Chapter 13:
Aria couldn't believe her eyes. She had actually used magic. She felt a sense of wonder and excitement, mixed with a little fear.
As she looked at the rock still hovering in the air, Aria felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had done it. She had tapped into her powers.
But as she turned to Kael, Arianna, and Lyra, Aria saw a strange expression on their faces. They were staring at her with a mixture of awe and fear.
"What's wrong?" Aria asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.
Arianna hesitated, as if unsure of how to answer. "Aria, your magic...it's not just any magic," she said.
Aria frowned, unsure of what Arianna meant. "What do you mean?" she asked.
Arianna took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for what she was about to say. "Your magic is ancient," she said. "It's the magic of the old ones."
Aria's eyes widened in shock. The old ones? What did Arianna mean?
But before she could ask any questions, Lyra spoke up. "Aria, you're in danger," she said. "Your magic is powerful, and there are those who will stop at nothing to get it."
Aria felt a chill run down her spine. What did Lyra mean? Who was after her?
And then, just as she was about to ask more questions, a loud noise echoed through the forest. It was the sound of horses' hooves, and it was getting closer.
Aria's heart began to pound in her chest. Who was coming? And what did they want?
As the sound of horses' hooves grew louder, Aria's heart pounded in her chest. She exchanged a nervous glance with Kael, Arianna, and Lyra.
"Who is it?" Aria whispered, her voice barely audible.
Arianna's eyes narrowed, her gaze scanning the surrounding trees. "I don't know," she said, "but we need to be careful."
Suddenly, a group of riders emerged from the trees, their horses' hooves pounding against the earth. Aria's heart skipped a beat as she saw the riders' faces.
They were all women, dressed in flowing white robes, their hair long and flowing. They rode with a confidence and authority that Aria found intimidating.
As the riders approached, Aria saw that they were led by a woman with piercing green eyes and long, flowing silver hair. She rode at the front of the group, her eyes fixed intently on Aria.
"Who are you?" Aria asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The silver-haired woman smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I am Eriol," she said. "And you, Aria, are a witch of great power."
Aria's eyes widened in surprise. How did Eriol know her name?
Eriol's eyes seemed to bore into Aria's soul, as if she could see right through her. "You have a special gift, Aria," she said. "A gift that could change the course of history."
Aria felt a shiver run down her spine. What did Eriol mean?
And then, just as she was about to ask more questions, Eriol's expression turned serious. "But you are also in great danger," she said. "There are those who seek to use your powers for their own gain."
Aria's heart skipped a beat. Who was after her?
Eriol's words sent a chill down Aria's spine. She felt a sense of vulnerability and fear, unsure of who was after her or what they wanted.
Kael stepped forward, his eyes narrowed and protective. "Who's after her?" he demanded.
Eriol's gaze turned to Kael, her expression serious. "There are many who seek to use Aria's powers for their own gain," she said. "But the greatest threat comes from the Shadow King."
Aria's eyes widened in shock. The Shadow King? She had heard stories of his cruelty and power.
"What does he want from me?" Aria asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eriol's eyes seemed to bore into Aria's soul. "You have a special gift, Aria," she said. "A gift that could give the Shadow King unimaginable power."
Aria felt a surge of fear and determination. She would never let the Shadow King use her powers for his own gain.
Eriol nodded, as if she could see the determination in Aria's eyes. "I can help you, Aria," she said. "I can teach you how to control your powers and protect yourself from those who seek to harm you."
Aria hesitated, unsure of what to do. Could she trust Eriol?
But as she looked into Eriol's eyes, Aria saw something there that gave her hope. She saw kindness and compassion, and a deep desire to help.
"Okay," Aria said finally, making her decision. "I'll trust you."
Eriol smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "I promise you, Aria," she said. "I will do everything in my power to help you."
And with that, Aria's journey began. She was about to embark on a path of discovery and danger, but she was not alone. She had Eriol, Kael, Arianna, and Lyra by her side.
Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, and Aria would discover the true depths of her powers.
Eriol nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Then let us begin," she said. "We have much to do, and little time to waste."
Aria nodded, feeling a sense of determination and purpose. She was ready to learn, and to discover the secrets of her powers.
Eriol turned to Kael, Arianna, and Lyra. "You three must leave us now," she said. "Aria's training must be done in secret, and I must be the only one to teach her."
Kael's face darkened, his eyes narrowing in concern. "I don't want to leave her," he said.
Eriol's expression softened, her eyes filled with compassion. "I know, Kael," she said. "But this is necessary. Aria's safety depends on it."
Arianna nodded, her eyes locked on Aria's. "We'll be back," she said. "And we'll be watching over you."
Lyra smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry, Aria," she said. "We'll be back to cause more trouble soon."
Aria smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude and affection for her friends. She knew they would always be there for her, no matter what.
As Kael, Arianna, and Lyra turned to leave, Eriol turned to Aria. "Come," she said. "We have much to do."
Aria nodded, following Eriol into the unknown.
As they walked, the trees seemed to close in around them, casting deep shadows that made it difficult to see. Aria felt a shiver run down her spine, but she pressed on, determined to learn the secrets of her powers.
Suddenly, Eriol stopped, her eyes fixed on something in the distance. Aria followed her gaze, and saw a beautiful waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff.
"What is this place?" Aria asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eriol smiled, her eyes shining with magic. "This is the Heart of the Forest," she said. "A place of ancient power and wisdom."
Aria felt a sense of wonder and awe, her heart pounding with excitement. She knew that she was on the threshold of a great adventure, one that would change her life forever.
Eriol stepped forward, her eyes shining with a deep connection to the natural world. "This is a place of great power," she said. "A place where the ancient magic still flows."
Aria felt a shiver run down her spine as she approached the waterfall. She could feel the power emanating from it, a power that seemed to call to her very soul.
Eriol raised her hands, and the water seemed to respond to her gesture. It slowed to a trickle, and then stopped altogether, revealing a cave behind the falls.
"Come," Eriol said, beckoning Aria to follow her. "This is where your training will begin."
Aria hesitated for a moment, feeling a sense of trepidation. But Eriol's encouraging smile reassured her, and she stepped forward, following Eriol into the cave.
The air inside was cool and damp, and Aria could hear the sound of dripping water echoing off the walls. Eriol led her deeper into the cave, until they reached a large, crystal-lined chamber.
The crystals seemed to hum with energy, and Aria could feel their power calling to her. Eriol raised her hands, and the crystals began to glow, filling the chamber with a soft, pulsing light.
"This is the Heart of the Forest," Eriol said, her voice filled with reverence. "A place of great power and ancient magic."
Aria felt a sense of awe and wonder, her heart pounding with excitement. She knew that she was on the threshold of a great adventure, one that would change her life forever.
And then, just as she was about to ask Eriol what would happen next, Aria felt a strange sensation building up inside of her. It was as if her powers were stirring, responding to the energy of the crystals.
Eriol's eyes locked onto hers, and Aria saw a glimmer of excitement there. "It's beginning," Eriol said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your true potential is awakening."
Aria felt a surge of energy course through her veins, and her senses came alive. She could feel the power of the crystals pulsing through her, calling to her own inner magic.
Eriol's eyes shone with excitement as she raised her hands, and the crystals began to glow even brighter. "Let it flow, Aria," she said, her voice full of encouragement. "Let your true potential shine."
Aria felt a sense of wonder and awe as she let go of her doubts and fears. She allowed the energy of the crystals to flow through her, and her own magic began to stir.
The air around her began to shimmer and glow, and Aria felt herself being lifted off the ground. She was surrounded by a brilliant light, and she felt a sense of freedom and power that she had never experienced before.
Eriol's voice was barely audible over the sound of Aria's own heartbeat. "You are a true witch, Aria," she said. "A witch of great power and potential."
