Wolf picked up the first book from his shelf.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MZ0fujtF6
Herbs and You by the Church.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gTOXPAYyx
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSgdPM2H6N
He opened the book, determined to at least try to learn.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0Typ221gE
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCJovAwr2x
Wolf frowned at those words.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCXwpOnLxM
Why no alchemy? He understood the danger of abuse. But couldn't they at least teach the basics?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUo3M6yZEv
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFH5ENj3RM
He fell asleep reading.
The next day was mostly uneventful. Wolf went on reading when he could.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfyH7pCn07
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquc9cvZpYn
But overall, he was left alone to read.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bX6UbMLwf
It was only a few days later—when Wolf was losing interest in the dense text—that Coby finally came to visit.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxFJgohYam
Wolf was eager to catch up with his missing brother.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7hspoADmd
"How have you been, brother?" Wolf was happy they finally got time alone after so long.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ4REiOGze
"Been fine," Coby said.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RbAFj1Udh
But he spoke passively, distracted. His eyes scanned the area with keen focus—constantly moving, watching the treeline, the paths, everything around them.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF0f4JQMLK
Wolf was surprised by his intensity. "What's wrong? Is something coming?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIMLEt8ora
Coby looked surprised by the question. Then he refocused on Wolf. "Nothing's wrong. Just scouting."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmIlLenk4c
"Here?" Wolf didn't understand. They were near home. Nothing dangerous had ever happened here.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIsKT2XOmW
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6jljS907c
Wolf nodded, not sure how to respond to that. "Okay... but even here?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckxeiTUIXD
"Yeah, even here." Coby's smile grew wider, excitement filling his eyes. "But I got a secret to share too!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCcwaOPRCN
Wolf got excited with him, wondering what it could be.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2ksp1hR9k
Coby was silent for a moment, building the tension deliberately.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8UgznDTOb
"I learned wind magic."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfswA87g2W
Wolf nearly passed out from shock.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiwFZSAfQN
Magic.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqZQpOX7je
His brother had magic!360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lu60uT6q9
Wolf grabbed Coby's shoulders, excitement flooding through him. "How do you know?! Are you sure?! Did someone check you?!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KFxL9xk6A
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!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY0SAbLULE
"No!" Wolf couldn't believe it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdufxc2FOC
"It's true!" Coby grinned widely.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9vCpnhhKS
Wolf could see the pride radiating from his brother. But he needed to know more.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xIQEtsHJX
"Do you feel different? Having magic?" Wolf started circling around Coby, examining him closely. "You don't look different."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcadkqQs0yG
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsbyXQEZeF
Coby just laughed. "That tickles! Stop it!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBVhrRG3Z3
Wolf finally relented when Coby agreed to demonstrate.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oYQAhRb3O
"It's still not that good," Coby admitted. "But it's usable."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrCc8oZzOE
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—360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyIBfCl3dh
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidU0TxmU4z
Wolf felt the wind brush past him as the little rock flew by.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHDZEVK3GL
Magic.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1WODGRmfq
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN8DTPjyNL
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKHnjBtYEj
Coby saw the pain in Wolf's eyes. He wasn't happy with how this had turned out.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyghV6A91jx
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtAFmpsECO
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaHXTYrN2Q
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIfOq1FV0g
Coby nodded thoughtfully. "You know, there's a seer at the church who can tell you if you have a blessing."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBezynjVfIt
"WHAT?!" Wolf shouted. "How do you know that?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QmbrQCDQN
He saw Coby getting fidgety, looking a bit embarrassed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOrdrzuzdI
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xTClY5NJ3
Wolf leaned forward eagerly. "And?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOAnvteXCp
"They confirmed I have level two wind magic."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITSmc9QSEE
"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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89at7GQrMD
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gWp3XNCrp
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkhNd9VEmh
Wolf felt excitement surge through him. All these different magical possibilities existed! Different levels, different powers!360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDztNkbedO
But then fear crept in. Even being blessed could mean only a minor blessing. A weak level one that barely worked.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHxldw4UC4
He pushed that thought away quickly. Even a single spark of magic was still magic.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJFt3LODWY
The conversation tapered down after that. They agreed to go to the church tomorrow—it was getting a bit late today.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwHthahUlA
Coby also let Wolf know he only had a couple of free days. The hunts took longer to prepare and scout for now.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9cIZ0KpAJ
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao1WEoQ4g5
Still, it felt lonely sometimes.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XnZ0Pzq2H
Coby hugged him goodbye. "Don't worry, brother. A day or a year can pass—we'll still be brothers."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvuwkyaYZx
Wolf laughed at that. "Yeah. A day or a year, we're still brothers."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCYoydEI48
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbYqXJ9TZa
Coby seemed mildly interested but didn't care too much. He nodded politely and waved as he headed home.
