Magic has a sound.
It whispers soft as breath, ancient as the first spark that lit the world.
I grew up listening to it.
The morning sunlight washed over Luminra Kingdom, turning its crystal towers into pillars of gold. Runes along the stone paths shimmered awake, glowing faintly beneath my steps like they recognized me… or warned me. The air tasted sweet, charged with energy that only witches could sense. It was always humming, alive, waiting.
And yet, the kingdom was peaceful. Too peaceful for someone like me.
I walked through the Outer Gardens, my favorite place in the world where the flowers glowed faintly at dawn, and vines curled around marble arches as if they too held magic. The leaves rustled with enchantment, reacting to every shift of energy around me. Everything here breathed nothing was ever truly still Including me.
I lifted my hand, watching a small flame bloom softly above my palm. Fire was supposed to be my only element my identity and my destiny.
But the flame flickered in colors it shouldn't have blue, then silver, then a whisper of violet.
My heartbeat stumbled.
I closed my hand quickly.
I shouldn't use my powers here. I shouldn't call to them at all. But magic always called to me first. The flowers leaned toward me, petals glowing slightly brighter. A soft breeze circled my feet. The crystals embedded in the garden walls vibrated with recognition. Everything every element answered me in a way no witch's powers ever should.
Fire.
Water.
Earth.
Air.
Shadow.
Even the strange, quiet magic that came from the Auralis Kingdom the kingdom my people never feared, yet never understood. I was born in Luminra, a kingdom hidden beyond the reach of human worlds, where magic breathes through the air as naturally as wind. Here, witches are not feared or hunted they are trained, classified, and bound by laws older than memory. Every child grows up knowing what they are meant to be, what single element will answer their call. Luminra rises like a living jewel tall crystal towers glowing faintly with magic, streets etched with ancient runes, skies that shimmer when spells are cast. Witches walk openly here, power humming beneath their skin, disciplined and controlled. Strength is respected. Balance is worshipped.
Then there is Auralis the other kingdom.
Not an enemy not an ally, Just….separate.
Where Luminra governs elements, Auralis bends reality itself,Time, illusions, minds, healing and teleportation. Their magic is quieter, subtler, more dangerous in ways most Luminra witches refuse to admit. We coexist we do not intertwine except sometimes…..we do.
I grew up in a modest home on the outer ring of Luminra, far from the crystal spires and elite academies. My parents were ordinary witches by every standard that mattered. No power hungry ambition. No ancient bloodline prestige. Just quiet lives woven with small, honest magic.
My mother brewed protective charms and warded homes for a living while my father worked with enchanted metals, forging tools meant to strengthen spells rather than weapons meant to destroy. We also owned a bakery some sort of family thing. Anyways they were content and safe people and they raised me to be the same.
I exhaled slowly, feeling the heat beneath my skin settle. Mother always said I was restless. Father called me curious. The Elders called me "bright." But none of them knew the truth none of them knew why magic bent toward me like a candle to flame.
Only one person even suspected I was hiding something.
And right on cue, I felt a soft ripple behind me not dangerous familiar.
"Flamara," a voice called from the archway, warm and teasing. "You're doing it again."
I didn't have to turn to know who it was.
I smiled.
"Doing what?" I asked, pretending innocence as I glanced over my shoulder.
Carl stepped into the garden, hands in his pockets, dark hair catching the sunlight. He wasn't from my kingdom his power came from Auralis and yet, he fit into Luminra perfectly, like he belonged in every scene of my life.
He raised a brow. "Breaking rules before breakfast."
I laughed, the sound echoing lightly through the magical garden.
"Maybe the rules should break for me," I said.
Carl snorted, but the smile he fought back softened his whole face. "You know, one day your fire is going to expose you. And I won't be able to lie well enough to save you."
I turned fully, crossing my arms. "You think I need saving?"
His eyes held mine for a heartbeat longer than usual.
"I think," he said quietly, "you burn brighter than you realize."
The wind stirred at his words the flowers lifted their petals toward me again the flame inside my chest curled awake, warm and curious.
For a moment, the whole world seemed to inhale soft, magical, waiting.
And far beyond the gardens, across the veil of realms, in the shadows of a forgotten throne…
Something ancient felt me and it smiled.
Far across the kingdoms, in a realm drenched in shadows, something old… something wrong… stirred at the brush of my magic.
But here in Luminra, the sun was too bright for me to notice.
