Night fell over the western wing, draping the small room in soft shadows. Kael slept soundly in the cradle, tiny fingers curled against the blanket. Elira sat beside him, eyes wide in wonder.
Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to adjust his blanket. And then she felt it—a warmth, subtle but unmistakable, flowing from her fingers into his little body.
The air around them seemed to shimmer faintly, almost like sunlight dancing on water.
Elira's heart skipped.
*Could this be… her power?*
In her past life, Han Seo-yeon had read stories of fantasy worlds, of magic hidden inside ordinary people. But she had never believed it. Yet now… it was real.
* Her power allowed her to **strengthen physical abilities, calm emotions, and heal minor injuries**.
* She could hide it easily; no one else could see the subtle glow of energy or feel the warmth unless she allowed it.
She practiced in secret:
* Rocking Kael, she whispered calming words, channeling energy into him.
* She healed his tiny scrapes without anyone noticing.
* She focused on herself too, building stamina and resilience.
Kael stirred in his sleep, his small hand brushing hers as if he knew, somehow, that he was safe.
Elira smiled faintly. "I'll protect you, Kael. I promise. No one else will have to decide our fate."
And for the first time, she believed she could keep that promise.