The next day started early.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWJFiMwg4B
Wolf barely slept. His mind kept racing with possibilities—what if he had magic? What level? What element?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy804x6dR6R
He said goodbye to his mother and left early to meet Coby at the church.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSi90KIqkf
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtUfZLmGWR
"That's why the priests live at the church. Night or day, they can always help people."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl6RRMWzFd
As they approached, Wolf was surprised to see how busy it was.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy554sdDK5O
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujW61UpsIu
But seeing it now showed things differently.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb0ZzKKLU6
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84IWJwmglQ
The church was alive with activity.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpc7soUcJK
They found one of the black-robed priests near the entrance and approached respectfully.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcSifiQGg3
"Excuse me," Wolf said. "Is the bishop available?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH7xULrKXc
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?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkprtNYlnc3
Coby spoke up before Wolf could answer.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoLrVGVnjx
"We're here to see if my brother has a blessing," Coby said clearly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCa4eh80V6
The priest nodded in understanding. "Did he show a sign of having a blessing? Some manifestation of power?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQMx89Phf0
Wolf felt embarrassed. He'd forgotten that people had their own lives—they weren't just here to serve every whim.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPrytENI1C
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhXDO5e5IL
Wolf felt a surge of pride that Coby spoke up for him so confidently.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhx64cByBk
But the priest was frowning.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Nd08Je1P
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bdUQZWien
"Does it take that much power?" Wolf asked before Coby could speak.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQQPmXLTdY
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBHRSQQDCs
Level two darkness magic. Wolf needed to know more.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjiI5gUjm3
"Isn't darkness evil magic?" Wolf blurted out.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rsCtexyKZ
The priest laughed at that—a genuine, amused sound. Then he quickly covered his mouth and looked around, ashamed at his outburst.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNjkG0uVMC
"Sorry. That was rude of me." He composed himself. "I felt joy at your ignorance, and that was wrong of me."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiLbj2WRHG
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPwFRd2KAE
Both Wolf and Coby shook their heads to show no offense was taken.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17YdNsbUH6
"It's okay," Wolf said earnestly. "We didn't know. Please teach us."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxueD2NYsF4
He felt Coby shared the same curiosity. They both wanted to understand.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceiHYIq9Qg
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMXZiFobS1
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvmFpwO2fr
Both Wolf and Coby were amazed at what could be done with magic.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw1F2JeRS5
Wolf felt his heart sinking. But he couldn't give up now. Not when he was this close.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGAuC0X8e7
"Are you sure you can't let us see her? Please?" His voice came out more desperate than he intended.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA32fX7wOX
The priest watched him carefully, studying Wolf's face for a long moment before speaking.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW3ZoLLpHv
"How old are you?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt5car376w
"I just turned fourteen recently." Wolf stood straighter. "That should be old enough to receive a blessing, right?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN1h2eJNTo
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7WpUMUyK2
Wolf felt hope flare in his chest.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NsDWZlLnW
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6ADEfgStq
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NYPwwuKOI
"Who is she?" Wolf whispered back.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cm1PkEQMG
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3uAE6sq68
"What was her name?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWnouqtOZt
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNGalTM0nS
Wolf knew that feeling intimately. He was feeling it right now.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZD1uFUVH2
The idea that he could have magic—but might be told no? It hurt him deeply. More than it should.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGPaKhbayp
He had friends. He had family. But he didn't have magic.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iuiLiuex8
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUJAzu9X4P
Wolf flinched at those words. Years.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKeX8wcI9y
Then a wave of cold fear washed over him. Or never.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhenbRhJT7
Coby saw his attempt to help had only made things worse. So he kept quiet and instead silently prayed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gNjIJcSFC
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwI6ZkaWVm
Wolf felt saddened watching Coby pray.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTFEZJVLQP
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxI7kAdF5B
It helped Wolf feel better, knowing he wasn't alone in this.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO0vAUT0lG
But at the same time... he knew he was never alone. He had family. Friends. People who cared about him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m2rvzTO6Z
But that was different. None of that was magic. The one thing he wanted most.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c1BX3TuDX
Wolf knew he was being selfish. But he couldn't stop thinking about it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ4jGVjNG9
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTf9NfTE26
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RF7Q5MGeI
Then the priest returned.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SGyl5x8qG
He was smiling.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbzPrdiBlh
Wolf's heart leaped.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXVIK6Td0c
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1y2dFVb80
Wolf and Coby quietly followed the priest down a side hallway.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oacZV2ua8
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbICTa0wLA
The priest led them to a door at the end of the hall.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm13R11hsy
It was plain. Unremarkable. Wolf couldn't sense anything special from it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wj8qNa0Oo
His heart was pounding.
