Wolf picked up the first book from his shelf.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAiMAmYXzl
Herbs and You by the Church.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5YBh8paRU
Hmmm. Herbs were something he'd gathered in the past with his sister. It was mostly a boring topic. But if he was serious about alchemy, this would be necessary knowledge.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8ynEIM9CM
He opened the book, determined to at least try to learn.
Herbs are often overlooked as just plants. Normal people do not need to gather them or understand their real value. But herbs are powerful ingredients in many things—from food to drinks, even potions if applied to alchemy. Though we won't be covering that here.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4leLf6u5oh
Wolf frowned at those words.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nXiAbtMmV
Why no alchemy? He understood the danger of abuse. But couldn't they at least teach the basics?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelMKf7TNQf
He skimmed through the rest of the book. It was organized alphabetically, A to Z—all known herbs listed in detail. What surprised him was that it even broke down magical variations of many herbs. But it stressed repeatedly that these were seen as poisons and should not be eaten unless properly prepared by a professional.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpynEZS4cJ0
He fell asleep reading.
The next day was mostly uneventful. Wolf went on reading when he could.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS2yWLqGPv
Nina stopped by a few times to pester him—asking what he was doing, trying to pull him away to play or help with deliveries. Len also checked in to make sure he was okay, bringing him food and water.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMFMW9RHWo
But overall, he was left alone to read.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhOVJbLONU
It was only a few days later—when Wolf was losing interest in the dense text—that Coby finally came to visit.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzLm6Pql2m
Wolf was eager to catch up with his missing brother.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNITkGCmnqB
"How have you been, brother?" Wolf was happy they finally got time alone after so long.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG66fuRGRm
"Been fine," Coby said.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cyMzMmTdx
But he spoke passively, distracted. His eyes scanned the area with keen focus—constantly moving, watching the treeline, the paths, everything around them.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx4AkZLNoj
Wolf was surprised by his intensity. "What's wrong? Is something coming?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNzFOldTeo
Coby looked surprised by the question. Then he refocused on Wolf. "Nothing's wrong. Just scouting."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7EgteWYoW
"Here?" Wolf didn't understand. They were near home. Nothing dangerous had ever happened here.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vy8LpEFxz
Coby smiled at Wolf's confused face. "It's a habit I developed with Dad. We always watch. Always observe. There are always dangers we must watch for."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjxFrMCzat
Wolf nodded, not sure how to respond to that. "Okay... but even here?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC2UywLxBa
"Yeah, even here." Coby's smile grew wider, excitement filling his eyes. "But I got a secret to share too!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGyK5vEwPW
Wolf got excited with him, wondering what it could be.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmpVPvrk4y
Coby was silent for a moment, building the tension deliberately.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TUbarubVl
"I learned wind magic."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNLXu2aCkr
Wolf nearly passed out from shock.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5lJUBDyKg
Magic.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVwgt1NzD7
His brother had magic!281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76CQgtcaRd
Wolf grabbed Coby's shoulders, excitement flooding through him. "How do you know?! Are you sure?! Did someone check you?!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kctgE6199
Coby laughed. "It happened during a hunt. I shot an arrow and it was going to fall short—I messed up my draw on the bow." His eyes shone with the memory. "I was frustrated. So I just... willed the arrow to fly better. And it went from falling halfway to flying straight and true!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOQQnhQKxf
"No!" Wolf couldn't believe it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85F6mTgDFD
"It's true!" Coby grinned widely.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RkXpiKEOL
Wolf could see the pride radiating from his brother. But he needed to know more.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgx5qy5uZK
"Do you feel different? Having magic?" Wolf started circling around Coby, examining him closely. "You don't look different."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f5wxe3IAr
He proceeded to scout all around him—looking for physical changes, glowing auras, anything. He even poked Coby a few times to check if he felt different.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7VK7NbjDI
Coby just laughed. "That tickles! Stop it!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd2xonzFmc
Wolf finally relented when Coby agreed to demonstrate.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkFrW4Blof
"It's still not that good," Coby admitted. "But it's usable."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQVp8hFGuy
He looked around and found a small rock. Tossed it up and down a couple of times, testing the weight. Then he threw it upward—281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r2tuOgj3f
The rock shot forward horizontally, as if it had a mind of its own. Like it was tired of being played with as a toy and decided to escape.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oPZSn5n3d
Wolf felt the wind brush past him as the little rock flew by.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy1sE8zjd8
Magic.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2FdiU50CC
He wanted to feel only pride for Coby. But he couldn't stop the nagging feeling—the desire burning in his chest. He didn't have any power.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlB8Ls1Fxw
"You know..." Wolf's voice was quiet. "I'm jealous. But I'm still happy for you." He looked at Coby honestly. "If only one of us could get magic, I'm glad it's you, Coby."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXZheP4uKF
Coby saw the pain in Wolf's eyes. He wasn't happy with how this had turned out.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlClBXoErdc
"I forgot how much magic meant to you." He paused. "Well, no. I remembered. That's why I wanted to show you." His voice grew apologetic. "But I forgot that maybe... there's a chance you don't have any magic yet. Sorry, Wolf. That was rude of me."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKJyCr9uPa
"What? No!" Wolf protested. "I meant what I said." He took a breath. "It's just... Dad reminded me the other day that magic is rare. And I hated being reminded of it." He looked at Coby firmly. "But that's not your fault. Not you or your gift."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvPlPvpiFb
Wolf smiled, trying to mean it. "Besides, the gods see you fighting to protect everyone. I'm sure this is their way of rewarding you. It just means I have to push harder."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad1abnZ5Pw
Coby nodded thoughtfully. "You know, there's a seer at the church who can tell you if you have a blessing."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCD6MGF1SY
"WHAT?!" Wolf shouted. "How do you know that?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGmzG2ETSk
He saw Coby getting fidgety, looking a bit embarrassed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVDTJFYhSf
"Well... I left this part out from before." Coby rubbed the back of his neck. "But when I made that arrow work? I couldn't do it again afterward. I told my dad I wasn't sure what had happened. So he took me to the church to get checked."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8pLIgFPnk
Wolf leaned forward eagerly. "And?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YNK5uqPvG
"They confirmed I have level two wind magic."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTL7kmnO0x
"Level two?" Wolf remembered hearing Teva mention her level once, but it had slipped his mind to ask what it meant. He hadn't realized there was depth to magical blessings—different levels of power.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco9O2ciGzZ
"Yeah, surprised me too." Coby smiled. "The bishop explained it a bit. He even offered me a book about it, but I wasn't interested in reading." He shrugged. "He said he has level one light magic—he can do some things, but gets tired easily. Level two is stronger. A lot more control, but still limited."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLO1zwkDUW
Coby's voice grew more serious. "He said level three and beyond is the true blessing from the gods. That's when you can really master the element they gave you."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHze1H2UQWU
Wolf felt excitement surge through him. All these different magical possibilities existed! Different levels, different powers!281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K64bFqOe2
But then fear crept in. Even being blessed could mean only a minor blessing. A weak level one that barely worked.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXEHHJGzXQ
He pushed that thought away quickly. Even a single spark of magic was still magic.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMKuXl8LDG
The conversation tapered down after that. They agreed to go to the church tomorrow—it was getting a bit late today.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VWGKwANaa
Coby also let Wolf know he only had a couple of free days. The hunts took longer to prepare and scout for now.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jKXUKJoUd
Wolf reflected on how strange it was. Everyone drifting away, always busy. But he understood—it was part of growing up. He'd done the same thing, telling others he was too busy when he wanted his own time.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAITbYCAK82
Still, it felt lonely sometimes.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe138xrQud8
Coby hugged him goodbye. "Don't worry, brother. A day or a year can pass—we'll still be brothers."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ4dbaQauO
Wolf laughed at that. "Yeah. A day or a year, we're still brothers."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy3sIEaP3W
Before Coby left, Wolf decided to tell him about Nina. How she was part of the family now—his second big sister. Maybe they'd all get a chance to hang out more later in life.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2CkC6p09p
Coby seemed mildly interested but didn't care too much. He nodded politely and waved as he headed home.