As the light faded, Aria found herself back on the ground, feeling a sense of wonder and awe. She looked at Eriol, and saw a smile of pride and satisfaction on her face.
"Well done, Aria," Eriol said. "You have taken the first step on your journey to becoming a true witch."
Aria felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She knew that she had a long way to go, but she was ready for the challenge.
And then, just as she was about to ask Eriol what came next, Aria heard a faint rustling sound coming from the shadows. It was a soft, menacing sound, and it sent a shiver down Aria's spine.
Eriol's eyes narrowed, her gaze scanning the shadows. "What was that?" she whispered.
Aria's heart was pounding in her chest. She didn't know what the sound was, but she knew it couldn't be good.
Eriol's eyes were fixed intently on the shadows, her hand raised in a warning gesture. "Stay close to me, Aria," she whispered.
Aria nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't know what was lurking in the shadows, but she knew she didn't want to find out.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness. It was a woman, tall and gaunt, with long silver hair and eyes that glowed like embers.
Eriol's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed intently on the woman. "Xanthe," she said, her voice low and wary.
Xanthe's eyes flashed with malevolence as she gazed at Aria. "So, this is the little witch," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "I've heard so much about her."
Aria felt a shiver run down her spine as Xanthe's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She didn't know what Xanthe wanted, but she knew it couldn't be good.
Eriol stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "What do you want, Xanthe?" she demanded.
Xanthe's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I think you know," she said. "I want the girl."
Aria's heart skipped a beat as Xanthe's eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire. She knew she was in grave danger.
And then, just as Xanthe was about to reach out and grab her, Eriol raised her hands and sent a blast of magic shooting towards Xanthe.
Xanthe stumbled back, her eyes flashing with anger. "You'll pay for that, Eriol," she snarled.
Eriol's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed intently on Xanthe. "I'm not afraid of you," she said.
Xanthe's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with malevolence. "We'll see about that," she said, and vanished into thin air.
Aria breathed a sigh of relief as Xanthe disappeared. She was safe, for the moment.
But as she turned to Eriol, she saw a look of concern etched on her face. "What is it?" Aria asked.
Eriol's eyes were serious. "Xanthe is not one to be underestimated," she said. "She is powerful, and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants."
Aria felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew she was in grave danger.
Eriol's words sent a chill down Aria's spine. She knew that she had to be careful, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Xanthe was still out there, watching her.
"What do we do now?" Aria asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Eriol's expression was serious. "We need to get you to a safe place," she said. "Somewhere Xanthe can't find you."
Aria nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She was glad that Eriol had a plan.
As they left the cave, Aria noticed that the forest seemed quieter than usual. The trees seemed to loom over her, casting long, ominous shadows on the ground.
She quickened her pace, feeling a sense of unease. Something didn't feel right.
Eriol seemed to sense her unease, and she placed a reassuring hand on Aria's shoulder. "Don't worry, child," she said. "We'll be safe soon."
But as they walked, the silence grew thicker, until Aria could feel it pressing in on her from all sides.
And then, just as they were approaching the edge of the forest, Aria heard a faint rustling sound. It was soft at first, but it grew louder, until it sounded like the rustling of leaves and the snapping of twigs.
Aria's heart skipped a beat as she turned to Eriol. "What's that?" she whispered.
Eriol's eyes narrowed, her gaze scanning the surrounding trees. "I don't know," she said, "but I think we're about to find out."
As they watched, a figure emerged from the underbrush. It was a woman, dressed in a long, flowing cloak, her face hidden behind a veil.
Aria felt a shiver run down her spine. There was something unsettling about the woman, something that didn't feel right.
"Who are you?" Eriol demanded, her voice firm and commanding.
The woman didn't answer. Instead, she reached up and pulled back her veil, revealing a face that was deathly pale, with eyes that glowed like embers.
Aria gasped, feeling a sense of horror. She knew that face. It was the face of Xanthe.