73 Results in the "A Blossom of Flames" category
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Valentina awoke with a soft groan, her body cramped under the thin blanket that offered little protection against the first winter cold that crept through the thin walls of her tiny attic room. Her eyes opened reluctantly, still hazy from sleep but immediately filled with the gnawing fear that had accompanied her into slumber. "Good morning, little Weaver,"Vyxara's voice whispered in her head, soft as velvet, but with an undertone that made Valentina shudder. "Are you ready for our big…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 27 – The First Round
Valentina blinked, still dazed from sleep, as the realization hit her: Today was the day. The first round of the Greystone Competition was coming up. She sat up with a soft groan, her body protesting against the abrupt movement. The last few weeks of intensive preparation had left their mark. Dark circles appeared under her eyes, betraying thecountless nights she had spent awake, reading, and learning. "Good morning, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered in her head, the demon's voice velvety and…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 28 – The Turning Point
"Spit it out peasant girl," Faustus Boarfend snarled. He broke away from the group and stood in front of Valentina, his face contorted into a condescending expression. "How exactly are you cheating?" Valentina felt her stomach tighten. She had hoped to avoid this confrontation. "I've worked hard, Faustus," she said calmly, trying to keep her voice neutral. Faustus laughed humorlessly. "Worked hard? And under which professor's body did you work so hard? Horne? Veilford? No one makes such progress in…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 29 – The Cost of Success
At that moment, she heard muffled voices from a corner of the hall. She recognized Professor Emberfell and Professor Veilford, who were engaged in a quiet but intense discussion. About her. "...never seen anything like it," she heard Professor Veilford say. "The way she manipulated the Essence was far above the level of a first-year student." Professor Emberfell nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Valentina has surprised us all. Her progress over the last few weeks has been remarkable. I knew she was…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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A short time later, she arrived in the library, surrounded by the smell of old leather, parchment and dust, which settled over her like a familiar blanket. The dimmed light from the Essence lamps bathed the high bookshelves in a cozy glow. Valentina walked straight to the Essence Theory section, running her fingers over the spines of books as she searched for texts that might help her with her studies. "Basics of Essence Weaving", "The Story of the Martyr and Its Significance to Weaving" - a title…
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374.8 K • Ongoing
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The main hall of Bridgewater University was filled with a palpable tension. Hundreds of students and other onlookers crowded into the university's main room, their faces a reflection of nervousness, hope, barely suppressed excitement,or just plain curiosity. The tall windows let in the morning sunlight, which refracted in the half-faded remnants of the shimmering Essence patterns that still hung in the air from the previous day's exam. Valentina stood at the edge of the crowd, her heart pounding so…
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374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 31 – The Burning Quill
Dusk had fallen over Bridgewater as Valentina, Innogen and Crispin made their way to The Burning Quill. The streets of the old town were a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and crooked half-timbered houses, their upper floors leaning over the path as if they were reaching out to each other across the street. The smell of roasting meat and alcohol hung in the air, mixed with the smoky aroma of burning logs. Lanterns flickered on the street corners, casting dancing shadows on the cobblestones. "It's not…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 32 – Between Two Worlds
As the bell of the Burning Quill rang for the last round, Valentina, Innogen and Crispin realized how quickly time had passed. The tavern had emptied noticeably, with only a few stubborn revellers still holding out at their tables. "I think it's time for us to go," Innogen said with a yawn that she tried to hide behind her hand. Valentina nodded in agreement, but at the same time felt a pang of regret. The evening had been so beautiful, so liberating. Part of her didn't want to let go of that feeling…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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Valentina lay awake in her narrow bed early in the morning, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, while the events of the previous night swirled through her head like autumn leaves in the wind. The visit to the Burning Quill had stirred something inside her. The frank conversations with Innogen and Crispin about love, intimacy and expectations had touched a side of her that she had kept carefully closed off. And then there had been Hobkin, with his seductive smile and sparkling eyes, who had made eyes at her…
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374.8 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 34 – Breaking Barriers
Valentina slipped back into the university unnoticed. Once in her room, she pulled the packet out of her bag and looked at it thoughtfully. With trembling hands, she opened it and began to prepare the brew according to Mara's instructions. The scent of herbs filled the small room, a mixture of bitter and sweet notes. Valentina took a deep breath, gathered her courage and drank the brew in one gulp. The taste was surprisingly mild, with a slightly earthy aftertaste. It wasn't necessarily delicious, but…-
374.8 K • Ongoing
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