The next day started early.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyqruUIzfJ
Wolf barely slept. His mind kept racing with possibilities—what if he had magic? What level? What element?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP24tz7v1od
He said goodbye to his mother and left early to meet Coby at the church.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQa7IKtqQX
He was worried it might be too early. But when he met up with Coby along the way, his brother assured him it was fine.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSBJ5ywiX9
"That's why the priests live at the church. Night or day, they can always help people."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1Av20uGRc
As they approached, Wolf was surprised to see how busy it was.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfSMkzYLMG
Lots of people were coming and going. It seemed more people used the church than he'd given them credit for. He'd never really believed they were that important—just a place for prayers and ceremonies.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45Rwuhkn7g
But seeing it now showed things differently.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDa91U5Eev
There were sick people seeking healing from magic. Others just here to pray. Some brought offerings. A few were asking questions about blessings or guidance.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYGA2vwTSG
The church was alive with activity.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaah79nk6Q
They found one of the black-robed priests near the entrance and approached respectfully.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jDbYeepsq
"Excuse me," Wolf said. "Is the bishop available?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz9NSjfR46
The priest smiled kindly but shook his head. "I'm afraid not. He left for the city this morning. Business with the main cathedral." He tilted his head. "Is there something I can help you with instead?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7EbwXKCDf
Coby spoke up before Wolf could answer.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjynIS2YuJ
"We're here to see if my brother has a blessing," Coby said clearly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduzGHfYqaq
The priest nodded in understanding. "Did he show a sign of having a blessing? Some manifestation of power?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAYZaFM81T
Wolf felt embarrassed. He'd forgotten that people had their own lives—they weren't just here to serve every whim.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h4K1lBkyb
"No," Coby said steadily, not nervous at all. "But I received my blessing recently. And he's my brother. I'm sure he has one too."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaSfNMuhw8
Wolf felt a surge of pride that Coby spoke up for him so confidently.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD0GgB5yfQ
But the priest was frowning.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelwUFmjB4n
"I'm sorry, but we can't check every person who asks without some indication." His voice was gentle but firm. "Our seer would faint from exhaustion if we did. She tends not to say no to young people, so it's unfair to put that burden on her when we don't have something specific to look for."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fMxoUZebF
"Does it take that much power?" Wolf asked before Coby could speak.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5HYQGU6Wj
"No... well, not for stronger practitioners of darkness magic." The priest explained patiently. "But she's only level two. It's much more draining for her to search for magic when she doesn't know what element to look for. Searching blindly exhausts her quickly."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoUeXE1vF5
Level two darkness magic. Wolf needed to know more.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH72r9bmQb0
"Isn't darkness evil magic?" Wolf blurted out.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdlTtVtorh
The priest laughed at that—a genuine, amused sound. Then he quickly covered his mouth and looked around, ashamed at his outburst.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWZFV1AnqP
"Sorry. That was rude of me." He composed himself. "I felt joy at your ignorance, and that was wrong of me."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQJNOuDdaE
Wolf wasn't mad. He just didn't know any better. He looked at Coby—his brother seemed equally indifferent to the laugh, not understanding why darkness would be funny.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtvVT9dbww
Both Wolf and Coby shook their heads to show no offense was taken.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdHj3D81Pe
"It's okay," Wolf said earnestly. "We didn't know. Please teach us."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSw5PRKUJx
He felt Coby shared the same curiosity. They both wanted to understand.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJrGqCDsBK
The priest smiled, pleased they were such receptive students. "The misunderstanding about darkness is common. It's not evil—just different from light." He gestured as he explained. "Darkness can manifest as shadow magic, which allows people to hide within shadows. But darkness magic can also see through shadows. It helps perceive things others cannot."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiGkbhdGdn
He paused. "In the seer's case, she uses it to see magic itself. The more magic flowing in a body, the easier it is for darkness to perceive it. She can see the currents of power that run through blessed individuals."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCNhmnsGbN
Both Wolf and Coby were amazed at what could be done with magic.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTRWTwQxfR
Wolf felt his heart sinking. But he couldn't give up now. Not when he was this close.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRujXfXx0Fv
"Are you sure you can't let us see her? Please?" His voice came out more desperate than he intended.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2RDb6Blpc
The priest watched him carefully, studying Wolf's face for a long moment before speaking.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMKZLbHOqb
"How old are you?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmEEcWFGLE
"I just turned fourteen recently." Wolf stood straighter. "That should be old enough to receive a blessing, right?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzYlcQK3EL
"True. You're more than old enough for a blessing to manifest." The priest seemed to be considering something. Then he sighed. "Alright. Let me go ask her."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXz2pn8EqA
Wolf felt hope flare in his chest.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDMP9hThyK
The priest held up a hand. "First, understand—she's been busy with mundane tasks today. Filing records, organizing donations. Nothing of a magical nature. Perhaps checking you could even be a break for her, since using magic is a different kind of strain than physical work." He gestured toward the pews. "Wait here among the others who are praying. Keep your voices low while I go speak with her."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2ui66b9wi
The priest turned and disappeared through a side door.
