The forest grew stranger the deeper they walked. The trees were taller, older, their branches interlaced like an ancient cathedral ceiling. Thin strands of golden light filtered through the canopy, and the air grew cooler, heavy with mana. Every step felt like they were crossing into a part of the world untouched by people for centuries.
Selene walked at the front, her staff guiding them with soundless confidence. Rafe trailed just behind her, studying her posture, her awareness, her steps. Mara stayed close to Lyn, one hand gently supporting her as the girl's exhaustion deepened.
After nearly an hour of weaving between roots and fallen trunks, Selene finally stopped.
"We're here," she said quietly.
Rafe stepped forward and froze.
A small stone cottage rested between two massive oaks. Moss and vines clung to its walls, and delicate white flowers glowed faintly along the roof. A faint shimmering barrier wrapped around it, barely visible unless one squinted, like the air itself was enchanted.
Mara stared in awe. Lyn, leaning against her, let out a tiny breath of wonder.
"This belonged to someone long before me," Selene said as she approached the door. She pressed her palm against a sigil carved into the wood. Light rippled outward, the vines trembling as if waking from sleep. The lock clicked open.
They stepped inside.
The interior was surprisingly warm. A fireplace crackled without firewood. Lanterns floating near the ceiling dimmed and brightened with soft mana pulses. Old tomes and strange crystals filled shelves along the walls. It looked ancient, mystical, and impossibly safe.
Lyn clung to Rafe's sleeve as she entered. "It's beautiful," she whispered.
"It's safe," Selene replied. "Beauty is only a side effect."
Rafe scanned the walls, noting the runes hidden beneath the wooden beams, the etched symbols on the floor. "There are wards everywhere… protection, detection, maybe concealment."
Selene's eyes flicked to him, intrigued. "You notice more than you should."
"I have to."
Mara stepped defensively between them. "He notices because no one else protects him like I do."
Selene only nodded. "Good. He'll need someone like you."
Mara flushed faintly, unsure how to respond.
Selene guided Lyn to a padded chair near the fireplace. "You need rest. Sleep will stabilize the mana in your body."
Lyn nodded weakly and leaned her head on Mara's shoulder. Within seconds, her eyes slipped shut. Her breathing slowed. And then a faint glow rose from her skin—soft golden light, pulsing like a heartbeat.
Rafe and Mara both noticed instantly.
Selene looked at the glow with calm understanding. "The forest marked her. She's connected to something old."
Lyn murmured something in her sleep, but her expression remained peaceful.
Eventually, Selene stood and gestured to Rafe. "Come with me."
Mara instantly rose. "He's not going anywhere alone."
"You're welcome to follow," Selene said casually.
They stepped into a circular room etched with runes. The air hummed slightly, dense with mana.
Selene faced Rafe. "I need to understand what you are."
"He's a child," Mara snapped.
Selene didn't look away from Rafe. "Children don't evaluate threats and plan traps with lethal precision."
Rafe raised his hand without being asked.
Selene pressed two fingers to his wrist.
Mana pulsed through the room.
Rafe felt something probe gently inside him—searching, examining. Selene's eyes widened, her normally emotionless expression cracking.
"…Impossible."
Rafe's heart tightened. "What did you find?"
Selene stepped back slowly. "You're not awakened. But your body… your instincts… your mana pathways… they're aligned."
Mara frowned. "Aligned with what?"
Selene's voice was almost reverent. "…With multiple affinities."
Rafe froze.
Mara stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. "That's… that's beyond rare."
"Beyond unnatural," Selene corrected. "You have the potential to awaken more than one path. Maybe even several."
Mara grabbed Rafe's hand, holding it tightly. "What does that mean for him? Is he in danger?"
Selene exhaled slowly. "It means he will attract attention—from families, organizations… and monsters. He is as valuable as Lyn. Different, but no less dangerous."
Rafe didn't look away.
"What does it mean for the three of us?"
Selene rested her staff against her shoulder and finally allowed herself a small, genuine smile.
"It means I didn't bring you here for Lyn alone. I brought you here because all three of you have a future the world will fight to control."
Rafe swallowed.
Mara's hand tightened around his.
Selene extended her hand toward the runic circle.
"Your lives won't be ordinary anymore. So if you want to survive…"She looked straight at Rafe."…let me train you."
Rafe didn't hesitate.
"Train us."
Selene smiled once more.
"I was hoping you'd say that."