Believe in your power

Eliza’s POV

As I spoke those words, a fire ignited within me—a fierce resolve I hadn’t known I possessed. The weight of my lineage pressed down like a mantle, but it no longer felt like a burden. I couldn’t afford to be weak, not when the stakes were so high.

“What do I need to do?” I repeated, this time my voice unwavering.

Rylan’s eyes narrowed with a mixture of pride and concern. “We’ll start with the basics. You have to learn to channel your emotions. Fear can be a powerful ally if you guide it, but it can equally ensnare you if you let it. You’ve felt what happens when you’re afraid, haven’t you?”

I nodded, remembering the way I had felt Yelda’s presence gripping my heart like ice. “I can’t afford to feel like that again.”

“Exactly,” Rylan said, his gaze unwavering. “You have to embrace every part of yourself—the light and the dark. Together, they will make you stronger.”

Rio stepped forward, his expression shifting from anger to solidarity. “We can help you push through the pain, but you’ll have to confront it. You’ll need to learn the ancient ways of your lineage, the secrets that have been passed down for generations. They can protect you, but they require dedication, and trust.”

Trust. The word hung in the air, a reminder of how betrayed I had once felt. But now, with the threat of Yelda looming, I knew I couldn’t afford to shut myself off again, no matter how painful it might be.

“Where do we start?” I asked, my determination palpable.

“First,” Theron said, tapping his temple, “you need to speak to the spirits of your ancestors. They hold your power. They guide you. But to hear them, you must meditate and connect with your essence.”

Meditate? It sounded simple, but I couldn’t deny the skepticism lingering in the back of my mind. “Will it really help?” I asked, biting my lip.

“Everything you’re feeling now is rooted in your connection to your lineage,” Theron assured me. “Through meditation, you will find your center, your true self. That’s where the power lies.”

“Then let’s do it,” I said, my heart steadying. “Show me how.”

They exchanged glances, the burden of the situation weighing heavily on all of us. After a moment, Rylan nodded. “Alright. Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.”

I settled into a cross-legged position, the floor beneath me cold yet oddly grounding. I took a deep breath, inhaling through my nose, holding it for a moment, and then exhaling. The world around me began to fade as my focus tightened inward.

“Visualize the energy within you. Picture it as a light, flickering against the backdrop of darkness,” Rylan instructed, his voice steady and calm.

I concentrated, envisioning a small flame flickering at my core. Shades of blue and silver danced around it, mixing into shades of indigo and violet. I felt warmth radiating as I embraced the light, allowing it to expand and fill me.

“Now, as that light grows brighter, listen for the whispers of those who came before you. They are waiting to guide you,” Rylan continued, his words wrapping around me like a protective cocoon.

Suddenly, images flashed behind my eyelids—visions of grand halls, ancient trees, and serene pools of water. Faces of ancestors, both fierce and gentle, came into view, each one encouraging me to harness my inner strength.

“Believe in your power, Eliza,” one voice echoed quietly but resonantly. “You come from a long line of warriors and healers.”

With each breath, the flickering flame surged within me, illuminating the corners of my mind that had trembled in darkness for too long. I grasped onto the voices, feeling their warmth seep into my very being.

And then, shockingly, I felt a presence—a familiar energy. It approached cautiously, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. “You have the heart of a white wolf, my dear,” a figure whispered. It was the spirit of my mother—her compassion washing over me, filling me with renewed conviction.

“I will not falter,” I declared internally, even as tears streamed down my cheeks. “I will learn to wield my power.”

Just as suddenly, I felt the connection slip away, the warmth receding like a tide. I opened my eyes, gasping softly as the reality of the room flooded back in.

“Welcome back,” Rylan said, his expression a mixture of relief and pride.

“What did you see?” Theron asked, leaning in closer.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, the raw emotion still lingering. “I saw my ancestors… including my mother. I could feel their strength, their resolve. They’ve been guiding me all along,” I admitted, my voice trembling.

Rylan smiled gently. “Then you are one step closer to becoming who you’re meant to be. But we have to move quickly. Yelda and her allies won’t wait for you to be ready.”

“I won’t wait either,” I asserted, gripping the fabric of my dress in determination. “I need to train now.”