As dawn broke over the Aurelysian Empire, a warm golden light flooded into Natalia’s room, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. She awoke with a sense of urgency that she couldn’t shake. Ang mga talakayan noong nakaraang gabi ay nagpasiklab ng apoy sa loob niya—isang pangangailangan na patunayan ang kanyang sarili at protektahan ang kanyang pamilya.
I must become stronger, she thought, pushing herself out of bed.
After dressing, Natalia made her way to the training grounds. Today, she wasn’t just going to train her body; she needed to awaken whatever magic lay dormant inside her. She could feel it—the hint of something powerful waiting to be unleashed, but she needed a catalyst.
---
Upon arriving, she found Damon already practicing his sword techniques. He paused when he saw her. “Back for more punishment?”
“I’m here to find my power,” Natalia replied firmly, surprising herself with her boldness.
Damon tilted his head, intrigued. “And how do you plan on doing that?”
“I’m not sure yet. Maybe if I push myself hard enough, something will happen.”
“Alright, then,” he said, smirking. “Let’s see what you can do.”
They spent the next hour sparring. Natalia felt her body responding, her movements growing more fluid with each swing of the sword. Pero ang tunay na hamon ay hindi lamang pisikal na lakas.
“I can feel it,” she whispered to herself, frustration creeping in as she struck again and again without a spark of magic.
“Feel what?” Damon asked, parrying her attack.
“This… this energy inside me. I just need to unlock it,” she explained, determination igniting her violet eyes.
---
After their sparring session, Natalia collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily. The sun hung high in the sky, beating down on her as she closed her eyes, trying to focus inward. How can I awaken my magic?
In her mind, she visualized the energy she felt—warm and vibrant, like a gentle flame flickering just beyond her reach. She concentrated harder, urging it to rise.
Suddenly, a loud crash broke her concentration. Startled, Natalia opened her eyes to see a figure looming in the distance.
“Who’s there?” she called out, instinctively reaching for her dagger.
The figure stepped forward, revealing himself to be Maximilian Montague. “Still training, I see.”
“What do you want?” Natalia asked, irritation mingling with her curiosity.
He observed her closely, a hint of amusement in his red eyes. “I came to see how your little quest for power was going.”
“It’s none of your business,” she retorted, unwilling to show weakness.
“Actually, it is,” he said, his tone turning serious. “Your family is at risk, and if you plan to stand against that, you’ll need every ounce of strength you can muster.”
Natalia met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words. “I’m aware.”
“Then let me help you.”
---
Natalia hesitated. Bakit siya tutulong sa akin? “And why would you do that?”
“Because I’ve seen potential in you,” he replied, stepping closer. “And because I enjoy chaos, as I’ve said. Besides, it’s fun to see someone challenge the status quo.”
She searched his expression for any hint of deception but found none. He could be an ally—or a distraction. “Fine,” she said finally. “What do you suggest?”
“Sit down,” Maximilian instructed, his tone commanding.
Natalia raised an eyebrow but obeyed, settling cross-legged on the grass. He mirrored her stance, his eyes narrowing in concentration. “Close your eyes.”
“What are you going to do?” she asked, skepticism edging her voice.
“Trust me,” he said softly.
---
With her eyes shut, Natalia took a deep breath, focusing on the warmth within her. She felt it flicker again, just beneath the surface. Maximilian’s presence beside her was grounding. “Now, I want you to visualize that warmth,” he instructed. “Imagine it growing, expanding, becoming a part of you.”
As she concentrated, the warmth intensified. It began to swirl within her, igniting a surge of energy that made her heart race. She could feel it—something powerful and wild, waiting to be unleashed.
“Now, push it out,” Maximilian urged, his voice steady.
Natalia focused with all her might, picturing the energy exploding from her core. For a brief moment, she felt light, as if she were floating. Then, without warning, a shockwave of energy burst forth, sending leaves and grass flying.
---
The force of it knocked her back, and she landed on the ground with a thud. Opening her eyes, she gasped, panting heavily.
Maximilian stood a few feet away, a look of awe on his face. “That was impressive.”
“Impressive?” Natalia echoed, still in shock. “What just happened?”
“You awakened your magic,” he said, his voice low and filled with respect.
Natalia sat up, bewildered. “But… I didn’t even know I had any!”
“Magic doesn’t always reveal itself right away,” Maximilian explained, approaching her. “It lies dormant until you push it to awaken.”
She looked at him, her heart racing. “How do I control it?”
“Practice. You’ve unlocked a door, but you need to refine your abilities. I can help you train,” he offered.
“Bakit ka nag-aalok ng tulong?” she asked, suspicion creeping back.
Maximilian smirked. “Maybe I just enjoy the thrill of potential.”
---
With newfound determination, Natalia nodded. “Fine. I’ll train with you.”
“Good,” he replied, his expression shifting to a more serious tone. “But know this: awakening your power will also attract attention, both good and bad. Be ready for what’s coming.”
“I will be,” she said, her voice steady. “If they want to come for the Delacroix family, they’ll have to face me.”
Maximilian’s lips curved into a slight smile. “That’s the spirit.”
---
As they began training together, Natalia felt a sense of camaraderie forming between them, a bond forged in their shared desire for strength. She was still wary of him, but deep down, she couldn’t deny the thrill that came with having someone like Maximilian at her side.
---
Days turned into weeks as Natalia trained tirelessly under Maximilian’s guidance. Each session brought new challenges, her body growing stronger, her magic more refined. Pero, sa ilalim ng kanyang progreso, nandoon ang patuloy na banta ng kanilang mga kaaway, na tila lumalakas sa bawat araw.
She could feel the darkness closing in, but with every battle fought—both in the training ground and within herself—she began to realize that she was not just a pawn in this game. She was a force to be reckoned with.
---
One afternoon, as they finished a particularly grueling training session, Natalia found herself catching her breath against a tree, the cool bark grounding her. “I feel stronger,” she admitted, glancing at Maximilian.
“You are,” he replied, pride evident in his tone. “But strength is not just about power. It’s about knowing when to fight and when to hold back.”
Natalia nodded, absorbing his words. “I get that. I want to protect my family.”
“Just remember, the world isn’t black and white. Sometimes, alliances are necessary, even with those you least expect.”
“Is that how you view me?” she asked, teasingly.
Maximilian smirked. “I find you surprisingly unpredictable.”
“Unpredictable?” Natalia echoed, feigning offense. “I prefer the term ‘dynamic.’”
“Call it what you will,” he replied, a hint of laughter in his voice.
---
As their banter continued, an unexpected warmth blossomed between them—something neither of them had anticipated. Yet, both were keenly aware of the looming storm ahead. With every passing day, the sense of urgency grew, and the truth behind their enemies remained elusive.
But together, they were preparing to face whatever darkness lay ahead, and Natalia knew, deep in her heart, that she was finally finding her place in this world—strong, fierce, and ready for anything.