This chapter is dedicated to @edi_o! Thanks so much for the Supergift!!
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The dark energy emanating from the training area was intense. It moved with such control, like ripples on a serene lake, yet its power was enough to send shivers down the spine of anyone who came near. Sebastian's instincts urged him to go, to intervene and ensure Elle's safety. But he held himself back, conflicted by his desire to protect her and his desire to trust in her strength.
Unbeknownst to Sebastian, his body betrayed his inner turmoil. Dark magic leaked from him, seeping into the air like an ethereal mist. The unconscious manifestation of his emotions revealed the intensity of his worry and fear for Elle's well-being. The ground beneath him trembled slightly as his powers surged, a reflection of his inner turmoil and his struggle to maintain control.
"Sebastian," Sebastian's attention snapped towards the sound of Zeke's voice, causing him to turn around abruptly. His brother stood there, radiating an aura of calmness amidst the chaos of Sebastian's inner and external turmoil. "Rest assured, Gav won't endanger Izabelle's life. I've instructed him to cease in an instant if it becomes too much for her."
Despite Zeke's reassurances, Sebastian found it difficult to relax. His body seemed to resist his efforts, growing increasingly aggravated. The dark magic that emanated from him intensified, swirling like a tempest, threatening to consume him.
"You must learn to control your dark magic, Sebastian," Zeke advised, and finally, Sebastian understood what was happening to him. It was occurring once again—the shadowy smoke pulsing around him, threatening to drive him to madness if left unchecked. "Control it. Bend it to your will. Because if you don't... you may put those around you in danger."
"H-how…" Sebastian struggled to speak, his words catching in his throat. He could feel the tendrils of his dark magic tightening their grip, threatening to overwhelm him completely. He couldn't help the panic that surged within him, afraid that he would end up attacking his brother again before he realized it. But Zeke's voice cut through the chaos, demanding his attention.
"Don't fight it," Zeke commanded, his words penetrating Sebastian's mind. It felt as if he had become a puppet, succumbing to his brother's influence. Sebastian could feel the vice-like grip on his shoulder, the painful sensation coursing through him. And then, as if melting away, the tension in his body released. The dark magic that had surged out of control slowly receding.
"Go along with it," Zeke's voice continued, urging Sebastian to flow with the magic. Sebastian found himself obediently following Zeke's every word, as if his own flesh and bones no longer belonged to him, but to Zeke. Intently, he listened to Zeke's guidance, his body obediently responding to his brother's instructions. It felt as if his very being had been relinquished to Zeke's control, allowing him to guide Sebastian through the process of regaining control over his dark magic.
"And then... guide it gently, guide it to return back to where it came from." Following Zeke's words, Sebastian visualized his power flowing and swirling around his body, no longer pulsating with uncontrollable force but finding a calm and steady rhythm.
Sebastian didn't fully understand what Zeke was doing, but as soon as he imagined his power moving and swirling around his body instead of pulsing uncontrollably, a sense of calm enveloped him. It was as if he had finally reached the eye of the storm, as if he had reached the eye of the tempest that had consumed him. Zeke's guidance continued echoing in his mind, "Yes... that's it... make it submit to your will... and then make it stay still."
Panting heavily and drenched in sweat, Sebastian's eyes snapped open. He hadn't even realized when he had closed them. The darkness that had surrounded him was gone. He was back to normal again.
"What... what did you do?" Sebastian asked Zeke, as Zeke finally removed his hand from Sebastian's shoulder.
"I've shown you a way to control your power, Seb," Zeke replied. "I did it forcefully, and that's why it was painful. But now you have the gist of it. You just need more time to practice. Once you've mastered it, you can help Azy next. I'm entrusting that task to you, Sebastian."
Sebastian's eyes widened slightly as he watched his brother. Zeke offered him a faint smile and patted Sebastian's shoulder. "Stay here. I'll go check on them," he said, before turning and making his way towards the forest where Iza and Gav were.
…
Elle remained on her knees, panting heavily, her body pushed to its limits. Her fiery red hair clung to her sweat-drenched face, strands sticking to her skin. She had lost track of time, but it felt like an eternity had passed. Exhaustion consumed her, pushing her to the very edge of her endurance. Raising her gaze, she found herself facing the merciless teacher who stood tall before her, his heartless eyes bearing down on her. He spoke with a cold, calculated tone, squatting down gracefully. "You did well, but you haven't passed yet, little fae," he stated. "One last challenge awaits you, and then you'll be ready to heal Zeke's woman."
Elle swallowed, her throat dry and parched. She couldn't fathom how she was still conscious after enduring everything he had subjected her to. She couldn't explain the well of strength that seemed to linger within her. It all felt surreal, but she recognized that this seemingly heartless man was an exceptional teacher. It was as if he possessed an intimate understanding of her abilities, her powers—knowledge that no one else in this world possessed. He was merciless, indifferent to her pain, but she couldn't bring herself to be angry with him. Deep down, she understood that he was doing what needed to be done, what she had asked him to do. She wasn't about to complain now, not after coming this far.
"I'm... ready," she said, her voice filled with determination as she glared at him, willing him to see her resolve.
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