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Regan was still angry from what he had said earlier. She couldn't believe he was trying to intimidate her. Who was he? She hadn't done anything to be held here, she didn't even know him. He kept saying she had powers, and even if she did, why did he care?She gazed through the window, the sun slowly disappearing behind the tall trees, eluding the sky. It turned dark quickly. She got furious at staring out of the window as well, because that reminded her that she was merely a captive.Then, she thought of the beauty and the allure of that

castle. If only she wasn't a captive, she'd express her fascination to no extent.

She was also hungry because she didn't eat anything down there. It felt very heavy to eat in front of them. As seconds passed, she grew even more frustrated and confused.What if she really had powers? He'd just take them, wouldn't he? Maybe that was the reason why he was holding her here. She could see how eager he was to be powerful.So, she hoped that there was no connection with this weird world, these weird beings and that she was a mere human. Maybe if she'd show that, they'd let her go.But she already did tell him she had powers, she did it out of anger, just for him to leave her alone. He was getting close and she hated it, she didn't want people close to her.A knock snapped her out of thoughts and Regan called for them to enter. It was the servant, Althea, carrying a tray laden with food. She couldn't help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Since she saw these witches on the table, she felt more insecure than ever.Not that she had ever cared about other's looks, but she hadn't taken the time to care for herself. Her hair was dry and oily, her clothes worn out and frayed. The thought of showering and changing her clothes in this strange place seemed ludicrous to her; she'd only do such a thing in the comfort of her own home.Althea placed the tray on a table and eyed Regan warily. "Look, Regan, I understand you're not used in this place yet, but you need to take care of yourself, even if you're being held against your will." Her words were gentle, but they stung nonetheless.Despite her protests, Regan could not deny the truth in Althea's words."This door is locked for me, but not for those who enter," Regan snapped. But she regretted being rude, after all it wasn't Althea's fault."Oh, yeah...." Althea trailed off, "I forgot, I had to give you something." She searched in her pocket for something and then she revealed a silver key. It shone brightly and for a moment Regan thought that this was the key to her escape."That's the key of your room," she said, giving Regan the key. Regan eyed the key suspiciously."But I can't get out of the room, can I?"Althea pursued her lips, "Yes, you can't. But you can lock the door at least. You won't worry if someone comes.""Thanks," Regan said, forcing a smile, "who gave it to you?""Master did."Regan rolled her eyes, "Really? He's the one who's been stalking me, and now he's giving me a key to my room?""He values privacy. He doesn't allow anyone to enter his study, you know," Althea said.Regan couldn't help but smile mockingly. It was the most ironic thing she'd ever heard. He didn't even care about privacy. He had haunted her, stalked her for God knew how long. And now he was giving her a key to her room. It was pathetic.She took the key, thanked Althea, and dismissed her. As soon as the door closed behind the servant, she locked it, just in case. Then, she turned her attention to the food on the table. Hunger gripped her and she took the tray with her, sitting down on the bed. Tentatively, she picked up a piece of bread from the tray and took a bite. It tasted strange, but she forced herself to eat it.As she chewed, she couldn't help but wonder if there was any connection between this place and the one she had left behind. She hoped not, because if there was, then she didn't know what she'd do.And then, a chilling thought occurred to her, what if she really did have powers? What if the sorcerer had been telling the truth all along? How would she leave this place?The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly pushed it aside. No, she was just a normal girl, taken from her home and held against her will. That was all. There was no need to dwell on such fantastical notions.After she ate, she couldn't help but get mad at herself. She couldn't stand her clothes and her wretched state. While there was a choice to change her clothes, Regan didn't want to do that. She got pissed off at herself for thinking that in the midst of the chaos that she was. Was she planning or doing anything to escape after all?Another reason why she didn't want to care for herself and change her clothes, was that if the noxious sorcerer would happen to enter her room, he'd think that she had started getting used to that haunting place. And Regan didn't want to get used to anything. She only wanted to get back to her home and escape all this ridiculousness.She leaned against the bed's frame, wrapping her hands around her knees, staring out of the window. There was a full moon showing and it made her gasp in awe. It was big and was light blue. It was very beautiful. She started singing randomly, trying to keep her voice low. She wouldn't want someone to hear her.After a while, she went to the bathroom and passed some time playing with the things there. There were toothpastes, soaps and shampoos. The scent was alluring and made her forget about the world for a moment. There was a brush and she hated how bad her hair looked. She couldn't help herself but brush it, even though it needed a wash. At least it looked a bit better after she brushed it.Then, the thought of changing her clothes and getting rid of the ones she was wearing, struck her. But she was still self conscious about it. She didn't want to give the noxious sorcerer any satisfaction. So, she left the bathroom and lay on the bed, staring through the window. The moonlight illuminated the room, casting long shadows across the floor.The wardrobe taunted her again. She stood up and opened it, searching