The first ray of sunlight slipped through the window, soft and golden, casting faint shadows over the sheets. I tried to move, but sothing—or rather, soone—had completely pinned down.
Claire.
She was sleeping soundly beside , her arm wrapped tightly around my waist with surprising strength for soone so small.
My legs were also trapped, tangled with hers, as if she were afraid I’d escape during the night.
Her cheeks were flushed from the warmth of the bed, and in her dreams, she murmured things like:
"Cake… more honey… tart…"
A smile ford on my face. Claire had the habit of sleep-talking, especially when she dread of food. And while her words were funny, what filled my chest the most was sothing else.
Peace, love, a deep tenderness. Claire was an essential part of my life, and having her close each morning was one of the greatest blessings this new world had given .
I watched her for a few more minutes, unhurriedly, savoring that mont of calm. But then, Mom’s voice broke the silence from the kitchen:
"Lotte, Claire! Breakfast ti!"
Claire slowly opened her eyes, blinking sleepily. Her grip loosened, and realizing where she was, she suddenly sat up.
"Sister?" she mumbled, still half-asleep.
"Co on, Claire. Mom is calling us" I told her gently.
She got up, wobbling, and walked toward her room to change. As usual, she bumped into the doorfra with a dull thud.
"Ouch!"
"Claire… how many tis have I told you to pay attention?" I said, holding back a laugh.
"Wuuu… yeah…" she replied, scratching her forehead.
I dressed quickly, washed my face with cool water, and went downstairs. Claire was already there, her hair still ssy, but with the innocent smile that always lifted my spirits.
The kitchen slled of freshly baked bread. Mom had prepared a delicious breakfast: tomato soup, chopped fruit, and warm bread with honey. Herbal tea stead in the cups, filling the room with a warm, comforting aroma.
But sothing wasn’t right.
Dad.
He was already sitting at the table, but he wasn’t saying a word. He didn’t greet us as usual, nor did he joke about Claire’s insatiable appetite. His arms were crossed, his gaze fixed on his cup.
Breakfast began in silence. Mom talked with Claire about the garden, about how well the flowers were growing this year. I barely took a bite, worried by Dad’s expression. Sothing was troubling him. And it wasn’t just fatigue.
"Sister! Today Mom is taking to the plaza" Claire suddenly announced. "She said we could watch the perforrs and buy pastries."
"That’s right, Lotte" said Mom. "Don’t you want to co with us? The weather’s nice. We could walk a bit and clear our minds."
Our inn was in the capital of the kingdom of Whirikal, a country with centuries of history. Its architecture was a blend of glorious past and vibrant present.
Cobblestone streets, plazas full of musicians and rchants, the grand castle in the distance with its pointed towers… It still felt like a dream to live here.
It wasn’t my original world, but every corner of this city reminded how far I had co.
I was about to answer, but then Dad spoke. His voice ca so suddenly that I almost dropped my cup.
"Lotte."
I looked at him, surprised.
"Dad?"
"I know how much you want to use magic" he said in a serious tone, straight to the point. "Even if you say it doesn’t matter anymore, I know it does. Deep down… you still long for it."
My stomach tightened. His gaze was firm, but not harsh. It was as if he were trying to reach the deepest part of .
"I… it doesn’t matter anymore" I lied.
"Don’t say that" Mom intervened, setting down her cup. "Don’t be afraid to admit what you feel."
"I’m not afraid" I replied, more defensively than I intended.
Dad leaned toward , fingers interlocked.
"We don’t want to see you extinguish that fire inside you just because soone else said you couldn’t use it."
His words touched a very old wound. It still hurt to rember the day at the temple, the silence of the crystal, the examiner’s verdict.
"Why are you telling this now?" I asked, my throat tight.
"Because yesterday… I made a decision. One that could change everything."
Dad stood, went to his room, and returned with a rolled-up map. He spread it across the table, flattening it with a water jug so it wouldn’t close. His finger pointed to a mountainous area north of the kingdom.
"Salikar. A small town not too far from the capital’s forest. According to what your mother heard… that’s where the witch who can use magic without mana lives. And who teaches others to do it."
Silence fell.
My heart started pounding faster. That story… could it be true?
"You an… we’re going?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Dad nodded.
"Yes. If you’re willing, we’ll leave in a few days. I’ll go with you."
"And Claire… Mom?"
"We’ll go with you of course" Mom said with a gentle smile. "There’s no way we’d let you go alone."
Claire bead with joy, ran up, and hugged tightly.
"We’ll go together, sister."
"Yes…" I nodded, still in shock.
I spent the rest of the day preparing what we’d need. Part of was nervous, another part excited. For the first ti in a long while… I felt hope.
I didn’t know if that witch could really teach . I didn’t know if it was all just a tale. But I had to find out.
I had to try.
Because if there was even the slightest chance I could use magic…
…I wasn’t going to let it slip away.
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