Chapter 11: Touching the Power

Ida took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she tried to recall the things Atilla had taught her. There was a surge of energy within her, intense, dark, and powerful. This power had frightened her before, causing her to lose control at times. But this time, she was determined not to panic. She wanted to feel the power, to integrate with it. Instead of resisting it, Ida tried to understand the energy, to touch it.

Eymen watched her quietly, only guiding her occasionally to help her focus. "Your emotions are guiding you," he said softly, "but you must control your emotions. If you can't manage them, your powers will take over."

Ida internalized Eymen's words and continued to take deep breaths. There was still chaos in her mind, but this time she felt calmer. The dark energy inside her was eager to burst out, pushing its way to the surface. However, Ida was now determined to control it instead of surrendering. She knew it was part of her, just as Atilla had said.

Atilla's voice echoed gently. "Your power is part of you, Ida. Approach it as a friend, not an enemy. If you command it, you can direct it and use it as you wish."

These words gave Ida courage. She closed her eyes tighter and tried to feel the energy inside her with deeper concentration. The power was still surging uncontrollably, but this time she was doing her best to tame it. She noticed the silence of the forest around her. The leaves of the trees swayed gently, the wind blew slowly, as if everything around was reacting to the realization of Ida's inner power.

"Now," Atilla said in a calm but authoritative voice, "Feel that energy. Call it. But show it that you are in control. Let it know it's under your command."

Ida suppressed the chaos in her mind and directed all her attention to the energy within her. For the first time, she could feel how deeply connected she was to it. For a moment, she sensed how the power was shaped and flowed. Before, this power had tried to control her, frightening her each time. But now, Ida was on the brink of controlling it.

When the moment came, the air around her changed suddenly. The wind intensified, the trees swayed for a moment, and the air around Ida in the clearing trembled. But Ida didn't panic, even as the power rose. She knew the energy was now under her control. By calming her power, she reduced the surrounding vibration.

"Incredible, Ida," Aras said, looking at her in awe. "You directed that energy. You understand now that it's a part of you, don't you?"

Ida nodded with a slight smile on her face. For the first time, she felt she could control her powers rather than them controlling her. This confidence gave her a deep sense of peace. The burden she had carried for years was now part of her, and instead of harming her, it would help.

However, this peace didn't last long. For a moment, she sensed a change in the atmosphere around the clearing. In that brief instant, it was as if a shadow had fallen around them. Atilla suddenly stopped with a sharp movement, his eyes fixed on a point, and the serious expression on his face showed that something was wrong.

"Batuhan might be here," he whispered in a low voice, his eyes scanning the depths of the forest. "I can feel his presence."

Ida's body tensed suddenly. She knew Batuhan was dangerous. He had proven his power and ruthlessness time and time again, becoming a lurking threat in the shadows. Ida's heart started beating fast, but the presence of Atilla, Eymen, and Aras gave her a bit of confidence. Although Batuhan's presence meant great danger, Ida was no longer alone.

The group remained on high alert for a while, their eyes scanning the surroundings as if ready for an attack at any moment. But nothing happened. The silence was broken only by the whispers of the wind playing with the branches of the trees.

But there was something they didn't notice. Batuhan, hidden behind the shadows, was watching them from atop a tree amidst thick leaves and branches.