Damn it!!!
Amara’s POV
The training grounds were quiet, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the cold evening breeze. I stood in the center, my hands trembling, not from fear but from exhaustion. The repetitive practice, the intense focus it took to channel my energy, was draining me. Yet, I refused to stop.
The faces of the Triplets flashed in my mind—Jaxon’s cold indifference, Caden’s biting words, and Ryder’s hollow guilt. They were slipping away, and I couldn’t bear to lose them.
Elian stood a few feet away, his arms crossed over his chest, his sharp green eyes watching my every move. "Again," he instructed, his voice firm but not unkind.
I clenched my fists and nodded, steadying my breathing. "I can do this," I muttered to myself, summoning the magical energy inside me. I visualized the threads of the spell wrapped around the Triplets, choking them, twisting their emotions. I imagined breaking those threads, unraveling them one by one.
"Focus," Elian said, stepping closer. "You’re letting your emotions cloud your intent. Magic requires precision, Amara. If you let your anger or pain drive you, you’ll lose control."
I glared at him, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "How am I supposed to not feel, Elian? They’re suffering because of that curse. They’re pushing me away, treating me like I don’t matter, and I’m supposed to just... focus?" My voice cracked, and I hated how vulnerable I sounded.
Elian’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know it’s hard. But emotions are fuel for your power, not the guide. You need to control them, or they’ll control you."
I closed my eyes, letting his words sink in. He was right. If I let my pain and anger consume me, I’d never be able to help the Triplets. I took a deep breath, centering myself, and tried again.
This time, I felt the magic stir more steadily within me. A faint, glowing light emerged from my fingertips, swirling in the air like threads of gold. I focused on weaving them together, imagining them slicing through the dark tendrils of the curse.
"Good," Elian said, nodding approvingly. "You’re getting there. Now, channel that energy outward, like you’re targeting the source of the spell."
I raised my hands, the golden threads extending further, shimmering brightly. But just as I felt a surge of confidence, the energy faltered, flickering and dissipating into nothing.
"Damn it!" I cursed, dropping my hands in frustration.
Elian stepped in front of me, his tone patient yet firm. "You’re overthinking it. The curse isn’t just magic—it’s tied to emotions, to pain, and fear. You have to confront those emotions head-on. That’s the only way you’ll break it."
I bit my lip, tears stinging my eyes. "What if I’m not strong enough? What if I fail them?"
"You won’t," Elian said, his voice steady. "Because you care. That’s your strength, Amara. Use it."
I nodded, wiping away the tears threatening to fall. I couldn’t afford to doubt myself, not now. I closed my eyes again, drawing on the memory of the Triplets before the curse—Jaxon’s rare, soft smiles, Caden’s protective nature, Ryder’s playful charm. Those moments reminded me why I was fighting.
I extended my hands again, and this time, the magic flowed stronger, brighter. The golden threads danced in the air, wrapping around an invisible target. I could feel the strain, the resistance of the curse fighting back, but I didn’t let go.
"Yes," Elian encouraged, his voice filled with pride. "That’s it, Amara. Keep going."
I pushed harder, gritting my teeth as the energy surged. For a brief moment, I felt something give—a crack in the darkness. My heart raced with hope.
But then, just as quickly, the magic snapped back, sending a shockwave through me. I stumbled back, gasping for air as the glow faded.
Elian caught me before I could fall, his grip steady. "You’re making progress," he said, his tone reassuring. "But this isn’t something you can master overnight. Breaking a curse like this takes time, and a lot of it."
I looked up at him, my chest heaving. "Time is the one thing I don’t have, Elian. Every day, they’re slipping further away. I can’t lose them."
"You won’t," he said firmly, his green eyes locking onto mine. "We’ll keep working, as long as it takes. But you need to take care of yourself too. You can’t help them if you burn yourself out."
I nodded, though the weight of everything still pressed heavily on me. "Thank you, Elian," I whispered.
He gave me a small smile. "You’re stronger than you think, Amara. Trust yourself."
As I left the training grounds that night, my body aching and my mind swirling with doubts, I couldn’t shake the memory of the Triplets. I knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but I was determined to free them. No matter what it took.