The Veil of Darkness

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow upon the side garden of the magnificent Cursed castle. The air was so chilly that the sun rays barely helped at all. There were no squirrels or birds making noises nearby, only silence and the rustling of leaves as a light breeze blew across the garden.

Annalise and Kenric stood side by side, anticipation, and excitement evident in their eyes. This evening marked a special moment in their journey, as they were about to delve into the art of using magical weapons together.

"The weather looks least perfect for outside training." Annalise couldn’t hold herself back as she mattered out the words while pushing her hands deeper into the pockets of her cloak.

"I thought you were actually excited about our training session?" Kenric called her out as he stared right into her eyes. His dark summer eyes made her wish for a warm summer day.

"People can change their mind with time, you know?" She provided in response while trying to not turn out as the guilty party. Who would have known that the weather would suddenly take a sharp turn in just a couple of days? Just the day before there could still be felt some warmth in the air but that all was gone all of a sudden.

"But you aren’t just anyone. You are my Little Bird, there’s no way you will give up on such an incredible chance to learn the great art of weaponry." Kenric wasn’t giving up and it made Annalise just accept her after that she had brought upon herself. After all, she wa the one who had been pestering him, ever since the day of her test against Damien, to teach her how to handle magical weapons.

With a warm smile, Kenric handed her a slender silver dagger, intricately carved with ancient symbols. It was a gift from his ancestors, passed down through generations, and tonight, he would guide Annalise in unlocking its powers.

"Are you ready, my love?" Kenric’s voice was a gentle murmur, yet it held a hint of playfulness that made Annalise’s heart flutter.

She nodded, her heart pounding with excitement and nerves. Kenric’s hands gently enveloped hers, guiding her fingers to grasp the dagger confidently. "Now, feel the magic coursing through you. Remember, it’s not about attacking but learning the true potential of this dagger when combined with your powers," he whispered, his breath brushing against her ear.

"Okay," Annalise whispered back as she tightened her fingers around the wooden holder of the dagger. She slightly loosened her hold over her powers, allowing them to find or create a connection with the dagger that seemed much more than just a simple weapon that Kenric had chosen to use for the practice.

As they began their training, she felt an unexpected surge of energy. The dagger did seem to resonate with her, as if it recognized her innate potential.

"See there. It’s recognizing your potential. Now, you have to recognize its power too so that you both can form a team." Kenric continued to guide her. "Our weapons are just like our familiars, they need our trust and warmth to become a part of us. Treat them with the care and respect they deserve."