Chapter 6: Beneath the Surface
The citadel's training grounds were a marvel of architectural prowess, with vast open spaces, towering walls, and intricate carvings depicting legendary battles. The clang of swords, the hum of spells, and the determined grunts of warriors in training filled the air. It was a place of constant motion, but for Lysandra, every step was a deliberate effort.
Lysandra's paralysis had been caused by a tragic fall from a great height during an attack by demonic forces on her village. She had been trying to save a group of children from a collapsing building when she fell. The impact had shattered her spine, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. She had spent months in recovery, her spirit broken, but her will unyielding.
Alaric would never forget the day he had found her, crumpled and barely conscious. The memory of her broken body, her golden hair spread like a halo on the bloodied ground, haunted him. It was a miracle she had survived at all. Her recovery was slow and painful, but through sheer determination and with the support of Alaric and her father, Lysandra had adapted to her new reality.
The citadel had been skeptical about allowing her to train, but her persistence and burgeoning magical talents eventually won them over. Her wheelchair, a beautifully crafted piece of equipment designed by Alaric himself, became a symbol of her strength. It was made of lightweight but durable materials, with intricate engravings of protective runes that Alaric had painstakingly etched into the frame.
During her training sessions, Lysandra relied on her wheelchair, but she refused to let it define her. She was often seen practicing late into the night, the blue glow of her magic illuminating the courtyard. Alaric would watch from a distance, his heart swelling with pride and love. She was a vision of resilience, her blonde hair tied back, her eyes fierce with determination.
One particularly grueling day, after hours of intense training, Lysandra and Alaric sat together by the edge of a tranquil pond within the citadel grounds. The water's surface mirrored the soft hues of the twilight sky, creating a serene canvas of purples and pinks. Fireflies began to dance above the water, their tiny lights flickering like stars.
Lysandra leaned back in her chair, her body aching but her spirit invigorated. "Do you ever wonder what the future holds for us, Alaric?" she asked, her voice soft and contemplative.
Alaric turned to her, his blue eyes reflecting the fading light. "I think about it all the time," he admitted. "But I know one thing for certain—whatever the future brings, we'll face it together."
Lysandra smiled, reaching out to take his hand. "You always know just what to say," she said, her fingers entwining with his. "I'm scared, Alaric. Not of the battles or the training, but of what happens if I fail. If I can't protect those I love."
Alaric squeezed her hand gently. "You won't fail, Lysandra. You've already faced the worst and come out stronger. Every day you inspire me and everyone around you. We're all stronger because of you."
Lysandra's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Thank you, Alaric. For believing in me, even when I doubted myself."
They sat in silence for a while, the sounds of the citadel fading into the background. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. It was a rare moment of peace in a world constantly on the brink of chaos.