As they entered, Wolf was surprised by how dark it was.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMkKoj8dhD
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUBGa5njVC
There was illumination, but it came from a soft, ambient glow. Not very bright. Almost like twilight.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFm9QVdb58
Wolf's eyes adjusted slowly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW3WKRcKqa
There was a desk off to one side, covered in papers and books. But in the middle of the room, when Wolf focused there—360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4elYVTivb
He saw her.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6pEXyrBzL
The seer was dressed entirely in black. Even her face was covered by a dark veil that obscured her features completely.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYHIImcEsy
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP21vUAeTe
Besides the four oversized windows, the chamber was nearly empty. Just a small bench near the desk. A couple of chairs in the corner.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rpVy2TkTr
What kind of place was this?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajd6C2Gjwe
"This is the boy," the priest said gently, touching Wolf's shoulder.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpT2QWL2Y1
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8byfOtjrlK
He'd been here before. He knew the routine.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgAG9pOPNQ
The priest also bowed respectfully. "I'm sure you can find your way out after. If not, just ask one of the grey robes."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0esWuKATV
And then he quietly left, closing the door behind him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdEr1BAUYL
Wolf suddenly felt very alone. Very exposed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF89Cr3Im7
Standing there while this veiled figure watched him in the dim light.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp09BRHjubJ
Wolf stood alone in the center of the room. He felt exposed. Watched.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy47bm7d992
He bowed quickly. "Hello. Nice to meet you. I'm Wolf."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx27XKLi3Rw
The seer was still smiling—he could somehow sense it despite the veil. When she spoke, her voice was lovely. Gentle and melodic.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtYtAo7aE8
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l2QBiQ36T
Wolf wasn't sure how to respond to that. He breathed deeply and let out a shaky sigh.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKcsy3MqJT
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefPnHbGzMI
He bowed down low after saying it. Refused to look up. Afraid to see a disapproving expression on her face.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tjaWN1ayl
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1w7iJZ4CA
"No," Wolf said bitterly. He was already regretting his words.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxqv0vJH1C
He was expecting too much. And for free? When he knew the gods frowned on that kind of greed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGFOynwjDr
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvbTyHJnt4
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPzoZeowtW
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoYe1inZYj
Wolf was still bowing, but he nodded. That was exactly how he felt.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOFCf1jRl9
Well, mostly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdsvtFyaLK
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?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfemy2yHfEY
The seer laughed lightly at that. A pleasant, musical sound.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe85U7hQmps
"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?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDioaxrMM8
"Single element?" Wolf gasped at those words.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7hV2CDMdv
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?!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizIqlqeipG
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmdmt2Aqrc
"Ah." Wolf felt dejected, realizing he'd misunderstood again.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk2m7FdAHz
"Though..." The seer added, as if it were an afterthought. "There is one god who blesses others with all elements."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCPwGYaesO
Wolf felt his heart stop.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88anxKmPtj
All elements. All of them.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx5L8RsMqe
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3tj5WeC82
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFHzCh2UU1
Wolf wasn't sure he understood. "So... they have all the power. But can't use any of it? How does that work?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgB29qF2h6
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTIiTu8zSH
She said those words still smiling, as if it all made perfect sense.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkbTxSOf6O
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?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgNRZlSGIs
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc48xUOvt8
Wolf hated the idea. Being blessed with power but never able to use it properly?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d3ku9WG77
"How is that different than having no power at all?" The words slipped from his lips before he could stop himself.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLJULVhwZA
The seer frowned at that. "I'm sorry," Wolf added quickly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUa6LawKjf
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqadUYwqBeD
Wolf knew the concept of war. But he couldn't picture it. He'd only ever known peace.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAr3lY9NdQ
So even small conflicts felt enormous to him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYFlCn1YO9
Wolf took a shaky breath. "Thank you for your time. No matter the outcome... I'll accept the truth."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cVfKPieNs
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSCVTd40wA
Wolf smiled weakly at those words. The seer smiled too—he could sense it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DCTDau9r7
Then she finally approached.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfqCN0o1WM
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETKobL2LZV
As she got close, she looked him up and down—examining him like a puzzle to be solved.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHjMS8TqTj
When she spoke, her voice was soft. Almost reverent.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiOw6TCKW4
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY0s2VVMvx
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCbae86kWU
Wolf was enchanted by the way she spoke.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjcbGlfqIo
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB43YP1Txx8
What if they had listened?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5U8yFW2sc
He felt scared now. Scared of the judgment.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk8XKoFsGE
Scared they would deny him. Scared they would say he was worthy. Both outcomes terrified him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn26kb9BQq9
The seer placed her hands on his shoulders, steadying him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwPDbKfrrL
Then her eyes began to glow behind the veil.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidxz8AsPAg
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTa6PBELbx
Wolf was paralyzed. Unsure what to do. Unable to move or speak.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXLApI1HhB
The seer looked into Wolf's soul with her darkness sight.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThsVkwG6Jw
At first, she saw very little.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH5i5ez3Sp
It felt like the other times—when young people came with desperate hopes but no magic to find. Empty. Unremarkable.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvWzVOiuyu
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sEewZohDx
Her eyes of darkness remained clear and focused.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo4vXjtYuO
"Hmm." The sound came out as a low, surprised murmur. "That's... different."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwxG81m72U
Wolf was afraid to speak. He just watched as her hand moved slowly from his shoulder down to his chest. To his heart.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6drQ39392
Then he felt it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuSW3CH7as
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3dLEMSYvy
Power.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULjDLNDbD2
The seer was shocked.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2yo5oxR7e
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOB0LHnz47
She tried following the lines of magic with her sight. They all led to his heart. Converging there.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S2xYiqF6O
It was an amazing thing to witness.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5V63uCYV3
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfGj8vT55j
But this? This was awakening in real time.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshzE0au1uZ
"Oh my!" she exclaimed in a low, awed voice. "Awakening now? You must have stirred the gods themselves with your desire."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavc40twtVI
There was mirth in her tone—genuine delight at witnessing something so rare.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAfYgYL1tT
Wolf was unsure if she was joking or telling the truth.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnDsq00uMj
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf8GTd7Nar
He just stood there, feeling the pressure building behind his heart.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWMIQbVy3d
The seer's hand stayed near Wolf's heart, unmoving.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7lX5kPqAg
The flow wouldn't stop building. Growing stronger. More intense.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTg7skgxY9
Wolf wasn't sure if it was her doing or the blessing itself. But as the pressure grew near painful—unbearable—something shifted.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeOHQM4nCI
It felt like melting ice.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybmQzSce2J
Warmth began to flow into him. Then it became a flood.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOAIJYF0uo
Heat. Blazing fire coursing through his veins.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljgcSvXvL0
Darkness. Deep shadow wrapping around his bones.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8H4N00P2q
Light. Brilliant radiance filling his chest.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xW7LOUQwP
Wind. Wild, untamed air rushing through his lungs.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbzp5Iyhns
