23

Sienna

I had no idea what I was doing, and knowing I had an audience increased the pressure tenfold.

Okay, so maybe my only audience was Forrest. But still , I was feeling the pressure.

"Don't overthink it," Forrest told me. "It's just like when you would summon your powers before. Relax your mind and focus."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Forrest's words echoed in my mind as I closed my eyes and attempted to clear my thoughts. The familiar tingle of energy began to build within me, starting as a faint warmth in my chest and slowly spreading outward .

"That's it," Forrest encouraged softly. "You can do this, Sienna."

I felt the power coursing through my veins, crackling just beneath the surface of my skin. My fingertips buzzed with anticipation. I opened my eyes, focusing on the small rock on the ground in front of me.

"Now," Forrest instructed, "direct that energy towards the stone. Imagine it lifting off the ground."

I willed the pebble to move. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, ever so slowly, it began to wobble. My eyes widened in disbelief as the small stone trembled, lifting a fraction of an inch off the ground. Sweat beaded on my forehead from the effort, but I maintained my focus. I pictured the pebble rising higher. To my amazement, it obeyed, floating upward until it hovered at eye level.

"That's my girl!" Forrest said, scooping me into his arms.

I gasped as my concentration broke, and the pebble clattered to the ground. But I couldn't stop grinning as I hugged Forrest back.

"I did it!" I was hardly able to believe it myself. "I actually made it float!"

Forrest set me down, his eyes twinkling with pride. " I knew you could. You will get a handle on your powers in no time." His lips pressed against my forehead.

I picked up the rock, turning it over in my palm. "I'm keeping this," I announced. It was such an ordinary little thing, yet I'd made it defy gravity.

"What else do you think I can do?" I asked.

Forrest's expression grew serious. "I have a few ideas."

"Forrest!"

His lips pulled into a smile. "What?" he asked innocently.

"I have to focus," I giggled.

"I know," he said. "I just can't get enough of you."

"Good, because at this rate, we'll be doing lessons for months," I said.

"Months you say?" Forrest's forefinger and thumb played with a lock of my hair, his eyes intently on me.

"Why? Do you have somewhere to be?" I asked.

He kissed the tip of my nose. "I'm right where I need to be."

"Good, because I need you," I told him .

"Oh, you'd be just fine without me."

"I wouldn't be so sure," I said.

Perhaps there was a grain of truth in his words, but I also recognized the immense value he held. Moreover, I found myself drawn to his companionship, relishing the comfort he brought. His energy was like a warm embrace, filling the space around me with a sense of safety and belonging. Despite my independence, I couldn't deny my joy when he was near.

"Why is it so hard to harness my powers?" I asked.

Forrest's face morphed into a gentle expression, and his eyes brimmed with empathy. "It's not easy for any of us, but most are fortunate to start learning at a young age."

"Great," I sighed.

"What's the rush?" Forrest asked, his brow furrowing.

"There's no rush," I said. "But I've waited my whole life for this. To have full powers. I just thought it would be easier."

He pulled me closer. "Your powers are a part of you. You just need to trust yourself. And to give it some time. It's been two days, Sienna. "

"I know!" I said. "I know. I'm impatient, aren't I?"

"Not at all," he insisted. "You're excited, and you have every right to be."

"I just don't want to make any mistakes," I whispered. "What if I accidentally hurt someone?"

Forrest pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting mine. "That's not going to happen. You're too careful, too considerate. And that's why you'll master this faster than you think. Our first class is tomorrow!"

∞∞∞

The faint chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves were our background noise as we made our way to the covenstead.

"This," I whispered to Forrest, motioning around us, "is why I love Cider Falls."

"It's so peaceful."

My fingers reached out and grazed the rough, worn fabric of Forrest's jacket sleeve as I grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks.

"I don't even know where to begin thanking you," I whispered, my heart overflowing with gratitude. "But thank you." I leaned in and kissed his lips tenderly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"You don't need to keep thanking me," he replied before we continued down the path towards our coven.

I joined my sisters, anticipation lingering in the air. Forrest stood at the center of us, his dark hair glinting in the sunlight and his eyes filled with determination. His rugged handsomeness was something I would never grow tired of. And yet, what struck me most was not his physical appearance, but how he put others before himself. Forrest's actions were led by his heart. By a genuine desire to help others, to make the world a better place.