The sun was already high by the time ina finished her work. Her hands hurt from scrubbing , and her feet were sore from walking back and forth to the market. Her uncle had yelled at her again, and aunt gave her cold leftovers for lunch. It was always the same.
Tired and upset , Ina walked into the woods behind her house. It was the only place she felt calm. No shouting , no work. Just the sound of birds and winds through the trees.
She sat on the rock and closed her eyes. Her wrist was glowing again, just a little. She touched it , thinking about the dream . The sword... the voice...the painting... the mysterious face. What did it all mean.
Suddenly, she heard something. A soft crack-- like someone stepping on a branch.
Ina opened her eyes and quickly stood up.
"Who's there?" She called.
A man stepped out from behind a tree. He looked calm, not scared.
This man was cloaked in darkness, a shadow amidst a fading light. A hood hid his face. He stood still , with a sword in his hand. And had dark eyes that seem to know everything. He didn't smile, but he didn't look dangerous either.
Ina was scared , she took a step back.
"I'm not here to hurt you", he said in a quiet voice . " I have been watching you, Ina."
Ina took a step back. " how do you know my name?"
" I know more than your name" , he said. " I know what are you. I know about your dreams, The painting, The swords".
Ina's eyes widened . " How do you-- what are you talking about?"
" My name is Rehan," he said. " You're not just a normal girl. You were born with a power-- something very rare. Its inside you, waiting to wake up. You've seen pieces of it already."
Ina shook her head. "NO, I'm just...I'm just a girl. My parents died. I live with my aunt and uncle. I don't have powers."
Rehan looked at her wrist, when the mark glowed faintly.
" You will understand soon," he said. " But if you want answers, you'll have to trust me. I can help you become stronger. I can help you
find out who you really are."
The man walked slowly towards her, but not too close. Then, he reached out and gently touched the glow mark on her wrist.
Ina flinched . Her heart started pounding so fast she thought it might jump out of her chest.
Rehan looked at her with calm eyes, then pulled her closer, carefull not to scare her.
Ina found herself looking into his eyes-- deep, dark brown, warm and full of something she couldn't explain. His beard made his face look
Strong , but there was softness there too. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
For a moment, everything felt still.
Ina's breath caught as Rehan held her close for a second. She wanted to pull away , but something made her stay-- a strange feeling of safety, even though she barely know him.
" I can help you," he said softly, still looking into her eyes. " But first, you have to believe
there's more to you than what you see now".
Ina nodded slowly. Her mind was full of questions, but she didn't have the strength to speak.
Rehan smiled just a little , then stepped back.
" Tomorrow , I will come for you" , he said.
" We will begin your training" .
Before she could say anything , he disappeared into the trees, leaving only a soft breeze behind.
Ina stood alone in the quiet forest, her heart still racing. She looked down at her glowing acar and whispered.
"Maybe... I'm more".
Ina retured back home. Aunt was ready to yell at her , as she returned home late. After the yelling session. She went back to her room. Rehan' s words were continuously repeating in her mind. She was confused, excited, nervous and happy at the same time.
She was watching the moon , and a smile appeared on her face , thinking about Rehan, his words... his eyes... his face. How suddenly everything happened. A lot of questions were arrising in her mind. How did he know her? , how are they connected? She yawned, as she was tired working all day. She made her bed and slept.