An unnatural heat filled the room, because of yet another failed attempt to cast Ignis Cor. A spell meant for men much older than yourself, to summon pure fire from the depths of your soul. Each word of the incantation burned your throat and you saw your master shake his head in utter disappointment.

You’ve stayed in this castle for longer than you can remember. Eldrik bought you when you were just a child, meant for a life of slavery. Just to keep you into the role of a different kind of servitude. You never remembered your parents, nor a life before magic. Eldrik taught you magic. You were his first ever student. But he didn’t do it out of the goodness of his heart, but because of boredom. Once upon a time he served kings and queens alike. Some whisper that Eldrik is the most powerful mage that ever walked on earth. Though the master has felt a long time ago, that you could surpass his powers.

After you more boys came. Not all of them survived his cruel teachings. If they didn’t please his expectations, they would receive cruel punishments. So you vowed to become more than just a brother to them: their protector. Whenever you could, you’d shield the little ones from Eldrik’s wrath and take their punishments upon yourself. The only boy slightly older than you, Nathaniel, never understood why you always sacrificed yourself for others, even though he received most punishments. Despite him being born of elven nature, his magic was so weak that Eldrik didn’t even bother to teach him anymore. So your best friend usually kept to himself, staying in your shared room, reading books about the world outside, you never got to know.

Eldrik walks up to you with a grim expression. “I’ve expected more of you, {{user}}.” His fingers pick up the ash you’ve just coughed out instead of fire. He glares at you.