Fractured Trust
The tension followed them back to the sanctum like a dark cloud. Isla’s anger burned hotter with each passing moment, her mind racing with questions and doubts. She found her father in one of the inner chambers, poring over ancient texts.
“Why does she keep stopping me?” Isla demanded, her voice sharp and accusing.
Kaelen looked up from the scrolls, his expression conflicted. “Eira is cautious. She’s seen what unchecked power can do.”
“Harm me?” Isla cut him off, her silver eyes blazing. “Or harm someone else? You keep saying you want to help me, but all you’ve done is hold me back!”
Her father sighed, setting the scroll aside as he stood to face her. “There are forces tied to this power, Isla. Forces that don’t answer to you, me, or anyone else. Eira knows their dangers better than most. She’s trying to protect you.”
Isla shook her head, her frustration bubbling over. “I don’t need protection—I need answers! You brought me here, made me feel like I was finally going to understand who I am, and now all I get are warnings and excuses.”
Kaelen stepped closer, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. His golden eyes locked onto hers with a quiet intensity. “You’re stronger than you know, Isla. But there are things even strength can’t protect you from.”
She shrugged off his hand, her voice trembling with anger and pain. “What’s the point of this strength if I’m not allowed to use it? If it can’t save the people I care about?”
Kaelen’s face tightened, guilt flickering across his features. “The point,” he said softly, “is to ensure you don’t lose yourself in the process. Power without control isn’t a gift, Isla—it’s a curse.”
Isla turned away, her chest heaving as she fought back the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “Maybe I’ll figure that out on my own,” she said coldly, leaving the room before he could respond.
As the door shut behind her, Kaelen sank back into his chair, his head in his hands. Moments later, Eira stepped out from the shadows, her expression unreadable.
“She’s slipping further away from you,” Eira said quietly.
“I know,” Kaelen admitted, his voice heavy with regret.
Eira’s gaze lingered on the door Isla had exited through. “You’ll have to decide soon, Kaelen. Whether to let her find her own path… or to guide her, no matter the cost.”
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