through. That time she found a long mermaid dress. It was like the color of her eyes, the top part was strapless, heart shaped. The bottom part had a ruffled split.She put it in again and then found a pink skirt. It was tight at first, then layered down, spreading in transparent peacock-like pink feathers. The waistline was small, fitting her. She sighed and moved on to the heels. There were a pair of red ones. They were platform, decorated with lace and chains. She tried them on and involuntarily smiled. They were so beautiful and made her look taller. She didn't know why she was so obsessed with heels.She removed them reluctantly and made sure that the clothes inside were folded. Because who knows? What if someone checked inside and found out that she's been looking at them?Then, she lay again on the bed and wrapped herself with the blankets, thinking of a plan to escape. She remembered Sirius words about bringing a mentor. She hoped the mentor would be understanding and kind.Maybe Regan could distract her or do something that would let her get out of the chamber at least. She eventually succumbed to exhaustion, drifting into a fitful sleep filled with dreams of escape and uncertainty.****The sunlight filtered through the castle windows, and Regan slowly woke up. The previous night's thoughts lingered in her mind as she heard a loud knock on the door. She knew who was behind that door. With a wary glance, she unlocked it to find the sorcerer escorted with a woman she hadn't seen before.The sorcerer stood with his usual stoicism, though the woman beside him held with a warmth that Regan hadn't expected.Her long wavy dark hair was held back by a simple circlet of silver, and her emerald green eyes sparkled with intelligence. Her features, though weathered with age, held a certain wisdom that seemed to radiate from her. She smiled at Regan, revealing her pointed teeth that were somehow endearing.However, Regan was more perplexed by the sorcerer who stood with a frown, like he was getting impatient second by second. "That's Seraphina, your mentor...look after yourself," he nonchalantly said and Regan didn't caught the meaning of his last sentence.Seraphina stepped forward, her wrinkled eyes shining with wisdom. "Hello, my child. I'm your mentor, I'm going to guide you into your path of power and sorcery. You'll have a great potential for our kingdom," she said. Sirius held his intense gaze. Regan didn't know why he stared at her like that. Was he trying to scare her? She was sort of, but she couldn't help herself. Her anger and pride was winning.She sighed, knowing this mentor thing was dragging her situation even more. She hoped to convince this woman somehow, that she had nothing to do with witchcraft. But then, he wasn't shifting from his place. It seemed like he was lost in thought."So? Are you going to stay there too?" Regan asked annoyedly, glaring at him."You wish," he scoffed, a handsome smirk tugging his lips. With one swift move he left and the door slammed shut behind him.Regan sighed, not standing the sight of him anymore.Seraphina took her hand and told her to sit. The girl did as she was told and she planned to be nice and kind to this woman, so then she'd be able to persuade her into helping."You are very powerful, child. You have the ability to control fire." Seraphina said as she felt Regan's aura.Regan couldn't help but roll her eyes, having to hear the fairytales all over again."Where are these powers? Look, I know that you're all into witchcraft, but I'm no match for this place, I have nothing to do with all this. I'm being held here forcefully." Regan said, her voice filled with desperation.Seraphina looked at her, her expression warm and gentle. She smiled, "Maybe it looks that way to you Regan, but you're not a captive. As long as you get hold of your powers, no one can hold you against your will," she said, her voice filled with determination.Regan's eyes glimmered to the thought that no one would control her and make her obey, "And where are my powers?" she asked, raising an eyebrow."They are inside you. But first, you need a change. You have to take care of yourself. I'll begin the lesson after you shower and change your clothes," Seraphina said, as she opened an old, ancient book, its cover thick with carvings of flowers.Regan sighed, "Is that really important?" she asked in disbelief."Absolutely! You should be rather peaceful inside yourself."The girl looked at her skeptically and wondered of how would she be calmer if she changed her clothes. However, she thought to give it a try. Regan walked to the wardrobe and searched through something she could wear. She picked up some long black pants. They were adorned with chains on their sides. As for the top, she decided to wear a green blouse with short sleeves. The neckline was low, but not showing much skin.She then entered the bathroom and locked the door.She decided to take a bath instead because she hadn't really been fond of the idea of showering. She always showered at home but she didn't have a bathtub. Her clothes were on because she didn't like the idea of wearing nothing in a place that wasn't hers.She filled the bathtub and slipped in it. The warm water made her feel a little better. It was comforting. After that, she changed her clothes, they clung slightly on her damp skin. It was bewildering. The pants fitted her perfectly.She brushed her hair a little and wondered if electricity existed in this place. Was there any hair dryer? The place seemed to be advanced enough.She stepped out of the bathroom and saw Seraphina sitting on the edge of the bed."Well, you see....my hair is damp," Regan said, kind of embarrassed. "Is there a way to dry? I mean, some sort of hair dryer?"Seraphina glanced up at her and snapped her fingers. In an instant, the girl felt her hair change its form. It started to dry itself."There you go, no need for hair dryer," Seraphina said, smiling."Well.... that's unbelievable," Regan breathed, not believing how she could do this."Now you look ready. We need to start with your lessons."Regan sat on the bed, feeling slightly refreshed and she looked at Seraphina who was flipping through her book."Ah, yes! I found it. The eternal ember," the wise woman said, smiling."What's that? The witchcraft?" Regan asked confused.Seraphina's eyes sparkled with excitement as she explained, "The eternal ember is a powerful fire element, the source of your magical abilities. It's the essence that runs through your veins, connecting you to the mystical forces of this realm."Regan listened attentively, trying to grasp the concept of this magical source. "So, I have fire powers?