Chapter 64 – Night Training
The moonlight seeped through the round window and woke Lia. Beside her, William was still asleep, his face relaxed after the previous night. Remembering it gave her a warm feeling, but worry soon invaded her. She slipped gently out of bed, wrapping herself in the sheet. "William," she whispered, caressing his dark hair. "We need to talk for a moment."
He blinked, slowly waking up. "What’s wrong, my love?"
"Last night was... wonderful," Lia began, her eyes shining with sincerity. "But we can’t let this distract us completely. When we arrive at the academy, if I haven’t advanced, if I don’t show results... I fear they’ll separate us. I couldn’t bear to be away from you, William."
"You’re right, we must strive. And about that..." A slight smile curved his lips. "I’ve already advanced to Wizard Apprentice Level 1. I will strive to reach Level 2 as soon as possible."
Lia’s eyes widened with surprise and disbelief. "What?! How did you do it so quickly?"
William sighed, a hint of pain crossing his face. "It was... intense. Aurus, my master, forced me to go through a kind of torture to be able to feel the mana. Since then, I train every day, without fail." Seeing the worry on Lia’s face, he added softly, "Do you want me to help you? I’m willing to share what I’ve learned."
Lia nodded fervently. "Please." Then, she took a deep breath and recited the words they had been taught: "Shaelun vora elentis, kal’dar en mureth. (May the mind be calm, may the soul open)." She frowned. "This is supposed to connect us with the mana, to understand it... but I don’t feel anything. None of the girls can. That’s why we’re so behind."
William looked at her with determination. "Trust me, Lia. Come with me." He turned to head towards the cabin door, but her voice stopped him.
"Wait! It’s forbidden to go out at night."