Chapter 7: The Gathering Storm
The forest fight was over, but Sera could not forget it. Every day, her heart felt heavy. Her mind kept going back to Morwenna's red, scary eyes. She felt afraid, but also stronger.
Sera and her friends started training every night. They met near a big old tree in the garden behind the school. The moonlight shone through the leaves, making everything look silver and quiet.
Kael practiced his fire magic, making it burn brighter.
Valen worked on his light spells. He could now make a beam of light that could break darkness.
Riven learned to move shadows with his hands. It looked like the shadows listened to him.
Lira made small flying lights. They followed her like little stars.
And Sera? She learned a new spell — a shield that could protect all her friends. She felt proud, but still scared. What if Morwenna came back? Would they be ready?
One night, after training, the others left first. Sera and Valen walked slowly through the quiet garden. The stars were bright in the sky. The wind was soft and cool.
Sera looked up at Valen. "Do you think we can really stop her?" she asked.
Valen looked into her eyes. "We have to try. You're strong, Sera. We're stronger together."
Sera smiled a little. Her cheeks turned pink. She looked down, shy. "I'm happy you're with me."
Valen smiled too. "I'll always be here."
They stood under the stars for a moment, not speaking. The night felt peaceful.
But suddenly, a cold wind blew. The leaves shook on the trees.
Sera reached into her pocket. The crystal Professor Mora gave her started to glow.
"Something's wrong," Sera said.
Valen looked around. "She's near. Morwenna is near."
They ran back to their secret room. It was hidden under the tree, with old books and maps on the walls. The others were already there, waiting.
"The crystal glowed," Sera said. "She's coming."
Kael's hands were already full of fire. "Then let her come."
Lira's lights floated in the air. "We're ready."
Riven looked serious. "We protect each other. No matter what."
Suddenly — BANG!
The door blew open. Cold wind rushed inside. The lights flickered.
A shadow stepped in.
It was Morwenna.
Her red eyes burned like fire. Her black cloak moved like smoke.
"So," she said, "you think you can beat me?"
Sera stood in front of her friends. She raised her hands and made her shield glow. "We'll try. We won't let you hurt anyone."
Morwenna laughed. "You sound like your grandmother."
Then — the fight began.
Sparks flew through the air. Kael threw fireballs. Valen made bright light to block the dark magic. Riven pushed the shadows back. Lira's lights flew in circles to confuse Morwenna.
Sera's shield glowed bright. She stood strong, protecting her friends.
Morwenna's dark magic hit the walls. The ground shook. But still, the group stood tall.
Then — for just a second — Morwenna stopped. She looked at Sera with sad eyes.
"You don't know the truth," she whispered.
Sera lowered her hand a little. "What truth? Tell me!"
But Morwenna stepped back into the shadows — and disappeared.
The room went quiet.
Everyone was breathing fast.
"It's not over," Kael said.
Sera nodded. "She'll come back."
They sat on the floor, tired but still full of questions.
Sera looked at her friends. "She said I don't know the truth. What does that mean?"
Valen came closer and sat beside her. "We'll find out. We'll learn everything. Together."
Sera looked at him. His face was kind. He always made her feel brave. Without thinking, she reached out and held his hand. It was warm.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Valen squeezed her hand gently. "You're not alone, Sera. I'm here."
The others smiled when they saw them. Even in the middle of danger, something good was growing.
They made a new plan. Every night, they would train. Every day, they would look for answers about Morwenna and her past.
For the next few days:
Kael made fire so hot it could melt rock.
Valen made light that could blind enemies.
Riven learned to use shadows to hide and protect.
Lira's lights could now follow danger.
And Sera made her shield stronger and faster.
One evening, Sera stood near the window. The crystal in her pocket began to shine again — brighter than ever.
She looked outside. The sky was dark. The wind was strong. Clouds rolled over the moon.
She whispered, "She's coming."
Valen walked up beside her. "Then let's be ready."
Sera looked into his eyes. They were full of hope.
And this time, she didn't feel scared.
She felt ready.
She felt brave.
She had her friends.
She had magic.
She had love starting to bloom in her heart.
The storm was coming.
But so were they.
Together.