Coby whispered to Wolf while Wolf was lost in anxious thought. "Don't worry. I'm sure she'll see you."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv50szNUNep
"Who is she?" Wolf whispered back.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyFnY08srT
"I dunno if it's the same person who checked me." Coby shrugged. "For me it was a girl dressed all in black. But I don't know if it's the same seer every time."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xUgwHRVhL
"What was her name?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UmNE3wp3F
Coby thought for a moment. "Dunno? They just called her 'Seer.' And I was too nervous to ask." He smiled slightly. "Magic was never a big deal to me before. But now that I have it? It feels different."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9gkmxnx03
Wolf knew that feeling intimately. He was feeling it right now.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrcA4Y0nXx
The idea that he could have magic—but might be told no? It hurt him deeply. More than it should.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSmWKDUwCz
He had friends. He had family. But he didn't have magic.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRc9P4JjQ6
Coby saw Wolf's dejected spirit and tried to encourage him. "Cheer up, brother. We didn't come this far to give up. We'll find a way, even if it takes years."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz3e5Pba95
Wolf flinched at those words. Years.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43HGjS3bwn
Then a wave of cold fear washed over him. Or never.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qnQo15GCp
Coby saw his attempt to help had only made things worse. So he kept quiet and instead silently prayed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlLVk0EzRf
I know you all exist. And you know I don't care about magic. So please—help my brother. He's a good friend to me. And though he may seem selfish sometimes, he's never once denied me anything I asked for. Please.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaGCbitodX
Wolf felt saddened watching Coby pray.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxS26lnS5J
He knew Coby was doing it for him. His brother had never been big on the gods or prayer—he just did his work and lived his life.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDIYdWFRcz
It helped Wolf feel better, knowing he wasn't alone in this.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqHO7Jygu5
But at the same time... he knew he was never alone. He had family. Friends. People who cared about him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBErs6Dqss7
But that was different. None of that was magic. The one thing he wanted most.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSixxLhVIzJ
Wolf knew he was being selfish. But he couldn't stop thinking about it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVKcugqj4m
He tried to pray too. Bowed his head like Coby. But he couldn't even focus—couldn't form the words properly. He knew it wouldn't be sincere. Just begging to gods who already knew exactly how he felt.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60MLuxWg1Z
What was the point of praying when they'd already decided his fate?
What felt like hours—but was surely only minutes—passed in tense silence.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7PXNQKUo6
Then the priest returned.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3znv8hsAf
He was smiling.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeOu4UtWFR
Wolf's heart leaped.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilc3F4njVt
In a low voice, just above a whisper, the priest spoke: "She's in good spirits and says she's willing to help." He gestured toward the side door. "Please, follow me."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGLkPVxDQN
Wolf and Coby quietly followed the priest down a side hallway.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYHp4RxAkp
Grey-robed acolytes moved through the corridors—carrying books, organizing shelves, sweeping floors. They all seemed lost in their own tasks, not noticing the small group passing by. It seemed they were used to people coming and going through the church constantly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGfJBXXRqY
The priest led them to a door at the end of the hall.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmEQdsopYc
It was plain. Unremarkable. Wolf couldn't sense anything special from it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpprRlmUjfb
His heart was pounding.
As they entered, Wolf was surprised by how dark it was.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnxohP2TNx
The room had many windows—he could count at least four oversized ones surrounding the space. But they were all covered by heavy drapes, blocking out most of the light.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLQSL8LguA
There was illumination, but it came from a soft, ambient glow. Not very bright. Almost like twilight.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRvZ32hIzk
Wolf's eyes adjusted slowly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCr3nzdJN1
There was a desk off to one side, covered in papers and books. But in the middle of the room, when Wolf focused there—281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyxlld6ZAm
He saw her.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqfgVNVncD
The seer was dressed entirely in black. Even her face was covered by a dark veil that obscured her features completely.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM969nj06GI
Wolf thought he saw a tail flicking behind her—quick movement in the dim light. But he felt embarrassed to stare, so he looked around the room instead.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPidXgoE10C
Besides the four oversized windows, the chamber was nearly empty. Just a small bench near the desk. A couple of chairs in the corner.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3bRCiJQtD
What kind of place was this?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4Q0l8iEwY
"This is the boy," the priest said gently, touching Wolf's shoulder.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0A2Ex1SSq
The seer gave a soft smile—visible even through the veil somehow—as she watched Coby bow slightly and sit in one of the chairs without being prompted.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7AoWxXYco
He'd been here before. He knew the routine.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YOC7voWcg
The priest also bowed respectfully. "I'm sure you can find your way out after. If not, just ask one of the grey robes."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj6mARXGVH
And then he quietly left, closing the door behind him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9wyzjbT0j
Wolf suddenly felt very alone. Very exposed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOGD8xq8Se
Standing there while this veiled figure watched him in the dim light.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4xxxpvbbO
Wolf stood alone in the center of the room. He felt exposed. Watched.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG8dsEGqDf
He bowed quickly. "Hello. Nice to meet you. I'm Wolf."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojl47O1IyA
The seer was still smiling—he could somehow sense it despite the veil. When she spoke, her voice was lovely. Gentle and melodic.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJCgZfE16j
"How well-mannered." She tilted her head slightly. "But I can see the turmoil in your soul. Which is tragic. I do wish you peace, young one."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj956jTH0fZ
Wolf wasn't sure how to respond to that. He breathed deeply and let out a shaky sigh.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM05B0TWyt
Then the words came tumbling out—quick, before he could stammer or take them back: "Please check me for magic. And if I don't have it, please help me earn it if you can."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4afOo1kZnM
He bowed down low after saying it. Refused to look up. Afraid to see a disapproving expression on her face.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9RCwe5ra7
"Hmm." Her voice was light, thoughtful. "I would assume the bishop already told you—we cannot bless others. The gods choose who receives their gifts, not us." She paused. "And if you think the gods listen to my prayers more than anyone else's... I fear I will only disappoint you."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI49BTtQPB
"No," Wolf said bitterly. He was already regretting his words.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDI3TNmHJd
He was expecting too much. And for free? When he knew the gods frowned on that kind of greed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIDqolx82T
"I misspoke. I..." He struggled to find the right words. "I just really care about magic. And I feel like it's always beyond my reach. No matter what I do."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwORe2sqvmm
"I understand." The seer's voice was warm with empathy. "I never cared for magic myself. But I could see it in others. For me, being able to help others find their path—that was the blessing. And I embraced it."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vOjEG9DpY
