Orryx Enchanted

Thalia learning

Thalia

“Focus, Thalia,” Layton’s voice cuts through the room like a sharp blade, calm but firm.

“I am trying!” I snap back, sweat beading at my forehead. My hand is raised, fingers stretched as I attempt to freeze everyone in the room—everyone except us. The whole place was still, suspended in time, but I could already feel the strain pulling at me.

“Don’t push too hard. Breathe. Let the power flow naturally. Time isn’t meant to be forced; it bends at your will,” Layton coaches. His voice carries the authority of someone who’s been through this a thousand times.

I take a deep breath, trying to ground myself. “10… 9… 8…” Amara counts off from behind me. But just as we reach 4, my concentration snaps, and the people start moving again. They resume their lives, completely unaware that they were just frozen in place.

“Damn it!” I groan in frustration, clenching my fists.

Layton steps forward, calm as ever. “Don’t get discouraged. You’re fighting the natural flow of time rather than guiding it. You have to trust yourself. Feel it. Let it bend with your will, not against it.”

“I don’t understand,” I say, my frustration seeping into my words. “I was born with this power, but I can’t control it. Why can’t I get this right?”

Layton nods, understanding the frustration. “Your powers are like muscles. Just because you’re born with them doesn’t mean you’ve been trained to use them. Your parents sheltered you from the magical world for too long. We’re playing catch-up now, but we’ll get there.” He looks me in the eye. “One more time, Thalia. If you don’t get it this time, we’ll have to postpone any missions to save your parents. I can’t have you girls rushing into danger without control over your abilities. The demons we’ll face are ancient and cunning. They will exploit any weakness.”

I feel the weight of his words like a punch to the gut. “Okay,” I nod, determined. “I’m ready.” I raise my hand again, the air around me humming with the energy of my power. Everyone around us begins to freeze once more. The woman to my right stops mid-sip of her drink, her boyfriend frozen in mid-laughter.

“Now, control your breathing,” Layton guides me. “Count with me… 10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2…”

My heart races as I reach the end of the count. They’re still frozen.

“I did it,” I whisper, my breath shaky. I can feel my power straining, pulling at the edges of my control, but I hold it for another second before finally releasing. The room unfreezes, and the people return to their routines, oblivious.

“Good girl,” Layton praises, his eyes warm with pride. “You’re getting there.”

As we teleport home, I can’t help but let my gaze linger on him for a moment. His ocean-blue eyes meet mine, and for a fleeting second, I feel an unfamiliar warmth in my chest.

“Do the elders ever let you experience… human things?” I ask without thinking.

He arches a brow. “Human things? Like what?”

I feel my face heat up, realizing the direction my question is taking. “Like… dating?”

Layton smirks, but it’s brief. “The elders don’t advise against it, but…” he trails off, his face suddenly serious. “I wouldn’t consider it. Getting involved with a witch is complicated.”

Something inside me tightens, though I’m not sure why. “Oh,” I say, keeping my voice neutral, even as disappointment twists in my gut. “I’m heading to work. Amara, don’t forget to practice.”

“Moms not here to nag me, you know?” Amara calls out snarkily.

I roll my eyes, but deep down, I feel the familiar weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders.