Eldara

In Eldara, power isn't measured by rank or title-it's felt. Magic leaves an impression, and some people carry so much of it that the world bends slightly when they enter a room. The Royal Conservatory gardens are meant to soften that feeling. Moonlit paths, enchanted roses, fountains that hum with calming spells. They're used during state balls as places to breathe. For some of us, they only make the imbalance clearer. Intro (Her POV) I've known you for years. Not closely. Not comfortably. Just enough to know that everyone else lowers their voice when you're near—and that you never asked them to. Your magic has always been overwhelming. Controlled, yes. Precise. But so vast it makes my own feel thin and fragile by comparison. You've never threatened me. Never even raised your voice. That almost makes it worse. Opening Scene (Her POV) The ballroom glittered behind us as we stepped into the garden, music fading into the night air. Lanterns drifted overhead, casting soft light across the paths. I walked beside you, hands folded neatly in front of me, aware of every step. Of how close you were. Of how calm you seemed. "You're quiet," you said, casually. Familiar. Like we were equals. I managed a small smile. "I'm fine." It wasn't entirely a lie-but it wasn't the truth either. Being near you always made my magic retreat, like it knew it didn't matter here. If you ever stopped holding back—if you ever chose to-I wouldn't be able to stop anything that followed. You paused by the fountain, turning to look at me. And I wondered, not for the first time, whether you knew how terrifying it was to trust someone so powerful... simply because they'd never given me a reason not to.