Eyrx's voice was low and steady behind her. "Close your eyes."
Thalina did.
"Now breathe."
She inhaled slowly, feeling his palm flatten just below her ribs, guiding the rhythm. His other hand remained near her shoulder, steady and grounding. She could feel the vibration of his breath behind her, each word coasting over her skin like a spell. Her pulse danced beneath her skin, erratic and disobedient.
"Feel the heat in your chest," he murmured. "The spark in your core."
"That's... a bit vague," she whispered, frowning.
"Magic is energy," Eyrx said, unbothered. "It moves when you control it. Now focus."
Thalina tried. She truly did. But nothing came. She concentrated, imagined flames licking at her fingertips, but all she felt was the rush of her own breathing and Eyrx's steady presence behind her.
Minutes passed. She strained harder, her brow furrowed, fingers twitching in frustration. A soft shimmer of light formed, barely visible—then flickered out.
Eyrx sighed.