She moved slightly, her robes rustling softly. "I fear it's the same for you. But with no road to travel, you feel lost. Adrift."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8emntDVKj
Wolf was still bowing, but he nodded. That was exactly how he felt.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEo6lnadt6
Well, mostly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aNN4Vhl4T
Wolf hesitated, then asked the question that had been bothering him. "May I ask... why is it so dark in here? Does it help your power? Darkness magic?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZZkNgefgH
The seer laughed lightly at that. A pleasant, musical sound.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fe13AWWtU
"My power is indeed born of darkness. And I must hide my eyes from bright light to see deeper into the magical currents." She gestured around the dim room. "But I don't need to hide from the Light God's blessing. The gods are equal and love all their children. Why would they deny me or others for having a single element?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3BhF0h5Y9
"Single element?" Wolf gasped at those words.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPVaT4joEb
He raised his head from the bow, looking directly at the seer. "So people can hold more powers?! Light and dark and fire all at once?!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhg5hZbKSV
She shook her head sadly. "No, child. You misunderstand. The gods don't hate each other—so why would they hate us for not being blessed by one particular deity? They don't punish us for our element."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVMpS2Wocb
"Ah." Wolf felt dejected, realizing he'd misunderstood again.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD8BAszQyT
"Though..." The seer added, as if it were an afterthought. "There is one god who blesses others with all elements."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIj4YsVQnz
Wolf felt his heart stop.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcTPyuY3nQ
All elements. All of them.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9Egg8IuFt
He wished he could be numb to all this casual information—secrets of the gods spoken as if they were common facts everyone knew. But as he looked at the seer's veiled face, he realized once again he was misunderstanding something.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2FNedU2px
"The god who grants all powers is the God of Balance." Her voice grew more serious. "But to balance the gift of having all elements... those blessed cannot use them the same way as others. They will never have the same gifts as single-element wielders."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByQRopywAs
Wolf wasn't sure he understood. "So... they have all the power. But can't use any of it? How does that work?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrumGYJNHGy
"That," the seer said gently, "is part of the balance. They may find a way to use the power. But they cannot do it the same way others can."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytki3I6Z7i
She said those words still smiling, as if it all made perfect sense.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxaUm9qyKi
But to Wolf, it all felt backward. Why give someone more power only to take away the ability to use it? If not to punish them?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHJM0hxLN1
"Balance is a rare god to give blessings," the seer continued. "Many look down on them, even though they're needed most of all. So Balance picks very carefully who they bless."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKISkjhdUdC
Wolf hated the idea. Being blessed with power but never able to use it properly?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns8eIVNnVf
"How is that different than having no power at all?" The words slipped from his lips before he could stop himself.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhI2kZz36c
The seer frowned at that. "I'm sorry," Wolf added quickly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2veVVVpew
But she shook her head. "No. I understand your fears." Her voice was compassionate. "But we are all the same in the eyes of the gods. This is why Balance tries to help us—by limiting magic. Without limits, we would lose ourselves to power. Wage wars once more, seeking ever more."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CbTUN4g6V
Wolf knew the concept of war. But he couldn't picture it. He'd only ever known peace.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVUHFT5v1b
So even small conflicts felt enormous to him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJGAnN8gEo
Wolf took a shaky breath. "Thank you for your time. No matter the outcome... I'll accept the truth."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOGQ2aeLsE
Coby spoke up from his chair in the background. "You'll be fine, Wolf. The gods have eyes—let's at least wait to see what she finds before we decide your fate."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW0srn4qHA
Wolf smiled weakly at those words. The seer smiled too—he could sense it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YEcOZIzKF
Then she finally approached.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9tt32VbKz
She was slender. The black robes were loose and free-flowing, but tied at her waist, showing her form as she moved. Wolf was dying to know how she could see anything behind that thick veil. But he kept quiet, waiting to see where this would go.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq3F37X0rC
As she got close, she looked him up and down—examining him like a puzzle to be solved.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdHXHia6EG
When she spoke, her voice was soft. Almost reverent.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwYxhMAnIA
"So young. And yet trying to bend fate to your will." She paused. "Dangerous. But that is the path you seek. The gods have witnessed your desire. Now we shall see if they agree with it."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAayxE8paAQ
Inside, the seer knew she was playing it up a bit. Being dramatic. But she was having fun with it. And she genuinely hoped this wouldn't end like those other times—young people with desperate hopes but no blessing to find.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVVUe2isvA
Wolf was enchanted by the way she spoke.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n5DSKMIdB
It sounded like an unspoken oath. As if his longing wasn't a petty desire, but a challenge to the gods themselves. As if he was demanding more from fate.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVW8G0Aagi
What if they had listened?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUjltUEd5g
He felt scared now. Scared of the judgment.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdHS9B907R
Scared they would deny him. Scared they would say he was worthy. Both outcomes terrified him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyU8rk53dk
The seer placed her hands on his shoulders, steadying him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBUCmd2JSe
Then her eyes began to glow behind the veil.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0FAubvuXX
A dark, otherworldly light. Like the God of Darkness itself was looking through her—staring directly at Wolf. Judging him. A mere child trying to understand the mind of gods.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bKdrEEsau
Wolf was paralyzed. Unsure what to do. Unable to move or speak.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmT9ZjnN5f
The seer looked into Wolf's soul with her darkness sight.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPPhLr3EpU
At first, she saw very little.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqRNxwz7KN
It felt like the other times—when young people came with desperate hopes but no magic to find. Empty. Unremarkable.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fEz2vWBOh
But she gave it a better look to be safe. She wasn't doing much anyway—the grey robes usually spoiled her with easy tasks. Checking one hopeful child wouldn't hurt.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbMJPqSOzt
Her eyes of darkness remained clear and focused.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3FpzuTr8N
"Hmm." The sound came out as a low, surprised murmur. "That's... different."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNILF5ek4v
Wolf was afraid to speak. He just watched as her hand moved slowly from his shoulder down to his chest. To his heart.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbPXbhynlX
Then he felt it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXBxrAlOuO
A building pressure. Like her hand was the only thing holding back a door. And beyond that door, something was gathering. Building. A feeling he'd never experienced before.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPNERLwYPA
Power.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROmjv9gp2t
The seer was shocked.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv9IkdoaFi
