I glanced at my mother, Anna, and Rosalia, studying their meditative postures. Each sat cross-legged, palms upturned on their knees, eyes closed in concentration. The mana from the fountain flowed toward them in visible tendrils, like morning mist drawn to warmth.
I could do this. I settled myself at the fountain's edge, mimicking their positions exactly. Closing my eyes, I reached out with my mana sense, feeling the raw energy swirling before me.
"What are you doing?" Fazio whispered, crouching beside me.
"Same as them," I murmured, keeping my eyes closed. "I'm going to try absorbing some."
"But you're five," he said, concern evident in his voice. "Isn't that dangerous?"
I cracked one eye open and gave him a half-smile. "Probably. But so is everything else we've done today."
Fazio shook his head but couldn't suppress his grin. "You're unbelievable, you know that? Most kids your age are playing with wooden horses, not fighting goblins and absorbing raw mana."