Earth. Solid, ancient strength settling in his core.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFBNzD3ujK
Water. Cool currents flowing beneath everything.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbbCzZfhDO
Everything. All of it. In a strange, perfect balance.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKplUcscivM
The elements sank into his body. He felt them embrace him—welcoming him, claiming him as their own.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBr7Tk98G5
And then—360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1NRsj6uuR
It was gone.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF1JIu0nAi
As if it had never been there at all.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5kJJo3uQM
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm96ggihvlR
It was a sea of colors.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMriufOhySK
Beautiful. Beyond anything she'd ever witnessed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCxoM9M2gu
She couldn't help it—a single tear rolled down her cheek beneath the veil. The display was too magnificent. Too rare.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAoYgrdAKZ
So much power. More than she'd ever seen in one person. Spreading through his body like rivers of light and shadow intertwined.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSWWwGYCjI
She was finally witnessing balanced power. The blessing of the God of Balance in its raw, unfiltered form.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWbLhjQmaC
She was awed. Humbled.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxomwxDkdy
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY7biYxSmo
But it faded.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxskIRG9Gbj
As fast as it had appeared, it vanished. Suppressed. Hidden away.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuXR98bbzy
The rare sight was gone.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeHcqVdRZA
Disappointment washed over her, even as wonder remained.
Wolf looked up at the seer, confusion and desperation in his eyes. "What... what happened?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjbxOMn9eC
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnvAYWWlZv
She'd heard such things could happen. It was rare. Incredibly rare.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwGDThyVvH
Now she knew what it looked like.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY3R0vVlOx
"What do you mean?" Wolf's voice trembled. "What did you see?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxNLSWQSUB
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrpzAeQv1o
The seer's hands moved back to his shoulders. She breathed in slowly. Then exhaled.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM62cxdtvaC
And collapsed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb5Mc7nyLi
Her body crumpled, falling to the floor before Wolf or Coby could react or understand what had just happened.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOB9imsCcH
"No!" Coby's shout broke the frozen moment.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbb07uuAfx
He ran over and carefully lifted the seer's head onto his lap, cradling it gently. "Get help, Wolf! We need a priest! Now!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY2cGiBPBs
Wolf couldn't move.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2FFiQ4Ovk
He stood there, staring at her collapsed form. His mind was screaming but his body wouldn't respond.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ87I0ypF9
How did things end this way?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKoYXckRSw
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDwyuBwwlb
"WOLF!" Coby's voice cut through his paralysis. "Go! Now!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlpfgd5iQa
Wolf finally broke free. He turned and ran.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE20bzpoVTx
His legs felt weak. His vision blurred with tears. Fear and confusion consumed him as he burst through the door into the hallway.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl15Uvfxbi
They all tried to warn me, he thought desperately. Dad. Mom. Everyone.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXVGjROngI
His desire for power had hurt someone.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnByxsXC9rd
And worse—someone who only wanted to do good. Someone kind. Someone innocent.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLgAKzVu40
"Help!" Wolf's voice cracked as he ran through the church. "Please! Someone help!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwl7BMMbuF
He found a grey robe in the hallway—a young acolyte organizing books. Wolf grabbed them by the shoulders, probably too roughly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoPHT7UE0W
"Please! She needs healing! The seer—she collapsed! We don't know what happened!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbTXRnzFh8
The acolyte's eyes went wide. They dropped the books and ran toward the chamber, shouting for others.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg9IuL9uR1
After that, everything became a blur.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbCSHzWKul
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0enGKipfe
The chaos swirled around Wolf like a storm.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwVFDuGTqb
He stood there, numb, as events unraveled around him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CdFujqrg1
How did a blessing—something meant to be a gift—lead to this?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWwuWPkJ1H
How had his dream become someone else's nightmare?