She'd seen nothing at first—had been about to tell him gently that he had no blessing. But then a trace appeared. Faint at first. Then it began to grow, spreading like roots through his body.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkYyvXmKh0
She tried following the lines of magic with her sight. They all led to his heart. Converging there.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cjcyh1sGh
It was an amazing thing to witness.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGS3w8gUvF
She'd never seen the birth of someone's power before. Only the aftermath—magic already settled in the body, or the emptiness where it would never be.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5boLoPIxRJ
But this? This was awakening in real time.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmnxgvzgWh
"Oh my!" she exclaimed in a low, awed voice. "Awakening now? You must have stirred the gods themselves with your desire."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qUYhaJqeR
There was mirth in her tone—genuine delight at witnessing something so rare.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9CdLxQSvj
Wolf was unsure if she was joking or telling the truth.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs345bThPhk
Was he going to get powers of darkness? He didn't particularly want that. Though depending on what he could do with it, it might be interesting. So he didn't protest.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNz6N7mftS
He just stood there, feeling the pressure building behind his heart.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn9dfUpKSg
The seer's hand stayed near Wolf's heart, unmoving.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefIk5uoQNp
The flow wouldn't stop building. Growing stronger. More intense.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfTW4yWmiZ
Wolf wasn't sure if it was her doing or the blessing itself. But as the pressure grew near painful—unbearable—something shifted.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvVR5YrlfO
It felt like melting ice.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhO3YGc3zJ
Warmth began to flow into him. Then it became a flood.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj462uSwCRu
Heat. Blazing fire coursing through his veins.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF09SClLaDB
Darkness. Deep shadow wrapping around his bones.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBLhcwXyV2
Light. Brilliant radiance filling his chest.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtUj4kcCpR
Wind. Wild, untamed air rushing through his lungs.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ206sDJsXV0
Earth. Solid, ancient strength settling in his core.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Q21CMlQV
Water. Cool currents flowing beneath everything.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1hnD3zNYd
Everything. All of it. In a strange, perfect balance.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoNYgIdPYI
The elements sank into his body. He felt them embrace him—welcoming him, claiming him as their own.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLZYjVAX7M
And then—281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEnhXtXUni
It was gone.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjTPPxPAdr
As if it had never been there at all.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDL0I2t7FI
Wolf felt empty. Like he'd just lost everything. Like something precious had been ripped away the moment he'd finally grasped it.
The seer watched with wide, tear-filled eyes behind her veil.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82aH7vmMUz
It was a sea of colors.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVG7ooj3Ey
Beautiful. Beyond anything she'd ever witnessed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8P9LxgXMY
She couldn't help it—a single tear rolled down her cheek beneath the veil. The display was too magnificent. Too rare.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JX3BxBuTN
So much power. More than she'd ever seen in one person. Spreading through his body like rivers of light and shadow intertwined.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMisbInWKVm
She was finally witnessing balanced power. The blessing of the God of Balance in its raw, unfiltered form.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYfSDACBfU
She was awed. Humbled.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b0aq13QSO
She wanted to gauge his strength properly. To measure it. To let him know what she'd seen—the incredible gift he'd been given.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46qf9JFIXL
But it faded.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqKuMWznSU
As fast as it had appeared, it vanished. Suppressed. Hidden away.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1csLYAhRk
The rare sight was gone.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4RqGxrcCx
Disappointment washed over her, even as wonder remained.
Wolf looked up at the seer, confusion and desperation in his eyes. "What... what happened?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCikT3b4qc
She frowned behind her veil. "You're not ready yet, it seems." Her voice was gentle but sad. "But the gods did indeed favor you. They won't take away a blessing—they've just suppressed it until you're ready to bear it."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSiIvntosw
She'd heard such things could happen. It was rare. Incredibly rare.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bIusbdFVH
Now she knew what it looked like.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9jiUPzK4e
"What do you mean?" Wolf's voice trembled. "What did you see?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOPYeWSahB
He stared at her. The glowing eyes of darkness he'd seen so clearly before were gone now. Just plain dark cloth was all he could see.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUjyyEFIDC
The seer's hands moved back to his shoulders. She breathed in slowly. Then exhaled.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVkJ425r6l
And collapsed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAzHbMSKON
Her body crumpled, falling to the floor before Wolf or Coby could react or understand what had just happened.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbCjVHhDOr
"No!" Coby's shout broke the frozen moment.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFqAhucS9Q
He ran over and carefully lifted the seer's head onto his lap, cradling it gently. "Get help, Wolf! We need a priest! Now!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdvvWizYOt
Wolf couldn't move.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTLPxKmnVP
He stood there, staring at her collapsed form. His mind was screaming but his body wouldn't respond.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJSEnEnQxj
How did things end this way?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdnxPSRzp7
Had she been punished for helping him? But why? He'd only wanted magic. He hadn't wanted to hurt anyone—especially not someone who'd only tried to help him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9DrFW6034
"WOLF!" Coby's voice cut through his paralysis. "Go! Now!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKWBdGgUXW
Wolf finally broke free. He turned and ran.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT2OIClLwT
His legs felt weak. His vision blurred with tears. Fear and confusion consumed him as he burst through the door into the hallway.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0EA3ViaUS
They all tried to warn me, he thought desperately. Dad. Mom. Everyone.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIlsOOSBE4
His desire for power had hurt someone.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOOE3RJZd8
And worse—someone who only wanted to do good. Someone kind. Someone innocent.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAAvlB04V1
"Help!" Wolf's voice cracked as he ran through the church. "Please! Someone help!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZd8dHXevX
He found a grey robe in the hallway—a young acolyte organizing books. Wolf grabbed them by the shoulders, probably too roughly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe7kSj9COa
"Please! She needs healing! The seer—she collapsed! We don't know what happened!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQI1EpSBsR
The acolyte's eyes went wide. They dropped the books and ran toward the chamber, shouting for others.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSHpedemhk
After that, everything became a blur.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaqRh2OZWJ
Grey robes rushing past. Black robes appearing from other rooms. Voices overlapping—concerned, urgent, commanding. Someone pushed Wolf aside gently but firmly. Coby emerged from the chamber, his face pale.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjqnlYmFxv
The chaos swirled around Wolf like a storm.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnHDof88Ta
He stood there, numb, as events unraveled around him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z79cQAirK
How did a blessing—something meant to be a gift—lead to this?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63j5bAnKAw
How had his dream become someone else's nightmare?
