Precipice of a Miracle

Despite Daphne's initial enthusiasm, she realized that magic was more difficult than expected. She could feel the heat of her flames just at her fingertips, teasing her, just barely beyond reach. Every time she reached for it, it would edge further away from her. Eventually, she realized that there was a mental barrier that prevented her from tapping into her powers.

"Take a deep breath. Picture the source of your magic as a ball inside you. Feel it course through your veins." 

Daphne breathed in and tried to feel something that wasn't the cold winter air that mercilessly nibbled at her nose. Maybe there was a slight pinching at her stomach?

No, that was just hunger. Darn it. She had taken too little food at the breakfast table due to the ungodly hours but now that she was tired and her energy was well-spent, she could only wish that she took a bite more than she did.

She closed her eyes and tried again as Jonah continued to lecture.