The early morning sun had risen over Redblood Academy, casting a golden glow across the sprawling campus. The air felt fresh, the kind of crisp air that made Evie feel alive, and yet there was a slight nervousness in her chest as she walked towards the training grounds. Seth escorted her here as she had just finished her first training session with him, and now, it was time for Sol.
Sol, the Prince of Earth, had always been a mystery to her—calm, composed, and deeply in tune with the world around him. His connection with nature was almost palpable, and she couldn't help but wonder what that might feel like.
As she arrived at the designated area, she spotted Sol standing near a cluster of ancient trees. His dark brown hair was messy in the way that suited him, and his shirt—though simple—somehow seemed to carry a quiet strength. He looked at her, a serene smile curling at his lips as he noticed her approach.
"Blossom," he greeted her softly, his voice like the earth beneath her feet—solid, steady. "Are you ready to feel the earth?"
Evie felt a flutter in her chest at the nickname. It was as if he had known, without her telling him, how much she needed something to ground her.
"I think so," she replied, trying to steady her nerves. She was ready to learn—after all, she had made it through the test with Seth. How hard could it be to connect with the earth?
Sol's eyes gleamed with a knowing look as he motioned for her to stand with him, her feet positioned directly over a patch of grass, her body aligned with the center of the earth. He spoke softly, guiding her. "Feel the ground beneath you. Feel the connection with the soil, with the roots that run deep below us. Earth magic doesn't come from force—it comes from understanding. From becoming one with what lies beneath."
Evie did as he said, closing her eyes for a moment. She felt the coolness of the grass against her feet and then—slowly—a deep, resonating pulse from deep within the earth itself. It was slow and steady, like the beat of a heart, vast and unending. She could feel it in her bones, in her veins.
Her breath hitched, and she took another step into the connection. Sol's energy was flowing through her now, like the pulse of the earth, and her own magic responded, swaying with it in perfect synchrony.
"You're doing well," Sol's voice brought her back to herself, low and steady. He placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her further. She felt a warmth in the touch, gentle but sure, like the sun rising over the earth itself.
"Now, Blossom," he continued, his gaze meeting hers, "bring the earth to you. Command it, but do not fight it. Let the earth listen to you."
Evie focused, feeling the vibrations beneath her skin. She raised one hand, and as she did, the ground seemed to shift. At first, it was just a small tremor, but then, slowly, the earth responded, rising into a small mound beneath her palm.
Her eyes widened as she watched the soil obey her command. It was subtle, but powerful. It was as if the earth had heard her and was now offering its support.
"You're doing it," Sol said, stepping closer. His eyes gleamed with pride, but there was something else in his gaze—something deep, something that pulled her in. "You're connected. But remember, the earth is patient. It doesn't rush. You cannot force it."
Evie nodded, feeling the magic course through her fingertips, though a slight weariness had started to take hold. The magic was draining, but there was something so soothing about it—almost like a quiet strength that had always been there, waiting for her to tap into it.
Sol's presence beside her was calming. As she focused, she could feel his energy merge with hers, their auras brushing against each other, warm and steady, like the heat of the sun meeting the cool of the earth. It was magnetic, like the elements themselves were drawing them closer.
"You feel it, don't you?" Sol murmured, his voice soft, a hint of amusement in his tone as he looked down at her with a kind smile. "This connection? Between you and the earth. It's not just magic—it's a bond, a natural part of who you are."
Evie's breath hitched at the smile on his lips, her heart racing faster than before. She nodded, unable to speak at first, overwhelmed by the sensation. "I feel it," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Sol's hand gently brushed against hers as he stepped back. His touch was light, but it lingered, almost as if reluctant to break the contact. "You're stronger than you realize, Blossom. Don't doubt yourself. The earth can be your ally if you learn to trust it—and if you trust yourself."
She nodded, her chest tightening with gratitude. "Thank you, Sol. I didn't know... I didn't know it could feel like this."
His smile softened, and for a moment, he looked like the calm, grounded prince everyone knew him to be—but there was something more in his gaze, something tender. "Magic is never just about control, Blossom. It's about harmony. And right now, I see that you're already finding that balance."
Evie took a deep breath, feeling a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. She had connected with the earth, and she knew it wasn't just about the magic—it was about trust, about learning to listen and accept the world around her.
As the session ended, she found herself reluctant to leave. Sol had a way of making everything feel possible, even the impossible. He gave her a final, lingering glance, as if sharing a silent moment between them. "Rest for now, Blossom," he said, his voice a soothing balm. His eyes lingered on her lips before he quickly diverted it to her eyes "You've done well today."
And with that, Evie smiled, her heart light, as he turned to walk her back to dorm. The connection she had with Sol—deep, unspoken—was a reminder that she had a long journey ahead, but she didn't have to walk it alone.