An hour passed in a blur.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkUTWU1W3K
At first, everyone clamored to help. To solve the problem. Grey robes rushed in with water. Others brought blankets. Someone fetched healing herbs. Another ran to find a more experienced priest.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS0FrBH9YT
They were all tripping over each other—well-meaning but chaotic. Each person trying to fix things but getting in each other's way.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP1gZv2adz
It was only when the black-robed priest returned—the one who'd brought Wolf and Coby to the seer—that order was restored.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulwP0RHowe
His voice cut through the chaos like a blade. "Everyone, calm yourselves! Give her space!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgQZw3MMyW
The grey robes fell back immediately, still hovering anxiously but no longer crowding.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ92NH2Q9k
The priest knelt beside the seer, checking her breathing, her pulse. He placed a hand on her forehead, muttering something under his breath—a prayer or a diagnostic spell, Wolf couldn't tell.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfjrNMUDjJ
After a long, tense moment, the priest stood.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuLcJUO52S
"She's fine," he announced to the room. His voice was firm, reassuring. "She strained her magic and pushed too far. That's all. She just needs rest."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY6gwyQdRx
Wolf felt his knees nearly buckle with relief.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbpljkwlMA
But guilt immediately followed. That's all? She'd collapsed. Because of him. Because he'd been selfish.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG5duNNMsn
The priest proceeded to shoo everyone away from the small side room they'd managed to secure for her to rest in. "Out, all of you. She needs quiet. Go back to your duties."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96XcYAMa6G
The grey robes filed out reluctantly, casting worried glances back.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sZzllT2YD
But Wolf and Coby stood firm.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJqWCyjuss
"Please," Wolf's voice was hoarse. "Please let us stay."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l1g8HH6y9
"We can't leave," Coby added. "Not like this. We were the cause."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaG42wrWXS
The priest looked at them both—two young boys, one filled with desperate guilt, the other with loyal concern.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODMqQtqlSc
He sighed heavily. "Very well. You may stay." His tone became stern. "But you will behave. She needs rest, not noisy children hovering over her—even if you want to help. Do you understand?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXcL2Wkkov
They both nodded quickly. Eagerly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChJEKQu5yG
"Yes, sir. We understand. We'll be quiet."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvOeIgPzaZ
The priest gave them one last warning look, then left them alone.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGPCTahFuN
Wolf and Coby quietly sat beside the seer's resting place, waiting.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA8jvyaQ06
Waiting for her to wake. Waiting to know she was truly alright.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hzv7rEMpE
Waiting for a chance to apologize.
Another hour passed in near silence.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApLivCqfxU
The only sounds were distant footsteps in the hallway. Muffled prayers from the main chapel. The soft rustle of the seer's breathing.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0abAz2h8j5
Wolf finally felt brave enough to speak. His voice came out meek, barely above a whisper.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7niMVEI9XE
"It's my fault, Coby."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqurHxc1gjc
"What?" Coby turned sharply, his whisper harsh. "Why would you say that?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEijNEMYd4
"She was trying to help me." Wolf's voice cracked. "And the gods punished her for it. Because of what I wanted. Because I was greedy."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWZbX1zYBf
"No." Coby shook his head firmly. "No, that's not what happened. She used too much magic, and it weakened her. That's all."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa16SvpZnBF
He leaned closer, speaking earnestly. "I've done it before with wind magic—pushed too hard. It made me sick for a bit. I needed to rest, drink water, eat." He paused. "I even heard there's a potion that helps, though I don't know the details."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0cd9sahuh
Wolf felt tears threatening again. He wasn't sure what to say.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DqJvfqq2B
He'd gotten his wish—kind of. He had magic. A blessing from the gods themselves.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTXuzD15Om
But the details were lost to him. Whatever it was, it had hurt someone. Hurt someone innocent and kind.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTF2SCVALc
The one thing his dad had warned him about. And Wolf had ignored it with complete indifference.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdAYpFRs4W
Who else would I hurt? The thought was like ice in his chest. How many others will suffer for my pursuit of power?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMEE73wxWK
It wasn't worth it. The magic he desired, the goal he'd obsessed over—it was dangerous. Maybe even evil in a way.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALejO7me2N
Wolf felt crushed. Depressed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8gqycrjvE
How could he keep pursuing magic if it meant hurting others?
