Time: Afternoon, Age: Elira – 6 years old, Kael – 3 years
old
The western wing was quiet as usual. Sunlight
filtered through the high windows, but Elira had pulled the curtains slightly,
wanting privacy for her training. Kael played with wooden blocks nearby,
humming softly to himself.
Elira wiped the sweat from her forehead. She had
been practicing punches, kicks, and stances,
imagining invisible opponents in the shadows. She wanted to be able to defend
herself and Kael without relying on her
magic.
If the empire discovered my powers, we'd be in danger. she thought.
I need to be strong in every way.
She moved through a series of slow, deliberate
steps, focusing on balance and agility. Kael clapped quietly from his corner,
and she smiled at him. Even small encouragement mattered.
After finishing a set of strikes, Elira knelt
beside Kael. "One day, you'll have to protect yourself too," she said softly.
"Strength isn't just magic—it's your mind, your body, and your heart."
Kael nodded, dark eyes serious beyond his three years. "Will you teach me?"
he asked.
"I will," Elira promised. "But we'll start
small. First, kindness and patience. Then… strength."
She continued her training each day in
secrecy:
·
Morning: Stretching and basic combat movements.
·
Afternoon: Quiet practice in stealth, moving silently
across the room.
·
Evening: Magical exercises, calming Kael, strengthening
his body and mind.
Elira realized her magic could help them survive, but physical skill would give them freedom.
The combination of both was dangerous knowledge for a child, yet necessary.
Kael began imitating her small movements,
crawling low, practicing balance. Sometimes he toppled over, sometimes he
succeeded, but Elira praised him gently, infusing him with quiet confidence.
At night, after training, they sat by the
window, watching the distant palace lights.
"Elira," Kael said softly, "do you think the
empire will ever notice us?"
Elira shook her head. "They might never see us… and that's exactly why we
need to be ready. For ourselves, for each other."
Her hands clenched into fists, determination
burning in her chest. No one will control us.
No one will hurt us if I can help it.
The western wing was still, yet alive with
their secret strength. Elira had discovered a new truth: magic was only part of
survival. The other part—courage, skill,
and careful planning—would decide their future.
And together, she and Kael were preparing for
the day when the empire would no longer ignore them.