Page 54 of Daughter of the Serpent

An unwelcome thought whispered through her mind -could he have done it to serve her further punishment?

A surge of anger flared in her chest, defiance swelling like a storm she couldn’t contain. Heat prickled beneath her skin, and her hands tingled as warmth began to pulse through them. The energies of her magic stirred, unbidden, rising in response to her fury, answering her call before she even realized she had made it.

Her emotions took her off guard.

Despite her self - perception as a humble, meek servant, she found herself consumed by seething anger - a feeling she could no longer ignore.

A voice then arose in her mind.

“There you are.”

Startled, she shook her head.

She hadn’t heard the voice since the day of rebirth, and she had convinced herself that it had all been a delusion from the after effects of the rite. Yet now here she was, perfectly sober and alert.

Was she losing her own mind?

Shaking off her doubts, she reached for her satchel. There was no time to question her sanity or feelings - especially today. Godvik had arranged for her to join elder Runa’s classes with the other students of the light, where she would finally have the chance to expand her magical knowledge.

With spring approaching, the trials wouldn’t be far off, and preparation was crucial.

Yet, her heart raced in her chest at the thought.

For so long, she had been excluded, cast out due to suspicion, barred from learning like the others. Her place had always been in the healing quarters, performing the smallest tasks, her growth stunted by distrust.

But now, everything had changed.

She would face the trials, qualifications or not, and she had to be ready.

She sucked in a breath. A part of her dreaded it, but another part, hidden deep within, quietly thrilled at the challenge.

She made her way through the halls, giving a brief nod to the guards stationed along the far side of the corridor. Her feet followed the familiar path toward the entrance of the learning quarters, where the students would gather. She pushed open the heavy wooden door, its creak echoing through the chamber as she stepped inside, anticipation tightening within her chest.

The room was already bustling with people - some younger, some beyond her years. Most faces she recognized, others not. Yet as soon as she had stepped beyond the door, all seemed to share a common thread - their disdain for her presence. She could feel the sting of their eyes, hear the whispers that passed between them, the knowledge clear that she was unwelcome.

Among them Bjorn sat, his expression shifting quickly when he caught sight of her across the room, his eyes turning into dangerous slits. In his hands he thumbed the blade of his ax, and she knew as he watched her, he was having visions of embedding it into her neck.

It was clear that seeing her whipping wasn’t punishment enough for someone like him, and she knew in the way he watched her now that his revenge was far from over.

Elder Runa was before the group, her long red and white robes skirting the floor as she paced in front of the class. Catching sight of Sylvie, she gestured before one of the open seats at the front, beside Haldor. Sylvie’s spine straightened the moment her eyes met his, his expression unreadable. She slid into the seat beside him, keeping her gaze fixed forward. After the events of yesterday she wasn’t sure where he stood, and she found herself fidgeting with her fingers in her lap.

"Today marks a special occasion," Elder Runa's voice sounded out, slicing through her thoughts. "Following the celebration of Rebirth, a new chapter has begun, and I have received the command to expedite your training."

Sylvie watched as Runa moved restlessly across the room, her gaze darting between the students as she absentmindedly tugged at her sleeve, pulling it to conceal her disfigured wrist.

“Typically this next phase wouldn’t begin until next summer, but due to recent events, we will be beginning the new stage of your education - today.”

Her eyes scanned them narrowly.

“Now, many of you have acquired knowledge of the runes and their meanings, yet casting has been withheld until you've honed your strength to channel effectively - however it shall be withheld no longer.”

A hush of whispers erupted throughout the class, as surprise filled the room.

“Many of us aren't ready to channel that much power.” A girl with a long pale braid called out, her blue eyes filled with a tangible anxiety. “To try and cast too early could cause disastrous consequences.”

Sylvie had heard the stories of what happened to students to cast too soon, or too early - whether in haste or pure ego, they all had paidthe steep price. Though all had passed through the flame of judgment and were deemed worthy of channeling - didn’t mean they would, and be successful. All had to practice, learn, and grow in their skill and cultivation of the magical arts. Those who were weak were swiftly dealt with. Many were removed from their studies to pursue lesser duties at the temple, and others - never to touch the source again.

A shudder ran down Sylvie's spine.