An hour passed in a blur.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7COpsdlJP
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSlvaTpy13
They were all tripping over each other—well-meaning but chaotic. Each person trying to fix things but getting in each other's way.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHclC2EHYD
It was only when the black-robed priest returned—the one who'd brought Wolf and Coby to the seer—that order was restored.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQicY0zCbu
His voice cut through the chaos like a blade. "Everyone, calm yourselves! Give her space!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUwX1Q5vkL
The grey robes fell back immediately, still hovering anxiously but no longer crowding.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYeu6fVRLA
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbgZXRbjXB
After a long, tense moment, the priest stood.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqCGnZ48Cd
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdrGJ0dNAL
Wolf felt his knees nearly buckle with relief.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBpjQYuk6C
But guilt immediately followed. That's all? She'd collapsed. Because of him. Because he'd been selfish.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk9TSYj8M2
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGrGUKGH5P
The grey robes filed out reluctantly, casting worried glances back.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqTjhRQJA1
But Wolf and Coby stood firm.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxEZsMNcHv
"Please," Wolf's voice was hoarse. "Please let us stay."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn910QXe7I
"We can't leave," Coby added. "Not like this. We were the cause."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL73ExhkReB
The priest looked at them both—two young boys, one filled with desperate guilt, the other with loyal concern.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmJ071Rmxd
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?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIQku0ErAm
They both nodded quickly. Eagerly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNVLgWCYHi
"Yes, sir. We understand. We'll be quiet."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmY0RQhapw
The priest gave them one last warning look, then left them alone.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYVV50UmN7
Wolf and Coby quietly sat beside the seer's resting place, waiting.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD5YehDgAc
Waiting for her to wake. Waiting to know she was truly alright.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0meNPFVqNM
Waiting for a chance to apologize.
Another hour passed in near silence.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MkEJmhWCs
The only sounds were distant footsteps in the hallway. Muffled prayers from the main chapel. The soft rustle of the seer's breathing.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS28ueDLcZA
Wolf finally felt brave enough to speak. His voice came out meek, barely above a whisper.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB09VzpWqM
"It's my fault, Coby."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXBe6Hr2Hx
"What?" Coby turned sharply, his whisper harsh. "Why would you say that?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpic6mj8gVt
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzZ9vURjH0
"No." Coby shook his head firmly. "No, that's not what happened. She used too much magic, and it weakened her. That's all."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH0Xhp3NCs
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpbSq5TaMB
Wolf felt tears threatening again. He wasn't sure what to say.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2Fzi6IDuK
He'd gotten his wish—kind of. He had magic. A blessing from the gods themselves.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CVvqHjMcC
But the details were lost to him. Whatever it was, it had hurt someone. Hurt someone innocent and kind.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa54pKUW4P8
The one thing his dad had warned him about. And Wolf had ignored it with complete indifference.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKzM153RyE
Who else would I hurt? The thought was like ice in his chest. How many others will suffer for my pursuit of power?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DUaZkWZ5U
It wasn't worth it. The magic he desired, the goal he'd obsessed over—it was dangerous. Maybe even evil in a way.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1ZwkZOgKt
Wolf felt crushed. Depressed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4h04h2OUn
How could he keep pursuing magic if it meant hurting others?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwjre647mz
Coby saw the devastation on Wolf's face. Without a word, he wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulders and pulled him close.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Uc0wNv5Y6
They sat like that in silence. Neither wanted to speak. Neither knew what to say.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6KTjLtrpo
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?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRBeOXtZqO
Wolf thought they could come back and apologize later. But it felt hollow—wrong—if they weren't there when she woke.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14LGR2BeUa
As if stirred awake by that very thought, the seer moved.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfR09pv1pU
Her eyes opened slowly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZB8WVlItR
"Oh." Her voice was groggy, confused. "Why are you in my room? Did something happen?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjDnMUItUw
"Uh..." Wolf started nervously. "This isn't your room. At least, I don't think it is?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rcWyuExCD
He wasn't entirely sure. Everything had been such chaos.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd0EKE7WsW
Coby spoke up clearly. "To clarify—you fainted while helping us. Do you remember?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpBfQL0Abr
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdavsMcuzhJ
Inside, she was trying to make sense of it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo4vVlF05x
She'd seen level four blessings before without issue. There was no way a simple level four would overwhelm her like that.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXmNRsvG7d
She must have just pushed herself too far. Been too eager to witness the rare awakening.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVkbsQ1KRw
That had to be it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1YFl2W7Nk
Wolf wasn't sure how to feel about that explanation.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjbZmvumpq
If her power had been eclipsed... did that mean he potentially had level three magic? Or maybe a strong level two?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjni2kdvB28
