The cave feels safe, at least for now.

Xander and I emerge from the forest and step into the cool, familiar shadows of the cave. The air smells like damp earth and water, and the only sound is the trickling of the spring water from the pond that sits outside the cave. It's a strange comfort after everything we've been through.

I glance around, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. Nothing seems to have changed in our absence. The cave still feels like a sanctuary—a small, fragile bubble in a world of violence. It's a far cry from the chaos outside, the hunting and the storms of power that still buzz beneath my skin.

I feel tired.

Xander, too, seems exhausted. His shoulders slump as he sinks to the ground near the pond, taking a deep breath as he lets the cool air wash over him. Raven, coiled loosely around my wrist, seems quieter now—almost sullen, his usual sharp comments absent for the moment.

I sit down next to Xander, not bothering to speak, just resting. I feel the tension in my muscles, the burn from overusing the storm magic, and I close my eyes, hoping that rest will ease the ache in my bones.

But I can't stop thinking about the power. It's still there, in the back of my mind, a flickering pulse that calls to me like a siren. The fire, the water, the lightning, the darkness—it all feels like it's right under my skin, waiting for me to reach out and claim it.

But I can't. Not yet.

I know that if I reach for it again, I might lose control. It was too much before. Too dangerous.

"Emerald," Xander says, breaking my thoughts. His voice is soft, cautious. "Are you okay?"

I open my eyes, meeting his gaze. "I… I don't know."

"You did something incredible out there. You nearly destroyed half the forest, but you also saved us." There's a faint smile on his lips, but it's more of a tired acknowledgment than anything else. "I don't know what you're capable of. But I know that whatever it is, it's not just about the Games anymore."

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. I know. It's not just about the Games. It's about something else. Something bigger, scarier, more uncontrollable.

"I don't want to hurt anyone," I whisper.

"You won't," Xander reassures me. "You just need to learn to control it."

His words are simple, but they strike a chord deep inside me. Control. That's the key, isn't it? I need to learn control, or else the power will destroy me.

I glance at the pond, the cool water glimmering in the dim light. I know what I have to do. But I don't know how.

"How do I control it, Xander?" I ask, my voice strained. "How do I stop it from getting out of hand?"

Xander takes a deep breath, his eyes thoughtful. "You need to start small. One thing at a time. The fire and the water… they're the most basic. You can start there. Once you get the hang of those, maybe the others will follow."

I nod slowly, my heart racing in my chest. Fire and water. Two elements I've already touched, but never truly controlled.

I stand up, taking a deep breath as I walk toward the edge of the pond. The surface is calm, undisturbed. I feel the pull of the water, the weight of it, like it's calling to me. But I've learned one thing today: if I'm going to do this, I can't let it call me. I need to be the one doing the calling.

I close my eyes, reaching inside myself, trying to connect with the water. It's cold at first, like a distant memory, but I reach deeper, seeking the energy within. I find it—small at first, but growing as I focus. It's there, like a stream of life running through my veins, just waiting to be released.

Slowly, carefully, I stretch my fingers toward the pond.

At first, nothing happens.

Then—a ripple.

The surface of the water shifts, a single wave forming where my fingers touch. It's small, delicate, but it's a start.

I concentrate harder, pushing the water to move. The ripple grows into a circle, widening, stretching outward like it's been summoned. I feel the pulse of it, the cool, wet power that flows with it, as it responds to me.

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips, but I don't dare let it grow. This isn't enough. This is just the beginning.

I focus again, and the water obeys. It rises, like a small wave, shaping itself into a ball in front of me, shimmering as it floats in the air. I can feel it, this connection. The way the water bends to my will, the way it follows my lead.

I gasp, stepping back.

"I did it," I whisper, in awe of the power I've just controlled.

But before I can celebrate, the water splashes back into the pond, falling with a soft plunk. I stand there, breathing heavily, the thrill of success quickly fading. It was only a small thing. A drop in the ocean compared to what I could do.

I turn to Xander, a mixture of relief and excitement in my chest. "I can do it. I can control water."

His smile is proud, but cautious. "You're not done yet."

I glance at the flickering light of the fire nearby, and the spark in my chest flares. Fire. The other element I've touched.

I don't waste time. I reach out, pulling the energy from the pit of my stomach, and a flicker of flame leaps from my fingers, crackling in the cool air. It dances there, wild and free. I feel the heat, the power, but also the danger that lies just beneath the surface.

"I can feel it," I mutter, almost to myself. "I can feel the fire, Xander."

Xander watches me carefully, his expression tight, wary. "Be careful. You're still not in full control."

I nod, focusing on the fire again. This time, I try to guide it—not just feel it, but shape it. Slowly, carefully, the flames bend, twisting and curling like they're alive.

But the more I focus, the harder it gets. The flames jump, threatening to burn out of control. My heart races, my breath shallow as I try to hold it steady.

The fire hisses, sparking violently. It flickers—once, twice—and then—

It goes out.

I stand there, breathless, staring at the empty air where the flame once was. My hands shake at my sides, and the weight of it hits me.

Fire is wild. It doesn't obey.

But water… water listens.

I turn to Xander, frustration building in my chest. "I can't do it. I can't control the fire."

Xander is quiet for a moment, his eyes focused on the remnants of the flame. "You can. You just need time. It's not going to happen overnight."

I nod, feeling the weight of his words sink in. The magic, the power, it's all still so new to me. I'm not done learning. But I will be.

Tomorrow, I'll try again. And maybe then, I'll have more control.

But for tonight, the fire is quiet.

And for once, I am too.