Coby saw the devastation on Wolf's face. Without a word, he wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulders and pulled him close.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhjuwtRFwc
They sat like that in silence. Neither wanted to speak. Neither knew what to say.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHbMf8u6w6
They'd come early in the morning. So they had time to wait. But what if she didn't wake up until night? Or tomorrow?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8QDLFZROS
Wolf thought they could come back and apologize later. But it felt hollow—wrong—if they weren't there when she woke.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuB645LjqV
As if stirred awake by that very thought, the seer moved.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxrvHVPJsi
Her eyes opened slowly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBFAgSU5oB
"Oh." Her voice was groggy, confused. "Why are you in my room? Did something happen?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAreR2dU6e
"Uh..." Wolf started nervously. "This isn't your room. At least, I don't think it is?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeIMXjy7OU
He wasn't entirely sure. Everything had been such chaos.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHl7PC8Ign
Coby spoke up clearly. "To clarify—you fainted while helping us. Do you remember?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrqaepVffW
"Hmmm." The seer's voice was thoughtful, memories returning. "Yes. The blessing was very strong. It drained me completely." She paused. "I remember... your power eclipsed mine. I couldn't maintain my sight properly. That was a first for me."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2ATrhpzYO
Inside, she was trying to make sense of it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVJSqbvIfU
She'd seen level four blessings before without issue. There was no way a simple level four would overwhelm her like that.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg73gQNdHWG
She must have just pushed herself too far. Been too eager to witness the rare awakening.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0cDQtD8Kw
That had to be it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgLgY1RfjQ
Wolf wasn't sure how to feel about that explanation.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9EIYg06T7
If her power had been eclipsed... did that mean he potentially had level three magic? Or maybe a strong level two?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxPpYnWnLo
He felt shame rising in his chest. But he had to know.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtvPl7W9eI
"You never said what my gift was."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXZb5TwtOq
Coby's head snapped toward him. His brother frowned with clear disapproval—a look that said Really? She just collapsed and you're asking about this?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWigblKXLeu
But Wolf had to risk it. Now that he knew she was okay, he had to know the truth.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfEGMVnHTG
I'm not as mature as I thought, Wolf realized bitterly. First chance I get, I go right back to my old selfish ways.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNJTOhpMWO
He'd promised himself he would change. But apparently not today.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NfUYMrjuH
The seer stared at them both for a moment. Then smiled beneath her veil.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG1BN5tsxt
"Yes, I did fade before I could speak, didn't I?" She sounded thoughtful. "Hmmm. Well, your gift is one of the very rare ones. Not the rarest, I don't think?" She paused, suddenly uncertain. "Or... maybe it is?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX38UBdE0Bc
She stopped herself, realizing she was starting to ramble. "Sorry."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs1Zy7qehY
"It's okay," Wolf said quickly. "I was rude to ask. You needed to recover—you still need to recover. You don't have to tell me."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJMEGru0q0
He hated saying that. But it felt necessary. He'd gotten what he wanted—a blessing from the gods. Now he needed to learn not to hurt others, even unintentionally.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBOjCChbD5
"It's fine," the seer said in a sleepy, gentle voice. "Let me explain."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kf3OnNs3I
She shifted slightly, getting more comfortable. "The rarest gifts—and the most dangerous—are level five. The power of a level five blessing is enough to stand against entire kingdoms alone. And win."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpRvIEBH2c
Wolf's eyes went wide. The power scale went that high?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbIjjGeTkC
"Your gift, child..." The seer's smile grew. "Your gift is level four. You won't topple kingdoms on your own. But it's enough to challenge armies alone and emerge victorious."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbyBhii8qz
Wolf went pale.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBtkYMrZFU
Armies. The word echoed in his mind. Such immense power.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmbH4irY6V
And she was smiling as she said it. Which surprised Wolf even more.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARURtkhbWu
"Why would you be happy that anyone had that kind of power?" His voice was barely a whisper.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX8eH82w4s
The seer's smile faded slightly. "I'm sorry, though."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNAe0OBNpk
"Uh..." Wolf blinked. "Why? Why are you sorry?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjQTvAHkc0
"I'm not sure which god you hoped would bless you." Her voice grew softer. More sympathetic. "But it seems Balance chose you."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3mNAYGMcc
She paused, letting that sink in.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecE3ASPYwh
"So though you have enough magic that entire armies would fear you... you will never be able to use it directly."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNklueT9Wp5
It took Wolf a moment to process what she'd said.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlI6i0xG1P
Then—slowly, terribly—understanding dawned.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3zt0zx2aZ
He almost laughed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEODXQXqpBi
The irony was... perfect.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IiBiIPQUh
The gods had listened. They'd agreed with his desire. They'd even given him more power than most people would ever see in their entire lives.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GS46gzM6G
And then they'd chained him with the inability to ever truly use it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdZeYTxa7O
It was a master stroke done just for him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaKMydw2gr
What better way to humble someone obsessed with power than to give them exactly what they wanted—with no way to wield it? To dangle it before them, just out of reach, forever?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuBt4qh1FJ
The gods had heard his prayers. And they'd answered with the cruelest possible blessing.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwXFDXPgvC
One that had no use and could do nothing.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnNZO3YtFN
Wolf saw Coby's face—filled with amazement. The complete opposite of what Wolf felt.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCem599tgXR
"Wow!" Coby's eyes were shining. "I'm level two, and you're twice that!" He laughed with genuine excitement. "That's amazing, Wolf!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5WUI3zg1G
Wolf forced himself to respond. "Yeah... amazing."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡextyTDlFlY
His voice did not reflect his brother joy.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXgJaI7fxS
The seer saw his devastated expression. She opened her mouth to say something—to offer comfort, perhaps, or explanation.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyj1xHCSU2
But the door suddenly burst open.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78RJpGpRxf
The black-robed priest stood there, his expression stern. His voice was a harsh whisper. "I told you boys to keep quiet! I was passing in the hall and heard laughter and talking. Why are people making noise when someone is supposed to be—"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDpt7KwMzS
He stopped abruptly when he saw the seer sitting up, awake.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRDY3VdQMg
"Are you well?" His stern expression melted into concern. He rushed to her side, feeling her forehead gently. "Should I fetch the healer? Water?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xIaHHpjVp
"I'm fine," the seer assured him. "Just tired. It was a very strong blessing that drained me." She glanced at Wolf and Coby. "Nobody did anything wrong. I'm okay."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFBd9XCX3B
The priest nodded, though worry still lined his face. "Be that as it may, you still need proper rest." He turned to the boys. "You got to see her. She's fine. If you want to visit her again, please schedule another time—perhaps next week. We're busy with many things, and she needs to recover fully."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK30qgaSK2D
His tone made it clear: this was not a suggestion.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKF2Oe1Vbn
"It's okay," Wolf said quietly. "Thank you for your time. You were a big help."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayqFscYf2q
"Thank you," Coby added, bowing respectfully to the seer.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKYW8D1v0J
The seer didn't want to end things like this—with Wolf so devastated, so lost. Before they could leave, she spoke up to the priest.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rgRI0Cs7q
"Wait. Please bring me the book on magic levels and the gods. The educational one."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNI5czweYg
The priest's eyebrows rose. He wanted to object—that was a rarer book, meant for specific teaching within the church. Not common knowledge for outsiders.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rYi8KZDQC
But the seer insisted. "Wolf has a rare blessing. He needs to understand his gift better. Please."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeef8EmHKvc
The priest hesitated, then nodded and left to retrieve it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgeDvPOLBH
Wolf wanted to feel grateful. He already knew what mattered, didn't he? He had power he couldn't use. What more was there to understand?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI8dfXSNNK
Still, he thanked her. It seemed the right thing to do.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicMxFwQfNQ
As the priest left, the seer gave them some parting words. Her voice was gentle but firm.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlXbtfSO4K
"The gods have eyes. They see everything—our desires, our fears, our hearts." She paused. "They give us blessings for many reasons. You may think this is a burden. But it is a gift. A precious one."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0jDCDJdIc
Wolf nodded, though he felt nothing inside. Unsure how chains was gift…281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p1Zq6MdcZ
He didn't want to add to her burden. She'd done nothing but try to help him. So he tried to look grateful.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJso8wUUZSd
Even if he felt betrayed for wantng magic.