He felt shame rising in his chest. But he had to know.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqcxOqoBNf
"You never said what my gift was."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGhd8r3XfN
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?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5GMQd6Q8E
But Wolf had to risk it. Now that he knew she was okay, he had to know the truth.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xx3irQYa4
I'm not as mature as I thought, Wolf realized bitterly. First chance I get, I go right back to my old selfish ways.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzogbjM06M
He'd promised himself he would change. But apparently not today.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35TVLZ57TG
The seer stared at them both for a moment. Then smiled beneath her veil.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8AqOzRTtV
"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?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS5Jmi5tgM
She stopped herself, realizing she was starting to ramble. "Sorry."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5lXJ5bV2j
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuQOwljlbh
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzp1G8kq41
"It's fine," the seer said in a sleepy, gentle voice. "Let me explain."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8lFNiA2Ba
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq4MauZF9s
Wolf's eyes went wide. The power scale went that high?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2ZnHppMxn
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nU97bjfq8
Wolf went pale.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U7RIfQsep
Armies. The word echoed in his mind. Such immense power.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jcquPLzQ0
And she was smiling as she said it. Which surprised Wolf even more.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcm3Bh1G1c
"Why would you be happy that anyone had that kind of power?" His voice was barely a whisper.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtsxAejjD3
The seer's smile faded slightly. "I'm sorry, though."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoCX5Bmaak
"Uh..." Wolf blinked. "Why? Why are you sorry?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP96dJ775Pz
"I'm not sure which god you hoped would bless you." Her voice grew softer. More sympathetic. "But it seems Balance chose you."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeKcEUmYNV
She paused, letting that sink in.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxnzJfPlcR
"So though you have enough magic that entire armies would fear you... you will never be able to use it directly."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN2wybHTRv
It took Wolf a moment to process what she'd said.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEnrCRytag
Then—slowly, terribly—understanding dawned.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz4T9RY5mE
He almost laughed.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxPzNx1g5Y
The irony was... perfect.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrib7xUz5W0
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e6xtMII9H
And then they'd chained him with the inability to ever truly use it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTvq8bvN38
It was a master stroke done just for him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jZpBJwq3q
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?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbP7OTpslQ
The gods had heard his prayers. And they'd answered with the cruelest possible blessing.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV4LMYckRc
One that had no use and could do nothing.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQtT837ODe
Wolf saw Coby's face—filled with amazement. The complete opposite of what Wolf felt.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LOWYrNaef
"Wow!" Coby's eyes were shining. "I'm level two, and you're twice that!" He laughed with genuine excitement. "That's amazing, Wolf!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog1IGC9JLF
Wolf forced himself to respond. "Yeah... amazing."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2fUjNJ9p6
His voice did not reflect his brother joy.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iD5E0pXfu
The seer saw his devastated expression. She opened her mouth to say something—to offer comfort, perhaps, or explanation.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEiLCD6M5O
But the door suddenly burst open.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxywWydg6By
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—"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDEuNKQPDr
He stopped abruptly when he saw the seer sitting up, awake.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn2oQ91TgX
"Are you well?" His stern expression melted into concern. He rushed to her side, feeling her forehead gently. "Should I fetch the healer? Water?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2RqaQcPAy
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRz4UW8YUI
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmHUSrVxb8
His tone made it clear: this was not a suggestion.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4Dskx4y8K
"It's okay," Wolf said quietly. "Thank you for your time. You were a big help."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3vVajvMsL
"Thank you," Coby added, bowing respectfully to the seer.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDEF4b6iJ2
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIiSvUXgVU
"Wait. Please bring me the book on magic levels and the gods. The educational one."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYIXhZORyO
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQe00l1aKF
But the seer insisted. "Wolf has a rare blessing. He needs to understand his gift better. Please."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfEFi6nIyT
The priest hesitated, then nodded and left to retrieve it.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1SX6BTr3Z
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?360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqyD66GWWj
Still, he thanked her. It seemed the right thing to do.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcP7FiUMHu
As the priest left, the seer gave them some parting words. Her voice was gentle but firm.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYckdiRY40
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBRBeN4QkB
Wolf nodded, though he felt nothing inside. Unsure how chains was gift…360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJGp6Uttsb
He didn't want to add to her burden. She'd done nothing but try to help him. So he tried to look grateful.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC76d3APiR
Even if he felt betrayed for wantng magic.
