Draven and Klein sat cross legged on the dusty floor of the abandoned house, eyes fixed on Miriel. The faint smell of smoke and wood lingered in the air, her fingers still faintly glowing from the fire she had controlled moments ago.
You're… you're not just here by chance, are you? Draven asked, voice careful, still in awe.
Miriel shook her head, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. No. Not by chance. I've been where you are curious, scared, and learning the hard way that power isn't a toy.
Klein leaned forward, elbows on his knees. You mean… you've always had fire like that?
Yes, she said softly. But when I was younger, I had no control. No one to teach me. I grew up on the streets with Joren and Lys. We were orphans… just three kids scraping for food, begging in the markets of another village. She paused, watching their faces. It was cruel sometimes. People looked at us like we didn't matter.
Draven frowned. How… how did you survive?
Miriel's eyes darkened slightly. We survived by sticking together. Sharing what little we had. And by hiding. Always hiding. Until the day someone decided to take what they thought was theirs.
She leaned closer, her voice dropping. We were begging outside the bakery one afternoon when a group of older kids cornered us. They mocked us, stole our bread… and then, I was so mad that i...Her hands flexed, and for a moment a tiny flicker of fire danced across her fingers. I almost burned one of them alive.
Draven's eyes widened, leaning back instinctively. You… .. what?
Yes, she said, her gaze steady. But I didn't know how to stop it. I panicked. The flames shot out,i couldn't control them.
Klein whistled softly. That's… insane.
Miriel's lips curled into a small grin. It was terrifying. We ran for our lives that day, barely escaping into the forest. The whole village was after us. I thought we'd be caught… and yet, we survived. But that moment,she paused, looking at both of them intently, that taught me something important,that Power without control is dangerous. It will hurt those you care about, even if you don't mean to.
Draven's chest tightened. He thought of Glen, of the market, of the cart tipping over. So… that's why you came for me. You know what it's like.
Miriel nodded. Exactly. And that's why I'm here. You have strength, Draven… strength waiting to be guided. But it's not just strength,it's a part of you, like fire is a part of me. And if you don't learn to control it… She let the words hang, heavy in the dim room.
Klein shifted nervously. And… Lys and Joren? They survived too?
Miriel smiled faintly. Yes. They're here. They've been my companions, my family. Always by my side. And now, you two… you've joined the path, whether you realize it yet or not.
Draven swallowed. So… we're like… your students?
Miriel laughed softly. Not students. Learners,Friends and survivors. If you want to master your power and avoid the mistakes I made you'll need to understand more than just what you can do. You'll need to understand why you can do it.
Klein shook his head, grinning despite the tension. Surviving? Controlling power? Sounds… exhausting.
Draven smirked. Yeah… but also kind of… exciting.
Miriel's smile widened, warm and knowing. Good. Because this is only the beginning. The fire, the wind it's just the start. And if we're careful… we might just survive what comes next.
Outside, the wind picked up, rustling through the broken windows. For the first time, Draven felt the pull of the world beyond Glen,the danger, the mystery, and the adventure waiting for them.
And deep inside, Draven he thought of his mother.
Back in Glen, Maureen knelt by the window, hands clasped tightly. Her heart ached with worry, thoughts of Draven swirling like a storm. Keep him safe, she whispered to the night, voice trembling. Guide him, protect him, let no harm find him. The candle flickered, shadows dancing across the walls, as if the world itself had heard her prayer.