Power Within

As I walked through the palace halls I was mesmerized by its beauty. Golden-colored marble floor, jade green walls with carvings on them. Although I couldn't understand their meaning, it took my breath away. Hundreds of rooms everywhere. The palace was like a maze.

S: Impressed?

C: Yes. I've never seen anything like this. It's beautiful. True I've only seen ruins and your cabin so far. I can imagine myself living here.

S: Compared to the other places you've been, I can imagine.

C: What was our Lunari castle like? Elvelune, if I recall the name correctly.

S: It looked similar to this, just larger. White walls with ancient carvings. Sapphire blue floor and mosaic stained glass on the ceiling. It was a sight to behold.

By the time our conversation ended, we arrived at the throne room. The heart of the great tree.

???: You have finally arrived along with your fledgling. Come, have some tea. There is much to talk about.

S: I rather get to the point. You know why we came here for Titania.

T: Still an emotionless soldier as ever. The years didn't change you much, did they?

S: I work alone. I like it this way. Less headache.

T: Yet here you are, with a partner.

S: It wasn't my first choice. But I made a promise to keep her safe.

T: What about you? What is your name, young one?

C: My name is Cornelia Avexis Moon, Your Highness.

T: See. Those are manners. There are some things you can learn from her as well.

S: ...

T: Do you know who your parents are? I couldn't get any answers from him.

C: One of them was the Queen and the other was the High Priestess.

C: For the 3rd one-

S: It's time for us to go.

T: I don't think so. Something that ruffles your feathers must be interesting. Continue, please.

C: He was... The Prince of Nightmares.

She stood there for a few seconds, speechless.

T: That is rather interesting and unexpected. Now, why would she do that? Whatever the reason was, it doesn't matter now. You are probably the strongest Lunari by birth, but something is sleeping inside you.

C: Sleeping inside?

T: Do you know what your special power is?

C: There is something like that?

T: Every Lunari has one. Both of your parents had Foresight. They could see into the future. But they could only see a few hours ahead.

C: I don't think I have anything like that.

Titania came to touch my forehead. I didn't know what to make of it. What is she trying to do? Then suddenly, my emotions went over the roof. Sadness, Grief, Anger, Fear, and all the other emotions I'm trying to keep inside me just burst out. At that moment, Titania's hand was pushed back. Almost like it was slapped away.

T: You do have Foresight, but a very weak one. Your unique power is something I've never seen before. Some Lunari had the power called Clear Mind. The more emotionless and clear-minded the Lunari was, the stronger she became.

C: And I have that?

T: The opposite. Your magic is tied to your emotions. Bottling up emotion works for Sebastion, but not for you. Let those emotions flow through you.

C: I don't think I want to do that.

T: One day, you have to face them. You should feel sad. You lost your entire people.

T: You should feel angry at those who hurt you and your loved ones.

T: It's ok for you to be afraid. You are still young. A newborn. A whole new unknown world is before you. You will learn everything in time.

T: Accept who you are. Face your destiny. And protect those who you love.

I looked at Sebastian. She's right. I can't be the helpless little girl forever. I must protect those who I care about. I closed my eyes and let all the emotions I bottled up flow through my mind. As I dug deeper inside myself, the entire palace started to shake. It was like an earthquake.

T: That's quite enough.

I opened my eyes and took a deep breath. I tried to relax, but it was hard.

T: With three shards only... And a few months old... Impressive. Keep your emotions in check. Do not let it rule over you.

C: I...-I will try.

T: Good. Now, here are your scrolls. You will need these for what is to come. Run along now. I have a lot of work to do. And don't forget your job.

We left the castle grounds, but Sebastian looked more serious than usual.

S: Are you well? How are you feeling?

C: I bit shaken and dried up. But I can manage.

S: Good. Now, let's go. We have a job to do.

C: Oh yeah. What was all of that about?

S: We are going to the Forest of the Dammed.

C: The what? Why?

S: It's forbidden by all Fey. That forest can corrupt their mind, turning them hostile. Whatever is making that happen, we have to stop it. If we can do that, the Fey will help us in the war against The Forgotten One.

C: The Forest of the Dammed, this will never end. Promise me you will take me to a nice place when this is all over.

S: I keep that in mind. Partner.

I smiled at Sebastian. I swear, just for a split second, I saw him smile, maybe for the first time. He is a nice guy, even if he is trying to hide it. And he hides it goddam well.