Aria was thirteen years old now, and the healing garden had become more than just a place she visited. It had become her sanctuary, her refuge, the one place where she felt completely at peace with herself and her growing powers.
She spent most of her afternoons there, sometimes alone with her thoughts, sometimes with Margaret learning new techniques and ancient wisdom. She was always learning, always practicing, always growing stronger and more confident in her abilities.
Her power had become steady over the years. It was strong, reliable, something she could call upon whenever she needed it. But despite her strength, she remained careful. She never took her gift for granted, never used it carelessly. She understood that with great power came great responsibility, and she took that responsibility seriously.
