Whispers Beneath the Veil

st, her chest rising and falling in sharp, shallow breaths. Every inch of her body was on edge as she tried to steady herself. Dorian, standing across from her with his pie

mmand that made her spine stiffen. "Feel the power inside of

feel the power humming beneath her skin, but it was wild-unpredictable. It p

er, and she had barely begun to understand what that meant. Dorian had promised answers, but they hadn't come yet. Inst

of frustration and self-doubt lacing her words. Her gaze f

a choice," Dorian replied, his tone less harsh

idea how to tap into it. It wasn't like anything she had ever felt before-more l

r. His presence loomed over her as he placed a hand gently on her

In through your nose, out through your mouth.

fore exhaling slowly. Her heart rate slowed, but the power within

us on the mark. Visualize it.

ines, ancient symbols that pulsed with a quiet, deadly energy. She reached out mentally, trying to wrap her

he muttered, shaking

hand at her waist. His proximity sent a shiver through

ice calm but firm. "You can't force it. The magi

ad always prided herself on being able to handle everything life threw her way, but this-this was different. Thi

rst appeared, the weight of it on her skin, the electricity that surged through her as the book bonded with her. She thought about Dorian's words, about

g it wash over her. The mark on her wrist pulsed again, but this time it was steady-calm. The magic didn't fe

into a small,

e said, his voice softer

ing in her that she didn't even understand yet. But for the first time since she had come here, Ava felt a spark of hope. Mayb

next step?" Dorian as

y despite the swirl of emot

d a hint of something unreadable. "Goo