clearing deep in Redbrook's forest was silent, save for the crackle of raw energy pulsing through the air. The Seeker stood before Elara, his silver eyes sharp and expectant.

"Magic is not just power—it is an extension of your will," he said, his voice steady. "And you, Elara, have forgotten how to wield yours."

Elara exhaled, fists clenched. She hadn't used her magic in this life—had tried to bury it. But now, standing beneath the open sky with the Seeker watching her, she knew that time had passed.

She spread her fingers, summoning her focus.

"What is your element?" the Seeker asked.

Elara hesitated. She had always been able to wield multiple affinities in past lives, but now… now she wasn't sure.

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and reached within.

Feel it. Listen to it.

Then—boom.

A sudden spark erupted in her palm, crackling and fierce. A deep, golden flame roared to life, twisting like a serpent around her fingers before dissipating in the wind.

"Fire," the Seeker observed. "But that's not all, is it?"

Elara's pulse quickened. He was right. The fire wasn't alone. Beneath it, beneath the embers, was something else—something colder, sharper.

She extended her other hand. This time, lightning crackled from her fingertips, arcing wildly through the air. It surged up her arm, illuminating the night like a furious storm.

The Seeker's lips curled into a smirk. "Dual affinity. Fire and lightning. Impressive."

Elara barely had time to process that before the ground beneath her exploded.

The Seeker had moved, his foot slamming into the dirt. Jagged earth spikes shot toward her, rising like spears from the ground.

Instinct took over.

Her body moved before she could think—her flames roared to life, melting the stone mid-air, while her lightning surged beneath her feet, propelling her backward in a swift, electrified movement.

She landed, heart pounding. "You're attacking me?!"

The Seeker chuckled. "Magic is useless without control."

Without warning, he lifted his hand—a swirl of water formed around him, twisting like a serpent before launching toward her.

Elara's instincts screamed. She extended her palm, meeting the attack with a burst of fire. Steam erupted between them, hissing violently as the two elements clashed.

The Seeker moved again, impossibly fast. He was beside her in an instant, his palm glowing with wind magic. The moment his strike came, Elara reacted—lightning surged through her body, heightening her reflexes. She ducked, barely dodging the blast as a gust of wind shattered the trees behind her.

Breathless, she stared at him.

The Seeker lowered his hand. "Good," he said. "Your instincts are still there. But you hesitate."

Elara scowled. "I've barely used my magic in this life."

"Then it's time to remember."

He raised his hands, and the forest roared to life.

The ground trembled with earth magic. The wind howled with air magic. The Seeker's water magic surged like a tidal wave, and all at once, Elara realized—this was no ordinary mentor.

He wasn't just teaching her magic.

He was challenging her to become something more.

Elara gritted her teeth. She had run from her power for too long. No more.

She planted her feet, golden flames igniting around her hands, lightning surging through her veins.

If the Seeker wanted a fight—

She would give him one.