The gardens shimmered as my parents walked toward me, the glow of the runes catching on my mother's apron. She must have run straight from the bakery she still smelled faintly of warm bread and cinnamon.
"Flamara," she scolded, brushing a strand of red-gold hair out of my face, "your aura is sparking again."
I didn't miss the way Carl snorted behind me.
I elbowed him without even looking.
"I'm fine," I said quickly. "Just practicing."
My father chuckled softly the kind of laugh that made his eyes fold in the corners. "Practicing? That's what we're calling it now?"
I shrugged, pretending not to notice the small ripple of wind curling around my ankle… responding to me on its own again wonderful another thing to hide.
Kali peeked at me from behind Father, her bright blue eyes wide with curiosity. "Your hair is glowing," she whispered, like it was a secret between sisters.
Of course it was. It always did when my emotions stirred my hair catching the light like wildfire, my skin warm, my eyes burning bright gold.
"Breakfast," Mother said firmly. "Then you're meeting Instructor Arlen."
I groaned so loudly a few birds flew away. "Do I have to?"
"Yes," my parents said at the same time.
Carl leaned closer to me, voice low. "He's getting suspicious, you know."
"I'm not doing anything," I muttered.
"You don't have to," he whispered. "Magic follows you."
He wasn't wrong. It always had.
The first time it happened…
I was six.
Too small to understand what magic was, too curious to leave anything alone.
I touched the ground, and every element answered me at once fire blooming beneath my fingertips, water lifting from the soil, air swirling, the earth humming like it recognized me.
I wasn't supposed to control all of that infact no witch was so I learned to hide it to bury the other abilities time manipulation, illusions, healing, mind resistance deep beneath the fire I pretended was my only gift.
Only Carl ever noticed the cracks in my disguise. Maybe because he grew up with me maybe because he was from Auralis, born with mind magic sharp enough to read the unspoken or maybe because he cared too much.
"Flamara?" Father called gently.
I blinked, realizing I'd drifted off again.
"I'm here," I said quickly, brushing ash from my fingertips before anyone saw. "Let's go."
We started walking back toward the house, sunlight filtering through the archways. The runes on the stone paths glowed as I passed, brightening in a way they didn't for anyone else.
Carl walked beside me, hands in his pockets, eyes tracking every flicker of stray magic around me.
"You felt that pull earlier, didn't you?" he murmured.
"Yeah." i replied playfully.
"It wasn't from here."
"What are u taking about,"
We shared a quiet look one that made the air between us tighten. Tho deep down I felt it whatever had brushed against my magic earlier…whatever had felt me…whatever had smiled…it wasn't human it wasn't witch and it definitely wasn't from Luminra.
Carl nudged me with his elbow, stepping closer so no one else would notice. "Race you there?" he murmured, playful, teasing. His dark eyes, sharp and calculating, flicked over me as if he could read the thoughts I was desperately trying to hide.
I rolled my eyes but let him take a slight lead. "You're on," I replied, letting my long skirts sweep along the path as I followed. My fingers brushed the stone railings, feeling the faint pulse of enchantments beneath the surface. The gardens always responded to my presence, bending just slightly, like they recognized me before anyone else ever could. Kali, trailing behind Mother and Father, skipped along happily, her small frame bouncing with each step. Water magic her first element sparkled faintly around her fingertips, catching the sunlight and painting tiny rainbows onto the polished stones. She glanced at me with wide, admiring eyes. "Flamara! Did you see the way the flowers opened when we walked by?"
I smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I did," I said softly. Truth was, I always noticed. Even now, I couldn't resist letting the air twist lightly around me, brushing against the petals as we passed, teasing them into subtle motion. It was instinct, and it felt… good.
The scent of fresh bread and spiced tea curled through the dining hall, wrapping around me like a soft blanket. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, scattering against the dinning table and making the polished stone floors glow. I let my fingers brush the table absentmindedly, feeling the faint warmth under my skin that always surfaced when I was… thinking too much.
Mother's voice cut through my thoughts. "Flamara, hurry, Instructor Arlen expects you in the eastern training halls. Don't be late, and control your fire." Her sharp tone softened at the end, but the weight of her words still pressed against my chest.
I swallowed, careful not to show the flutter of nerves I always felt at the mention of Arlen. "Yes, Mother I know," I said, keeping my voice steady.
Carl nudged me under the table, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Looking worried already?"
"I'm not worried," I whispered, though my fingers clenched slightly. "I just… don't want to mess up."
