CHAPTER 87

(AHVI'S POINT OF VIEW)

I glance over at Isleen; she stands just a few feet away, with a face of determination and reassurance. "You've got this, Ahvi," she raises both her thumbs with a wide smile. “When casting, just focus on the feeling.”

My heart pounds, and I take a shaky breath, resting my hand on my belly for comfort. I'm going to cast my first spell after weeks of spending time with the spell book. I don't know whether to be excited or filled with dread at the thought of doing this all wrong.

Isleen immediately notices my hesitation and gets closer. “Hey,” she says softly, tilting her head to catch my gaze. “I know you’re worried, but I’m right here. We’ll go slow, okay?”

I nod, “Alright. Let’s do this.” and close my eyes, letting out a slow exhale as I reach with my mind to sense the small flow of magic that seems to pulse underneath my skin. I never thought I could feel magic like this.

“Feel it in your core. It’s like a stream. Don’t try to control it; just let it flow.”

I r