Morning light crept slowly through the old curtains. The room was quite except for the soft sounds of ina's breathing. She was still asleep , curled under a thin blanket, her face calm for once.
Rehan stood in the corner of the room, dressed in black from head to toe. A silver sword rested against his shoulder, its blade glowing faintly in the soft light.
He didn't move.
He just looked at her.
A small strand of her hair had fallen across her cheek. Her lips were full , soft, and still. Her face-- small, delicate, peaceful-- made something stir in him. Something he didn't want to feel.
He wasn't supposed to feel anything.
But still, he stood there.
Watching .
Remembering.
His dark eyes grew wet, and quickly he looked away , blinking back the tears. He had a mission. He had a reason to be there . But standing in front of her now, everything felt ....quiet.
She was more than just a girl with powers.
She was the one he could never have.
But he would protect her. Even if she never knew the truth.
After sometime.
Ina stirred slowly under the blanket. Her eyes blinked open, adjusting to the soft light in the room. For a second, everything felt normal-- until she saw him.
Rehan,
Standing by the window, dressed in black , a sword by his side.
Ina gasped and sat up quickly. " What are you doing in my room".
Rehan didn't move. His face was calm again, hiding whatever he had felt moments before.
"It's time". He said quietly. " Your training begins now".
She blinked, confused, still half asleep.
" You.... broke into my house?"
" I don't need to break in," he replied . " You left your window open".
Ina looked at the window. She had, actually . Last night she needed fresh air.
Still, her cheeks were burning. He has seen her sleeping . That made her heart flutter-- and her nerves twist.
" You could have knocked", she mumbled , pulling the blanket tighter around her.
Rehan stepped closer, his voice softer . " I needed to see if you were still sure". So come let's go".
Ina paused. Then she nodded. " I want to know who I am ".
He held out his hand.
" Then come with me".
🗡️ A New Beginning.
Ina followed Rehan deep into the forest , where the trees grew tall and thick. The sunlight barely touched the ground. It was quiet, except for the sound of birds and their footsteps on dry leaves.
They stopped in a clearing.
Rehan handed her a wodden sword. " You won't need a real steel yet".
She held it unsure, it felt heavier than expected .
" Show me how you stand", he said.
Ina tried she held the sword up like she has seen in the movies.
Rehan raised an eyebrow . " You're holding it like a stick".
She frowned . " It is a stick."
He laughed softly-- a rare sound. " Fair enough. But not for long."
He walked behind her and gently adjusted her arms. His hands were firm but careful. When he placed one hand over hers on the sword, her heart skipped a beat again.
"Focus , ina," he said close to her ear.
She swallowed hard. " I'm trying."
They practiced for some time and ina was tired.
Rehan stepped back , his arms crossed . "Now Attack me."
Ina blinked. "What?"
" You heard me." His tone was calm, but there was a challenge in his eyes. " Come at me like you mean it".
She hesitated, but then she charged with swing--- clumsy , unsteady.
Rehan blocked it effortlessly, barely moving .
" Too slow".
Again, she attacked, again , he deflected with ease.
Frustration built in her chest. Her arms ached. Her breathing turned sharp. She swung again, harder this time. He blocked , but this time he nodded . " Better."
" Why are we doing this?" She snapped, stepping back. " I'm not a warrior . I don't even know if I want to be the one".
Rehan' s voice was soft. " Because the world won't wait for you to decide".
Ina looked at the wooden sword in her hands .
" And if I fail".
"Then you fail". He simply said . "But you try again. That's how it works".
A breeze stirred the trees around them, and for a moment , the sunlight broke through the canopy -- falling directly on ina. The wodden sword begin to faintly glow, silver veins forming along the grains.
Rehan's eyes narrowed . " That's...not how it suppose to happen".
Ina's grip tightened . The light pulsed with her heartbeat. She looked at Rehan ,her voice low. " What's this?"
But before he could answer, the light surged -- brighter, blinding. Ina's eyes widened in shock. Her knees gave out.
"Ina!" Rehan rushed forward, catching her before she could hit the ground.
She had fainted. Her body limp in his arms , the glowing sword slipping from her hand and dimming the moment it touched the earth.
Rehen gently brushed a strand of her from her face. " It' s starting" , he murmured .
He looked up at the sky, clouds slowly gathering. The forest grew eerily still-- as if holding its breath .
" She' s not ready ", he whispered , more to himself than anyone else. " But the stars have choosen".
With surprising ease, he lifted her in his arms and begin walking towards her house.
🌙The Night
Ina slept soundly in her bed, wrapped in the warm blankets. The Window was slightly open, letting in the soft hum of the night.
Rehan sat silently in the corner, watching over her. A small flame hovered in his hand--- his magic flickering with thought.
He glanced at her face.
"You're changing, ina and you don't even know why".
He stood and moved towards the door. Before leaving , he whispered , "Tomorrow... you will see the truth. I'll take you to the palace".
He vanished into the night.