He smirked knowingly. "You? Mess up? The fire that could melt stone? Impossible."
I shot him a look, but couldn't hide the ghost of a smile. Carl had a way of making everything feel lighter, even when my magic buzzed faintly under my skin, reminding me of the powers I had to hide.
Kali, my little sister, was already chattering at the table, bouncing with excitement over the water spells she had practiced that morning. Droplets hovered in the air around her fingers, tiny rainbows forming in the sunlit room. Mother kept shooting her glances that mixed exasperation with fondness, and Father quietly sipped his tea, watching the scene with a serene smile. I envied their ordinary magic, easy, predictable, safe.
I, however, was none of those things.
I let my eyes drift to the edge of the room where the morning light fell across the floor, glancing at the polished tiles, feeling the subtle hum of the runes beneath my steps. A flicker of silver just a whisper rippled across the floor as if responding to me. I froze for a heartbeat, then forced my fingers to relax.
No one noticed. Carl's gaze found mine across the table, dark and knowing, and I felt a flicker of reassurance. He always noticed always.
"Flamara," Mother said, breaking the silence, "finish your breakfast. Arlen will not wait."
I nodded, eating slowly, savoring the warmth of the tea, the softness of the bread. Kali reached across the table to nudge my hand, making a small splash of water hover before it fell. She laughed, innocent and pure, and I smiled back, letting her joy anchor me to this ordinary moment.
Carl leaned slightly closer, his dark hair falling into his eyes. "You always seem… distant at moments like this," he said quietly, just enough for me to hear.
"I'm not distant," I whispered, though the truth lingered on my tongue. "I'm… thinking."
"You're thinking too much," he said softly. "Don't forget to breathe and don't forget, you're not alone."
I glanced at him, catching the faintest warmth in his dark eyes. He was protective, cautious, playful, teasing but always careful not to overstep. The only person who ever seemed to understand the currents of my hidden powers, the hum beneath my skin.
We left the dining hall together, Carl slightly ahead, waiting for me with that familiar, mischievous smile. The morning air was cool and soft, brushing through my hair and lifting the skirts of my gown. The sunlight caught the red-gold strands, making them gleam like fire. My eyes, amber-gold and bright, reflected the light and the shadows around us, glinting with emotions I carefully concealed.
"Try not to burn the halls down," Carl teased, falling into step beside me.
"Funny," I muttered, though I allowed a small smirk.
The eastern training halls rose ahead, massive and ancient, walls etched with runes that pulsed faintly with magic. This was where I would meet Instructor Arlen, where I would be trained, where I would pretend to be just another fire witch.
No one had to know that beneath my controlled flames, the other elements stirred quietly, waiting. Water, Earth, Air, Shadow and even the secret powers I had never shown to anyone powers that belonged to the witches from Auralis Kingdom mind magic, illusions, teleportation, time bending, and healing.
All of it lay coiled, soft and patient, like a flame ready to awaken.
And Carl noticed it too. I could feel his awareness, subtle and gentle, like a shadow that comforted rather than threatened.
We reached the doors, polished and tall, etched with golden runes, and paused. He looked at me, expression softening. "You'll do fine," he said, almost more to himself than to me.
I nodded, trying to steady the flutter in my chest. Together, we stepped inside.
The halls smelled faintly of warmed stone and magic, the air thick with the quiet hum of elemental energy. I ran my fingers along the carved walls, feeling a shiver of anticipation. Today, I would meet Instructor Arlen again. Today, I would pretend and the elements inside me stirred with a quiet, patient curiosity, eager to see what I could do next.
The halls were empty, except for one figure Instructor Arlen. He stood in the center, tall and precise, robes of crimson and gold flowing, his gaze sharp and calculating. He didn't smile. He rarely did.
"Flamara," he said, voice low but commanding. "Let's begin."
I stepped forward onto the rune-etched platform. The stones pulsed faintly beneath my feet, acknowledging me. I lifted my hands, letting the familiar warmth of fire bloom softly above my palms.
"Simple control first," Arlen instructed. "Shape the flame. Make it yours."
I nodded, forcing my mind to focus. The fire danced along my fingers, curling into a smooth spiral. I held it steady, keeping it small, delicate. No one needed to see what it could really do.
Carl's gaze never left me. Even in the quiet, he noticed every flicker, every subtle shift of heat along my skin. He smirked. "Perfectly safe," he whispered, teasing, "for now."