The priest returned moments later, carrying a book.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0pUCXJIrV
It was small and simple. But the cover—a beautiful, glowing silver—immediately caught Wolf's eye.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUMKe9d5pC
"It's magic," Wolf breathed, unable to help himself. He could sense it. The faint hum of power emanating from the cover.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6vh8gnLyb
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZXZvXGNwV
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd6uSts3xq
Wolf took the book reverently. He felt grateful for the gift.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthsOXaUMiR
Even if it came with the burden of a truth he didn't want to face.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wY7ITk2Sm
"Thank you," Wolf said. "I will. I promise."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgZCcsTeaW
Coby bowed once more to the seer and the priest. Wolf did the same.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBWPsvFQuY
And then they left the chamber, the door closing softly behind them.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVNIwX85YY
The weight of the small book in Wolf's hands felt heavier than it should.
They walked through the church corridors in silence.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0ZqryyX4e
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtoudarHK8
"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!"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EZAi7g23E
Wolf looked at his brother's happy face.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HQdXIyt5k
He wanted to feel the same excitement. Wanted to share in Coby's joy.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMWLteThCK
But he just felt... drained. 360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT4KB09X0d
Wolf stepped forward and hugged Coby. Held him tightly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GcQXAHlNN
"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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLLNTmTy1K
He pulled back. "But I... I need to rest. I need to think. Can we celebrate another time?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDet8axU2n
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsccuCdjt9
But he understood. He could see the defeat in Wolf's eyes. 360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIbzwYwYF0
"Okay," Coby said softly. He squeezed Wolf's shoulder. "I get it."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauEZvEWjuQ
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."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ3nOKuzuO
Wolf nodded, unable to speak, watching his brother walk away. The small magic book clutched in his hands.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqL2FPoQj7
He turned toward his own home, unusre what to think as he walked.
The trip home was uneventful.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtxlFpnzwo
All he could think about was the seer's words echoing in his mind.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DDeUPYvbe
Level four. Balance. Never use it directly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKAsSnQ1qT
When he finally reached home, he could hear voices from inside. Smell food cooking.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbOKDqBFC7
He opened the door quietly.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j15a50orp
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 360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cUP8ICVNl
Dad and Len must still be at the shop.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2fNLR2VDP
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWbyR385zL
"Wolf?" Mom stepped away from the stove, concern filling her eyes. "What's wrong, sweetheart? What happened?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNTiyCCZpQ
Nina moved closer too, her ears perking up with worry. "Are you okay?"360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UWbRyojvX
Wolf forced himself to smile. Not liking the sudden onsluaght of attenion.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TWMsgSqiu
"I'm fine," he lied. "Just... not feeling good."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4H4SK4ZL8
It was easier than the truth. 360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWYWTBeLwv
"I just want to rest," Wolf added quickly. "And maybe read some books. Clear my head."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI6ZpYPLOe
Mom studied his face carefully. She clearly didn't believe him—could see something deeper was wrong. But she didn't push.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWaxJrQ6J0
"Alright," she said gently. "Go rest. I'll check on you in a bit."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBURTaoMgP
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.”360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb3HyaGATb
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.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPblATwRqT
"It's okay, Mom." Wolf pulled away gently. "I just don't feel good. That's all."360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a8A5oPB7M
Another lie. But a necessary one.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxokHfCtf4N
He couldn't burden them with this. 360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwN94ueKEE
Wolf retreated to his room, clutching the glowing book.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnjTOd1igx
Closed the door behind him.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpClKPd9Vcc
And finally—alone at last—let himself feel the full weight of his blessing.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB9A862V61
He sat on his bed, staring at the book in his hands.360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPUIP7hDMN
The gods had answered his prayers. Yet also chain him for life.
360Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQGuDsZlcJ
and then Add to home screen.