The Fire That Chose Me
“Step into the circle. Let the fire respond to you. Summon it, shape it, command it. And remember—fear will weaken you. Confidence will strengthen you. Focus.”
Evelynn stepped forward, the cool morning air brushing against her skin. She placed her hands on the stone, feeling the pulse of energy beneath her fingers. The fire surged, bright and insistent, and she let it flow, shaping it into a sphere of light hovering above her palms.
A gust of wind swept through the clearing, and Evelynn flinched, the sphere wobbling. Shadows appeared at the edge of the circle, small, flickering shapes meant to test her. She clenched her jaw and focused, pushing the fire outward, guiding it, containing it.