I rolled my eyes but let the small smile slip.
Arlen circled slowly, inspecting my form, his boots silent against the polished stone. "Good," he said. "Now combine it with another element...Air."
I inhaled deeply, coaxing the wind to stir around the fire. The flame twisted, dancing lightly in the breeze, sparks shimmering just so. I forced the motion to appear natural, careful not to reveal the true extent of my other elements. Only Carl, my family, and Arlen would ever see beyond the fire.
"Excellent," Arlen murmured, pausing in front of me. "You have… control most witches can't even dream of."
I forced my shoulders to relax, hiding the thrill of his praise. Control that was the word that kept me in check. If anyone else suspected how many elements I could command, how many powers I hid… it would ruin everything.
Carl leaned slightly closer. "Careful with that air flare," he whispered, "or Arlen might start thinking you're showing off."
I let a faint smirk tug at my lips. "Showing off? Me?"
The hall filled with soft light as I guided the flame along a smooth spiral, letting it curl upward, small and contained. The air followed, twisting in response. Perfect, controlled, subtle.
I felt the faintest ripple at the edges of my consciousness time bending, a whisper of shadow, a touch of healing energy but I ignored it. My training had always been about restraint. The world didn't need to know I could do more than fire and air. Not yet.
Arlen stepped back, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You are… unusual. But careful that is your strength."
I nodded, heart thrumming beneath my ribs. Unusual, dangerous, necessary words that fit me better than anyone could guess.
Carl caught my gaze, dark eyes softening. He didn't ask questions. He didn't need to. He already knew.
We spent the next hour in quiet focus. Fire curling with air, sparks dancing just above my fingertips, my movements fluid, precise. Kali and my parents were worlds away, busy in the bakery, and no one else ever noticed the subtle hum of the other powers I kept locked inside. Only Carl's eyes followed me like a shield, and Arlen's evaluation was careful, measuring.
The morning passed too quickly. And as the flame in my hands died down, curling into soft embers, I realized something I hadn't allowed myself to think before being extraordinary was lonely but having someone who saw it and didn't fear it made it bearable.
Carl nudged me lightly as we left the platform. "Not bad, fire queen," he said with a smirk, though the warmth in his voice betrayed how much he cared.
I rolled my eyes again, letting the smallest, quietest smile escape. "Not done yet," I said.
The practice hall's heat still clung to my skin, a faint echo of the controlled fire I had bent and twisted with air, when Carl nudged me toward the exit.
"You look like you've been battling a volcano," he said, smirking as he fell in step beside me.
"I was," I replied lightly, brushing my hair back. "A very cooperative volcano."
He chuckled, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Uh-huh and all perfectly under control, of course?"
I rolled my eyes. "Of course."
We stepped out into the crisp afternoon air. The courtyard stretched before us, sunlight pooling in patches between the fountains and rose gardens. I let my gaze wander around, letting the lingering warmth of the training settle into a pleasant hum under my skin. The day had been… ordinary perfectly normal.
"Well, since you're done pretending to be obedient, I say we head to Auralis," Carl said suddenly, pointing to the distant city gates. "They've got a festival going on. Food stalls, games, magic demonstrations…" His grin widened. "And I know a shortcut that won't get us stopped by the guards."
I hesitated. "Auralis? You know I..."
"Relax," he interrupted, rolling his eyes. "You're fine. Nothing's going to happen to you."
I frowned, then smirked. "Nothing can happen to me, Carl I'm a witch."
"You say that like it makes me feel safe," he muttered under his breath.
"Should," I replied, giving him a pointed look. "Now, come on."
By mid-afternoon, we were weaving through the bustling streets of Auralis, laughing as we ducked past merchants, watched street performers, and sampled glowing fruit that fizzed faintly in the tongue. Carl challenged me to a playful duel of mind magic illusions, creating flickering mirages of animals and fireworks that left nearby children gasping in delight. I let fire spark subtly at the edges of my illusions, making the shapes more vibrant and mesmerizing.
"Okay, okay, you win this round," Carl admitted, laughing. "I can't compete with a fire-bending illusionist who's also too stubborn to admit defeat."
I grinned, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Too stubborn? That's my middle name."
Hours passed like minutes, and soon the sun was dipping low on the horizon. The city's glow shifted from sunlight to lanterns and streetlights, and I realized it was time to return home.
Carl walked beside me, frowning slightly. "I can walk you all the way," he offered.
