~Prologue~

[Valerie]

“Very good, Val. You are improving.” I had scowled at Elias’ praise. My mentor had returned the scowl with one of his gentle smiles. I had averted my gaze and focussed it on my palms. ‘Why can’t I control a small amount of water?’ I had wondered petulantly. How childish and idiot I was...

“You will learn and improve, eventually. Your mother didn’t start before she was 18.” He would give me that calming smile that he did every time he saw me frustrated at my failure. 

“But mom had no freaking clue who she was, Elias. I know who I am,” I would whine, which would usually be answered with silence. However, I have stopped whining now. The initial frustration had been a foundation to the present anger and resentment. But standing in the arena at the moment, I felt nothing but fear and regret. Fear that I would completely disappoint my parents and regret that I didn't have enough knowledge under my belt. 

This time, I didn’t have Elias beside me. I did not have my mom to support me either. Or Jade. The sudden realization of their support and love had knocked the breath out of my lungs, leaving me breathless for a moment. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself. 

When I opened them, I was staring at my opponent. My heartbeat kicked up at the sight. Her face showed no signs of recognition, a feat she had achieved while dealing with members of different clans. I didn't know how mine looked, but the expression definitely wasn’t indifferent. 

The loud noise, the cheering and the announcements drowned out as I watched her lift her hands, preparing to summon her powers. I had no choice, did I? Never had I ever thought that one day I would be competing against my elder sibling.