The priest returned moments later, carrying a book.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9Ui5PCm11
It was small and simple. But the cover—a beautiful, glowing silver—immediately caught Wolf's eye.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko6LMhIbSk
"It's magic," Wolf breathed, unable to help himself. He could sense it. The faint hum of power emanating from the cover.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqhvA65S1H
The priest looked genuinely surprised. "Yes. Not many can sense magic in objects at your age." He held the book carefully. "It's light magic, meant to preserve the book. Protects it from wear and tear so it can be passed down through generations."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgoTubYey7
He extended it toward Wolf. "We have other copies, so it's not irreplaceable. But it's also not so common that we'd gift it to just anyone outside the church." His expression grew serious. "Treat it with the respect it's owed."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq611cOotlb
Wolf took the book reverently. He felt grateful for the gift.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kx7rpb5d1
Even if it came with the burden of a truth he didn't want to face.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PNU97qywC
"Thank you," Wolf said. "I will. I promise."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80yC5y6tSw
Coby bowed once more to the seer and the priest. Wolf did the same.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNS0xat8Uw
And then they left the chamber, the door closing softly behind them.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLZT4Lh9id
The weight of the small book in Wolf's hands felt heavier than it should.
They walked through the church corridors in silence.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vLrvoAsck
When they finally stepped outside into the afternoon sun, Coby turned to Wolf with bright eyes. He was still buzzing with excitement from everything that had happened.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xqJMytdz1
"That was incredible!" Coby's enthusiasm was genuine. "Level four, Wolf! Do you know how amazing that is?" He gestured excitedly. "We should celebrate! Go to the lake, maybe explore the forest. Make it a day to remember!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnpzzmSn0P
Wolf looked at his brother's happy face.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVnXBSRyTD
He wanted to feel the same excitement. Wanted to share in Coby's joy.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBUu8wqoRP
But he just felt... drained. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBWwFs4epv
Wolf stepped forward and hugged Coby. Held him tightly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFiBICIm7d
"I appreciate everything you did for me today," Wolf said quietly. "You stood up for me. Prayed for me. Stayed with me when the seer collapsed." His voice cracked slightly. "Thank you, brother. Truly."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGggJJhMRcv
He pulled back. "But I... I need to rest. I need to think. Can we celebrate another time?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWeH4btApa
Coby's smile faded. He clearly didn't like that answer—wanted to cheer Wolf up, to help him see the positive side of this incredible blessing.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxs7ffvOOs
But he understood. He could see the defeat in Wolf's eyes. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrJHX401Pm
"Okay," Coby said softly. He squeezed Wolf's shoulder. "I get it."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3CIfUYExf
He paused, looking sad. "It's going to be a while before we meet again. The hunts are taking longer now. More dangerous monsters further out." He smiled slightly. "But I'll make time for you. I promise. Even if it's just for an hour."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbYWalPBGA
Wolf nodded, unable to speak, watching his brother walk away. The small magic book clutched in his hands.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpfOfEHRNx
He turned toward his own home, unusre what to think as he walked.
The trip home was uneventful.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR1UQANpsV
All he could think about was the seer's words echoing in his mind.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d4Cb0NdWM
Level four. Balance. Never use it directly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZvxJp2PpG
When he finally reached home, he could hear voices from inside. Smell food cooking.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvO1LAA3ft
He opened the door quietly.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bqEzLRK17
Mom and Nina were in the kitchen together, working on what smelled like dinner. They were laughing about something wolf was hoping to slip by unnoticed while they worled 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpgCxgedqF
Dad and Len must still be at the shop.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh73jBKelg
Both women turned sensing a change in the air, as he tried creep away in the house. Their smiles faded immediately when they saw Wolf's face. And wolf knew his stealth had failed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ftjroZ1fK
"Wolf?" Mom stepped away from the stove, concern filling her eyes. "What's wrong, sweetheart? What happened?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIc4bwy1Pt
Nina moved closer too, her ears perking up with worry. "Are you okay?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnggPGg11TA
Wolf forced himself to smile. Not liking the sudden onsluaght of attenion.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbuzjSQfTS
"I'm fine," he lied. "Just... not feeling good."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDKQPILHYh
It was easier than the truth. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFGKeeV2zH
"I just want to rest," Wolf added quickly. "And maybe read some books. Clear my head."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfpoQijDs7
Mom studied his face carefully. She clearly didn't believe him—could see something deeper was wrong. But she didn't push.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD8Y1h0RnP
"Alright," she said gently. "Go rest. I'll check on you in a bit."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdesCUXP0BY
Nina stepped forward, her tail swishing with concern. “If you want I can bring you some food later, okay?"
"Thanks, Nina," he managed. Slowly walking away. “But I don’t want anything.”281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00spKbGQ9p
Mom touched his shoulder softly stopping him briefly. "I'm here if you want to talk. About anything. If something happened..." She left the offer open.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesREHJRlrn
"It's okay, Mom." Wolf pulled away gently. "I just don't feel good. That's all."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwrdTxgfCK
Another lie. But a necessary one.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtqLppIiVY
He couldn't burden them with this. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHJIjTQvaK
Wolf retreated to his room, clutching the glowing book.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqtgh6FCfa
Closed the door behind him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPGnV8LJ33
And finally—alone at last—let himself feel the full weight of his blessing.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyyWvdNyLb
He sat on his bed, staring at the book in his hands.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xvByBkiZC
The gods had answered his prayers. Yet also chain him for life.
281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnhuDi6wck
and then Add to home screen.