Chapter 9 New Learnings

"I want to be strong," Valerie said. "Strong enough to protect myself and the people I care about."

Ariana nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Good. Strength is earned, not given. Your training begins tomorrow."

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Continuation

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The days that followed were grueling. Valerie was paired with Asher for combat training, Rowan for magical instruction, and Lila for endurance drills. Each session pushed her to her limits, forcing her to confront not only her physical and magical abilities but also her inner fears and doubts.

Asher was relentless, his teaching style direct and unyielding. "You have to focus," he said one day, blocking her attack with ease. "Your enemies won’t wait for you to figure it out."

Rowan, on the other hand, was patient, guiding her through the intricacies of spellcasting. "Magic is an extension of yourself," he explained. "The more you understand who you are, the stronger your magic will become."

Lila’s drills were the hardest. She had a knack for pushing Valerie just past her breaking point. "You’re tougher than you think," Lila would say, her voice filled with encouragement. "Prove it."

Slowly, Valerie began to improve. She learned to summon shields of energy, to channel her emotions into controlled bursts of power. Her movements in combat grew sharper, her instincts more refined. Yet, she knew she had only scratched the surface of her potential.

One evening, after an especially intense training session, Valerie found herself wandering the castle grounds. The moon hung low in the sky, its light casting everything in a silvery glow.

She stumbled upon a secluded garden, its paths lined with blooming flowers and ancient statues. In the center stood a fountain, its waters sparkling with an otherworldly light.

As she approached, she felt a familiar presence. Turning, she saw Ariana standing at the edge of the garden, her expression thoughtful.

"This place is special," Ariana said, her voice soft. "It’s a source of power for our society, a connection to the magic that binds us all."

Valerie hesitated. "Why me?" she asked. "Why am I here?"

Ariana studied her for a long moment. "Because you are destined for something greater," she said. "Your past has shaped you, but it does not define you. The choices you make now will determine your future."

Valerie looked into the glowing waters of the fountain, her reflection shimmering with a faint light. For the first time since arriving at the castle, she felt a glimmer of hope.

She was not alone. She had a purpose. And she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Don't you think about Liam ??

where is he?? why is he silent all along ??

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