Our village lies hidden deep within a dense forest, bathed each morning in golden light filtering through the thick branches above. The homes, built from wood and stone, blend almost seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The scent of fresh moss and damp earth follows me with every step I take outside.
My name is Rael.
For as long as I can remember, my life has been peaceful, wrapped in the quiet rhythm of this village.
My mother, kind and nurturing, works with medicinal herbs, while my father, once a respected mage from the kingdom of Solhen, spends much of his time teaching me the secrets of his magic.
In our small village school, a dozen of us children gather to learn elemental magic, the traditional craft of our region. I have two close friends: Elyn and Kael.
Elyn, with her fiery red hair and spirited nature, wields the earth element with remarkable ease.
Kael, calm and quiet, seems naturally attuned to water—his magic reflecting the stillness within him.
I, on the other hand, struggle far more than they do.
My father insists I study light magic as well—a rare and demanding discipline, especially when combined with the elemental arts.
Every morning, before the village even wakes, he trains me to shape light, to form small glowing orbs, and to enhance my movements with this unique energy.
Then, in the afternoons, I join my classmates for elemental practice.
What makes it especially difficult is constantly switching between both forms of magic.
While Elyn and Kael progress quickly, I often feel unsteady—frustrated by how slowly I improve.
My parents never say anything, but I catch the subtle concern in their eyes.
Still, I persist.
My father often tells me, "Rael, your path is different—but your determination will be your greatest strength."
At school, there's also Alden—a boy known for his arrogance and his exceptional control over fire.
He never misses a chance to point out my failures.
To him, I'm just a weakling, unable to focus on a single form of magic.
His attitude often creates tension between us, but I usually choose to ignore his provocations.
I'd rather prove him wrong through effort than through words.
My days remain simple: demanding lessons, carefree adventures in the forest with my friends, and warm evenings by the hearth with my family.
I have no idea what secrets lie hidden in my blood or what legacy my name carries.
All I want, for now, is to grow stronger, to prove to everyone, especially Alden, that I can succeed where they expect me to fail.
But in this village, even the quietest days can hide tensions more dangerous than magic itself.