The days following Elara's revelation about her true heritage were a blur. The weight of the truth settled heavily on her shoulders, yet there was a sense of clarity she had never felt before. She wasn't just a princess anymore—she was the Wild Queen, the heir to a power she didn't fully understand. But the forest had called to her, and now she was ready to answer.
Ronan had been by her side every step of the way, teaching her about the magic that ran through her veins. He spoke of ancient rituals, forest guardians, and the powerful bond that tied her to the land. It was overwhelming, yet exhilarating. Each day, Elara grew stronger, her connection with the forest deepening.
But Ronan's training wasn't without its challenges. The magic of the forest was wild and untamed, much like herself. Learning to control it was not easy. The first few attempts ended in failure, with Elara accidentally triggering bursts of energy that caused trees to shake or rocks to crack open. But Ronan was patient, guiding her through each misstep, teaching her how to channel the raw power within her.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Ronan led Elara to a secluded part of the forest. The air was thick with magic, and Elara could feel the power around her—old, ancient, and alive. She had never been here before, but something inside her told her it was where she needed to be.
"This is where the forest's magic flows strongest," Ronan said, his voice low. "It's where you must prove yourself, Elara. To unlock your true power, you must first learn to trust the forest completely."
Elara nodded, her heart racing. "What do I need to do?"
"Close your eyes," Ronan instructed. "Let go of all doubt. Focus only on the forest, on the energy that surrounds you. Let it fill you, let it become a part of you."
Elara obeyed, shutting her eyes and reaching out with her senses. At first, all she felt was the whisper of the wind and the rustling of leaves. But slowly, she began to feel something more—a pulse, deep and steady, as if the forest itself was breathing.
"Feel it," Ronan's voice whispered in her ear. "Let it guide you."
Elara focused harder, allowing the magic to seep into her, feeling it course through her veins like wildfire. Her body trembled, the raw power overwhelming her. It was intoxicating, dangerous, and beautiful all at once. She could feel the trees sway in rhythm with her heartbeat, the ground beneath her feet alive with energy.
For a moment, everything around her went silent, as if the forest was holding its breath. And then, with a sharp intake of air, Elara released the magic.
The result was immediate and intense. A blast of energy erupted from her, sending a shockwave through the forest. Trees shook, leaves swirled in the air, and the ground beneath her feet cracked open. The power surged through her, almost too much to handle, but Elara held on, focusing on the forest's rhythm.
As the energy subsided, Elara opened her eyes, gasping for breath. She looked around, wide-eyed. The forest had changed—everything felt brighter, more alive. The trees, the air, the ground—all of it pulsed with the magic she had just unleashed.
Ronan stood a few feet away, watching her with an unreadable expression. "You did it," he said quietly. "You've unlocked a part of your power. But there's still much more to learn."
Elara's heart pounded in her chest, but she felt a sense of pride. She had done it. She had harnessed the magic of the forest. And for the first time, she felt like she was in control.
But as the adrenaline from the moment faded, a cold realization set in. The forest had given her power, but it also demanded a price. Ronan's words echoed in her mind: To unlock your true power, you must trust the forest completely.
"What's next?" she asked, her voice steady, despite the uncertainty she felt.
Ronan met her gaze, his expression serious. "Now, we must prepare. Your stepmother will not stop until she has destroyed you. We don't have much time."