Lienna.
What does he mean it’s time for my training? I thought, bewildered. I looked at Hermes and Adonis, and though they seemed surprised as well, there was resignation in their faces. They knew this was coming, and I was the only one who didn’t.
“H-here, right now?” I stammered, scrambling to get away from his grip. But he didn’t relent. His fingers only tightened around my wrist, holding me in place.
“Why did you think I brought you here? It wasn’t just to play maid,” Caspian said in a level voice, his eyes piercing through mine. “We need you to start being able to harness the power inside of you.”
My initial embarrassment died, and cold dread seeped into me. Though I was looking forward to when I would begin training, it still didn’t change the fact that there was a lot ahead of me. I wasn’t ready for this.
“So, what can you do, right now?” He asked, his voice firm but expectant.
I took in a deep breath, wondering what to say. I didn’t want to disappoint him, but I couldn’t lie either.
“Well, nothing at the moment,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
A tense silence followed my statement, causing me to flush deeply. I felt like I’d failed already.
“How then did you manifest your powers the previous times?” Hermes asked, his mouth full of food. He seemed nonchalant, but I knew he was watching me closely.
I glanced at him, nervously biting my lips. “Well, the previous times, it would come on its own when it sensed I was in serious danger,” I said, trying to explain.
He nodded, continuing to eat, but his eyes never left mine. I knew he was thinking, analyzing my words.
“That’s not enough,” Caspian said, letting me go. I immediately got away from him, but still stayed with them on the mat. I felt a mix of relief and frustration.
“We need you to be able to tap into your powers without the need of a life and death situation,” he said, his eyes serious. “We can’t always be there to protect you, Lieanna. You need to learn to protect yourself.”
I nodded, feeling my heart starting to pound. I knew he was right, but it was easier said than done.
“How about this?” Caspian suggested. “Think of an arduous situation and see if you can tap into your power.”
I took in a deep breath, closing my eyes and raising my hands. I thought about some distressing situations that I had been in, trying to tap into my powers. I spent minutes concentrating and straining myself, but nothing happened.
I opened my eyes, frustration simmering beneath my veins. I felt like I was failing.
“Try again,” Caspian said, his voice gentle but insistent.
I let out a breath, feeling depleted. Gathering my courage, I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate once more.
“There’s a reason you were chosen to be the vessel of the moon goddess,” Caspian’s voice filtered into my subconscious. “You need to actualize it. Don’t stop until something happens.”
I tried again, concentrating like my life depended on it. I thought of every difficult situation I had ever faced, trying to tap into the power within me. But nothing happened once more.
Letting out an exasperated groan, I lowered my head, feeling defeated.
“It’s not working,” I muttered, my voice trembling. I felt like I was a failure.
“Don’t beat yourself up about that. This is your first time doing this. You’re not going to get it at the go,” Caspian said, placing a hand on my chest. I found it rather reassuring. His touch was warm and calming, and it helped to slow down my racing heart.
“Try again, and try to think of some distressing situations,” he said, his voice firm but encouraging.
I cleaned away the tear that had trickled down my eyes and sniffed, taking a deep breath. I tried once more, closing my eyes and focusing on my memories. This time, I really tried to think about the most scary things that had happened to me, starting from the moment my betrothed tried to assault me to when I was running away from my adopted father’s men.
All of these memories compounded, filled with a gnawing sense of helplessness. I felt like I was reliving those moments all over again, and my body began to react. My heart started racing, my breath quickened, and my muscles tensed up.
But then, something strange happened. I felt an icy thread start from my heart and spread to other parts of my body. It was a slow, creeping sensation, like frost spreading across a windowpane. I felt it move up my arms, down my legs, and across my chest.
“You’re doing it. Keep concentrating,” Caspian’s voice filtered through once more. I furrowed my brows in concentration and kept on imagining those moments. The defining moment was when I thought of the dream that I had. About the woman who had to hide her child from those attackers. I wished I could protect that woman. Go back in time and do something about it. If I was there, I would have saved her from the mob.
The icy threads got to the tip of my fingers and I felt a cool energy begin to gather. “More,” Caspian urged, his voice tinged with excitement.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t do anymore as I suddenly grew exhausted. The power fizzled out and I opened my eyes. Caspian was watching me intently, and so were Adonis and Hermes, a hint of surprise in their faces.
“Did I do it?” I asked, my voice tiny yet hopeful.
“Barely,” Hermes answered. “We could feel the power radiating from you, but it didn’t translate to a physical manifestation.”
I let out a sigh, feeling despondent. “I really wished I could. But I’m so tired right now,” I said.
I tried to stand up, but my body wobbled, causing me to lean on Caspian, my breathing ragged.
“It’s okay. We’ll take it one step at a time,” Caspian said, supporting me.
“By the way, how did you manage this one?” he asked, curiosity in his voice.
“Well, I thought about the people who tried to hurt me,” I answered, glancing at him.
“Next time, think about the people who you would love to protect. That’s where the true power comes from,” he said, his eyes locked on mine.
“Thank you,” I whispered, grateful.
“Don’t mention it. Now, let’s head back to the fortress.”