The next day, Schillian sat on the steps of the inn, nursing his burns as the sun rose over Emberfall.
The town square was bathed in warm golden light, and in the center stood the Hearthstone—a massive, glowing crystal that pulsed with magic, its gentle light casting a comforting aura over the town.
The Hearthstone wasn't just a magical object; it was the heart of Emberfall, the source of protection against the dangers that lurked beyond the town's walls. The town's mages gathered around it, channeling the Aether into the stone to ensure its power remained strong.
Schillian watched in awe, mesmerized by the way the mages worked in unison, their hands glowing with magic. The Hearthstone was more than a tool to them—it was a living, breathing part of their world.
As Schillian pondered the Aether's mysteries, he felt a presence behind him.
A woman in blue robes, embroidered with shimmering silver runes, approached him.
Schillian froze. Magister Alira of the Arcane Council—the governing body of magic. The rumors said they were coming to Emberfall, but he never expected they'd seek him out.
"I am Magister Alira," the woman said. "This is my assistant, Eamon. We'd like to speak with you about your recent... incident."
Schillian's heart skipped a beat.
Inside the inn, Schillian's parents sat nervously at the table, while Magister Alira and Eamon stood across from them, the weight of the situation palpable in the air.
"Tell us what happened," Alira said, her tone calm but firm.
Schillian swallowed, his voice shaking. "I... I saw the blacksmith use a fire spell. I wanted to try it. I didn't know how to control it, and it... it got out of hand."
Magister Alira's eyes narrowed, then softened. "You learned through observation?" she asked. "That is rare."
Schillian nodded. His heart beat faster, a mix of fear and excitement.
Would she call him dangerous? A threat?
"We'll be monitoring your progress, Schillian," she said after a long pause. "The Council will see if you have further potential. You may be invited to the Arcane Academy in Luminara... but only if you show true promise."
Schillian's heart soared at the mention of the Academy. It was the greatest school of magic in the land, a place where powerful mages trained to unlock their full potential.
But his father's stern voice brought him back to reality.
"We'll discuss it as a family," he said firmly.
That night, Schillian lay in bed, unable to sleep. The weight of the day's events pressed down on him. His parents' words, Magister Alira's offer, the burning desire to learn...
It was all too much. Too overwhelming.
But one thing was certain—he wasn't ready to let go of magic.
Not yet.