Chapter 28

Ruby woke to the sound of soft chatter outside her door. The light filtering through the cracks painted warm patterns on the floor, coaxing her awake. She rubbed her eyes, still feeling the lingering fatigue from her battle with the Ice Behemoth. As she sat up, a wave of determination washed over her. Today would be different.

After a quick breakfast shared with Guwa and Selene, Ruby made her way outside, breathing in the crisp morning air. The village was alive with activity, the scent of freshly baked bread and the sounds of laughter filling the atmosphere. Villagers moved about, their eyes gleaming with hope and admiration, and Ruby felt a warmth spread through her chest.

She knew they saw her as a hero, but the weight of that title pressed down on her. She was just a girl, still learning to navigate the powers bestowed upon her. Still, she couldn't let them down.

"Are you ready for today's training?" Guwa asked, flitting around Ruby as she strolled through the village.

Ruby nodded, excitement bubbling within her. "I want to focus on my Silver Eyes today. I need to understand them better." The thought of harnessing her powers filled her with both exhilaration and trepidation.

As they approached a clearing just outside the village, Selene waited, her presence calm and steady. "You're determined," she observed, her silver eyes reflecting the sunlight. "But remember, understanding your powers isn't just about pushing yourself. It's about patience and control."

Ruby bit her lip, glancing down at her hands. "I know… It's just hard not to want to rush into things. I want to prove that I can be strong."

"You already are strong," Selene reassured her. "But true strength lies in knowing when to fight and when to hold back."

Ruby took a deep breath, gathering her resolve. "Okay, let's do this."

Selene instructed Ruby to close her eyes, guiding her through a series of breathing exercises. With each inhale, Ruby felt the tension in her body ease. She concentrated on the familiar warmth that pulsed in her core—the power of her Silver Eyes.

As Ruby focused, she envisioned the energy flowing through her, picturing it like a gentle stream that gradually grew stronger. She felt it flicker to life, the familiar shimmer of silver igniting beneath her eyelids.

"Now, let it out," Selene instructed. "But do it gently. We're not looking for a storm, just a light."

Ruby opened her eyes, allowing the silver light to radiate from her gaze. She directed it toward a nearby tree, willing it to respond. The energy flickered, but the tree remained untouched.

"Focus," Selene encouraged, her tone calm but firm. "You have the power. Just direct it without fear."

With determination, Ruby concentrated, visualizing the energy coalescing into a focused beam. She felt the pulse of magic beneath her skin, growing stronger as she aimed her gaze at the tree once more. This time, the silver light surged forth, wrapping around the tree's trunk in a radiant embrace.

Ruby grinned, her heart racing. "I did it!" she exclaimed, feeling a rush of pride.

"Good," Selene replied, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Now try to control it further. Make it dance around the tree without damaging it."

Ruby nodded, her brow furrowing in concentration. She could feel the silver light shifting in response to her will, but it was challenging to maintain the delicate balance. As she directed it, the magic pulsed and flickered, and for a moment, she felt a surge of uncertainty.

"What if I can't control it?" she thought, a familiar fear creeping in. Memories of past failures flickered in her mind—echoes of doubt that threatened to drown her confidence.

"Stay focused, Ruby," Guwa urged, her voice light yet firm. "You can do this!"

Taking a deep breath, Ruby let the warmth of Guwa's encouragement wash over her. She concentrated harder, channeling her emotions into the magic, letting the fear dissolve. Slowly, the silver light began to flow gracefully around the tree, weaving intricate patterns in the air.

"You're doing it!" Selene praised, her voice steady. "Keep going!"

As the light danced, Ruby felt a sense of freedom—a connection to her power that she had never experienced before. The energy pulsed with life, responding to her emotions and desires. For the first time, it didn't feel like a burden. It felt like an extension of herself.

But just as she was reveling in her triumph, the light flickered, destabilizing for a moment before stabilizing again. Ruby's heart raced; she had come too far to let it slip away now.

"Focus!" she reminded herself, grounding her thoughts. "I won't let this go!"

With renewed determination, Ruby centered herself once more. The silver light surged forth, wrapping around the tree in a shimmering display, illuminating the clearing with a brilliance that drew the attention of the villagers nearby. They watched in awe, their expressions a mix of admiration and hope.

Ruby felt the energy ripple around her, and for a fleeting moment, she understood the weight of her potential—the responsibility that came with her power. It wasn't just about her anymore; it was about everyone who believed in her.

As the light subsided, Ruby lowered her gaze, panting but exhilarated. She had managed to control it, even if just for a moment.

"You did it!" Guwa cheered, twirling around in delight. "That was amazing, Ruby!"

Selene approached, a proud glint in her eyes. "You're beginning to grasp the essence of your abilities. But remember, this is just the beginning. You must keep practicing and growing."

Ruby nodded, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest. "I will. I want to get stronger—for myself and for everyone here."

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Ruby took a moment to soak it all in. She was still a girl, still learning, but with each day, she was discovering the strength within her. The path ahead would be filled with challenges, but she was ready to face them, one step at a time.

With Guwa and Selene by her side, she felt a little less alone.