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing. She didn't believe any of this. However, she remembered that time when Olivia's hair got a flame and wondered if it was a reference."Yes, indeed. The sorcerer, possesses the same power. Fire is a formidable force, my child, and it holds great potential within you," Seraphina explained, her voice carrying a mix of reverence and caution."The sorcerer what?!" Regan exclaimed, the very moment he was dragged in the conversation, she felt unease and uncertainty. And she didn't know why, after all she wasn't a witch, right? And fire should be a common thing in these sorcery matters."Well, if I have fire powers, which is ridiculous, then why it's the need to link it to that man? Most of wizards have fire powers, right?" Regan asked again, unsure of what she was even thinking or saying. Her mind with swirling with weird thoughts."Oh, Regan. I see that you're not fond of him. Yes, fire is a common power in magical realms, but eternal ember isn't an usual flame. It's very rare and before you appeared, Sirius was the only one known with that power. And there's more to it, that perhaps you won't really like." Seraphina said, her gaze distant."What?" Was all that Regan could say.Seraphina's eyes softened as she continued, "Regan, the connection between you and Sirius goes beyond just sharing the eternal ember. It creates a bond between, allowing you to sense each other's presence."Regan's expression shifted from disbelief to a mixture of shock and realization. "Sense each other?" she mumbled, the puzzle pieces slowly falling into place.It made sense. It made perfectly sense. She could feel his presence like a weight in her chest, like a pain in her head. She remembered his words, bond, prophecy, destiny.Regan realized that this all wasn't a mere coincidence. The more she thought about it, the more her unease increased. She hoped with all her heart that she didn't have a ridiculous power thingy, that would led to a ludicrous bond with someone like Sirius."But this shouldn't be true! I can't have this spell or magic!" she exclaimed.Seraphina, sensing her worry took her hands and tried to reassure her. "Regan, you have this power my dear, you want or not. It runs in your veins. Just because the sorcerer has it too, it doesn't mean that it's bad or forbidden. Think about it, in all these endless realms, someone else could have it. It just makes you all unique." She explained, her voice comforting.But Regan's apprehensive nature was taking over her and she couldn't wait for any other moment to tell Seraphina that she wanted to leave, having powers or not."Whatever. I don't want to stay in this place! Do you know where I am from? I'm from Earth! You probably never have heard of it, but that's were my home is. Yes, people there don't believe in supernatural stuff, but I don't want to stay in this castle, trapped inside. And most importantly, I don't want to be connected to that evil sorcerer in any possible way. I want to go as far as possible!" Regan said, her words turning back to her main problem, the sorcerer.Seraphina shrugged. She knew Regan's true origins but she couldn't tell her, no matter how much she wanted to. Her gaze went distant as she tried to find a way to calm Regan down. Promoting the sorcerer

wouldn't be a good idea.

Maintaining her calm demeanor, she responded, "Regan, I understand your concerns, and I wish I could reveal more, but there are forces at play that restrict certain knowledge. What I can assure you is that you have the power to control your abilities. Once you learn to harness them, you won't be confined to this castle. You'll have the freedom to go wherever you please."Regan, still uneasy, took a deep breath, trying to comprehend the weight of her situation. "Fine, I'll learn to control these powers, but I need to understand everything. Why is this sorcerer so important? What's this destiny and prophecy? And why am I part of it?"Seraphina hesitated, her gaze out of the window, trying to find an explanation where she couldn't include the sorcerer, "They're part of potential sorcerers sometimes. Beyond the fire powers, you possess the common yet potent gifts of telekinesis. You also have the ability to sense auras, and telepathy. There are so many other spells that you can learn and master, like teleportation and using fire to control other elements." Seraphina paused for a moment, looking down her book."Your connection with Sirius may seem daunting, however the only thing you both share is the eternal ember. Throughout his life, Sirius have mastered so many dark and manipulative spells, but that doesn't mean your less stronger than him. Your powers are for good and protection." The wise woman said, her emerald eyes glimmering with determination.Regan, though still skeptical, felt a slight glimmer of hope. Controlling her powers which seemed to be for good, looked like a reasonable goal, and the prospect of mastering abilities like telekinesis intrigued her despite the unsettling circumstances.Now, she really liked the idea to have these magical abilities and wanted to learn how to do them. Maybe then, she can teach Sirius a lesson and make him pay for the torment that he had caused.Anyway she didn't want to think about that flame thing."Well then, how do I use telekinesis?" she asked, "I've never used any of this before.""Magical abilities are all practiced and learned, just like subjects. Your powers had started to develop at this age you're in, but you're a quick learner, I feel it. Since telekinesis is the easiest, let's start. Now, you're going to look at an object and focus." Seraphina said.