"No need," I said, waving him off. "I can handle myself. Fire, air… I've got powers. Nothing's going to happen."
He narrowed his eyes but let it go. "If you insist," he muttered.
By the time I arrived at the house, the evening sky was painted in deep purples and reds. I swung the small old gate open and froze.
A boy sat on the stairs inside the building, arms folded, leaning casually against the railing. He looked around my age, perhaps a little older, with dark hair that fell carelessly over sharp, calculating eyes. His expression was… arrogant.
I took a step forward, voice sharp. "Who are you? This is private property."
He didn't flinch. Instead, he tilted his head, smirking. "I could ask you the same thing. You don't look like you belong here either."
My hands clenched at my sides. "Excuse me?"
"Don't get your fire all tangled," he said, voice casual, as if I were the problem. "Just stating facts. I'm Dirvan."
The name had no meaning to me yet, but the tone… the confidence… the audacity… it made my skin crawl. "Dirvan," I repeated, testing it. "And you think sitting in someone else's building makes you interesting?"
His smirk widened, unimpressed. "Interesting? Maybe not. But I do know how to make an entrance."
I crossed my arms, glaring. "Well, your entrance is obnoxious."
Before he could reply, the sound of footsteps echoed from above. My mother appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing her usual warm smile. "Ah, Flamara, there you are," she said cheerfully, though her eyes flicked to Dirvan. "And this must be our new neighbor. He just rented the apartment upstairs. Dirvan, this is Flamara, my daughter."
Dirvan's smirk remained, though now it seemed slightly more polite, barely. "A pleasure," he said, bowing his head with a show of mock courtesy.
I stared at him. He was everything I disliked in one person arrogant, overconfident, too sure of himself.
And yet, something about the way he carried himself… unsettled me, though I couldn't quite say why.
Mother clapped her hands lightly. "Well, don't be shy. You'll get along fine. Now, Flamara, dinner soon, and Dirvan, I'm sure you'll settle in nicely."
Dirvan gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, still smirking, while I made my way past him, muttering under my breath, "Obnoxious, full of himself, and clearly thinks he owns the place."
I didn't know it then, but this was the first moment our worlds would collide and I wasn't sure if I liked it.
The morning sun warmed my face as I stepped out of my room, stretching the stiffness from yesterday's training. My hair slipped down my back in loose waves I really should braid it soon, but not now. I just needed food.
The smell of toasted bread drifted from the small kitchen.
Mother was already awake she always was.
"Good morning, Mother," I said, sliding into my seat.
"Morning, my flame," she replied with her usual soft smile. "Eat well, instructor Arlen is waiting for you."
I groaned quietly.
"He didn't even rest?"
"He said today's lesson is important."
Arlen's lessons were always important and always exhausting.
I chewed slowly, giving myself a mental pep talk. Fire, water, earth the balance between them all was getting easier.
The other… powers I didn't dare name?
Those were a different story.
My fingers tingled beneath the table. I quickly steadied my breath before Mother noticed. She never missed anything, and the last thing I needed was another long "control lecture."
After breakfast, I packed my satchel and stepped outside. The air was cool, fresher than usual, carrying that crisp morning silence I loved.
I locked the door, adjusted my gloves, and was almost starting down the path until a shadow jumped down from the upper balcony.
I stopped instinctively.
He landed right in front of me with a thud same boy from yesterday, dark hair falling over sharp eyes, a smirk already forming like he'd practiced it in the mirror.
He straightened, dusting off his sleeves dramatically.
"You're in my way," I said, unimpressed.
"Oh?" he stepped aside with an exaggerated bow. "Downstairs queen wants to pass?"
I blinked.
Who is this clown?
I walked past him without answering, but of course he followed, boots crunching on gravel behind me.
"So formal," he said. "No hello? No welcome-to-the-neighborhood gift?"
I didn't bother looking at him. "I don't owe you anything."
He clicked his tongue. "And here I was trying to be friendly."
"You're failing."
"Well," he said, voice dropping into that annoyingly confident tone, "I like a challenge."
I stopped walking turned and glared.
"I don't know you. I don't want to know you so stop talking."
He smiled like I'd just complimented him.
"Noted," he said. "But ignoring me won't make me disappear."
"Watch me try."
I stepped around him and continued my walk very irritated the same way anyone would be when a stranger decided to be dramatic for no reason. He didn't follow this time.
Good.
I exhaled and headed straight toward the training grounds. Arlen was waiting, Carl would probably show up later.