Part V – The Step into Shadow
The sun barely filtered through the twisted branches and low clouds. Dawn in the World of Shadows didn't carry the warmth of the human world. It was gray, silent, almost hesitant. But enough to illuminate the small clearing where Yuri stood, facing yet another attempt.
"Focus. You don't need strength, you need… resonance."
Kayla's voice was steady, controlled, but behind that calm exterior was a thread of patience wearing thin.
Yuri clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and inhaled slowly. She tried to feel that something… that "lifeblood" Kayla spoke of. Mana. It was supposed to flow within her, right?
She tried to summon fire.
A spark… a puff… then nothing.
A wisp of smoke smeared her face.
"Damn it!" Yuri coughed, waving her hands.
Kayla sighed theatrically and stepped closer. She touched Yuri's shoulder with the tip of her fingers. "You're trying to command fire like it's a dog. But fire… doesn't obey. It only listens if you sing to it in the right language."
Yuri huffed. "And what language is that?"
Kayla gave her a sly smile. "Your heart."
Yuri stared at her for a moment, then looked down. Her thoughts wandered. Toward the ruins of that school she'd never see again. Toward her grandmother, and the advice she'd repeated countless times: "Help whoever you can. Even if you're afraid. Even if you don't understand."
> Even if you're alone.
Kayla sensed the silence, and for a moment, her gaze softened. But she said nothing.
Then, suddenly, a tremor ran through the air. Leaves stirred without wind. A magical current—subtle, yet distinct—moved through the earth.
Kayla looked toward the horizon.
"It's time."
Yuri turned, surprised. "Time for what?"
The mage turned to her. Her cloak lifted slightly, as if something whispered to the fabric itself.
"To stop playing with sparks. And start walking in fire."
Yuri stared, confused. But Kayla stepped closer and held out her hand.
"Gather your things. Come with me."
"Come where?"
Kayla turned. A sliver of light filtered through the trees.
"To the heart of the World of Shadows. To seek those who can teach you… and those who will try to stop you."
She paused.
"In the World of Shadows, those who wait… fall. It's time we moved too."