THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

[Before the coming-of-age ceremony]

Katrina sighed as she stepped through the grand, marble-lined corridors of the De Gor estate. The weight of her duties as the head maid never seemed to lessen, but it wasn't the work that left her feeling exhausted—it was the growing distance between her and David. Since the coming-of-age ceremony began, David had been engrossed in training, meetings, and all the social obligations that came with his title. Their moments together, once intimate and comforting, had become fleeting.

For weeks, Katrina had been a constant in David's life. She had served the household since she was a girl, rising to the position of head maid not because of her rank but due to her loyalty and competence. Running the estate was second nature to her now, each task completed with the ease of habit. She could manage the kitchen, ensure the staff was in order, and organize even the most demanding events without breaking a sweat.

But it wasn't just the household she was managing—it was her heart. As head maid, her duties were endless, and yet all she could think of was David. The coming-of-age ceremony had taken him away from her, leaving her yearning for the brief moments of connection they used to share. Her new sisters—Vivian, Shay, and Seraphina—seemed to be growing closer to David in their own ways, each battling for his attention, love, and time. Katrina, though fiercely loyal and proud, couldn't help but feel like she was falling behind. They were strong, young, and—like David—had potential. She, on the other hand, was just… the head maid.

She clenched her fists, frustration simmering under the surface. "No," she whispered to herself, her breath coming in ragged. "I won't let them leave me behind." If she wanted to stay by David's side, she needed to grow stronger—not just in spirit, but in power. She had recently awakened a faint trace of magical ability, a spark that could be fanned into a flame with the right guidance. But just as soon as she had felt it, Mage Marvel, the only person capable of teaching her, had left the estate.

It had been a bitter disappointment. Katrina had only scratched the surface of her potential before Marvel was gone, leaving her with more questions than answers. Still, she wouldn't lose hope. She would find a way, even if it meant studying on her own. With renewed determination, Katrina made her way toward the grand halls of the castle's library.

The library was an immense structure, with towering shelves that reached the high vaulted ceilings. Ancient tomes and scrolls filled every inch of space, each one a key to untold knowledge. Katrina had always been more comfortable with a broom in hand than a book, but she wasn't going to let that stop her now. She wandered the aisles, her fingers brushing against the leather-bound volumes as she searched for something—anything—that could guide her.

Eventually, she found a few books that seemed promising. "Foundations of Mana: A Beginner's Guide," "The Arcane Circles," and "Heart of Power: Cultivating realm" were among the titles she pulled from the shelves. She carried them to a nearby table, their weight heavy in her arms, much like the weight of the expectations she had placed on herself.

Katrina sat down and opened the first book, her brow furrowing as she tried to decipher the complex diagrams and terminology. The intricacies of magic weren't as simple as the spells she had once seen Mage Marvel perform. Every line, every symbol, seemed to blur into one another until she felt utterly overwhelmed. She rested her head on the table with a groan. "How does anyone make sense of this?" she muttered to herself.

Just as she was on the verge of giving up, the sound of footsteps approached. Katrina looked up to see Seraphina, one of David's other close lovers, gliding toward her. Seraphina's black and crimson robes swirled around her as she walked, her sharp, almost feline gaze taking in the sight of the books scattered across the table.

"What's this, Katrina?" Seraphina's voice held a note of amusement as she eyed the various magical texts. "You're studying mana now?"

Katrina sighed, rubbing her temples. "I'm trying… but it's all so confusing. Mage Marvel left before I could learn anything substantial, and now I feel lost."

Seraphina chuckled softly, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her. "Well, lucky for you, magic and witchcraft aren't that far apart. I may be a witch, but the basics are similar enough. Let me help."

Katrina blinked, taken aback by the offer. "You would help me? But aren't witches and mages… rivals?"

Seraphina waved her hand dismissively. "Only when it comes to certain doctrines. Power is power, no matter how it's channeled. You want to learn, don't you?"

Katrina nodded eagerly. "Yes. I can't stay weak… I need to grow stronger if I want to stay by David's side."

Seraphina's eyes gleamed knowingly. "Ah, I see. The real reason surfaces. You're worried about being left behind, aren't you?"

Katrina bit her lip, her silence answering the question.

Seraphina leaned forward, her fingers tracing the edge of the book as she spoke, her voice laced with the weight of ancient knowledge. "Now, let me explain something, Katrina," she began, her tone serious but not unkind. "As a mage—or witch—the path to power is marked by the formation of magical circles within your heart. It's not as simple as memorizing spells or learning incantations. Magic, true magic, must be cultivated from within. These circles aren't just symbols or energies; they're the very foundation of your strength."

Katrina's brow furrowed as she listened closely. "Magical circles... in the heart?" she repeated, trying to grasp the concept. "How do you even form something like that inside yourself?"

Seraphina smiled, clearly enjoying the role of mentor. "It's a bit more abstract than it sounds, but think of it as creating a reservoir for your magic, a place to store your power. The more circles you have, the larger that reservoir becomes. Each circle is like a well, deepening your connection to magic and allowing you to hold more of it within you."

Katrina nodded slowly, the idea taking root in her mind. "So, the more circles I form, the more powerful I'll become?"

Experience tales at m v|l e'm,p| y- r

"Exactly," Seraphina confirmed, her eyes gleaming. "Each circle represents a new threshold of power. As a beginner, you'll only have one, but with practice, determination, and the right knowledge, you'll form more. The first circle is the hardest to create—it requires intense focus and an understanding of your own magical potential. But once that's in place, the others follow more easily. The stronger your foundation, the more your magic can grow."

Katrina leaned back in her chair, feeling both excited and daunted by the prospect. "And how do you know when you've created one? I mean... how do you feel it?"

Seraphina's smile widened, a knowing look in her eyes. "Ah, that's the beautiful part. You feel it in your chest, like a pulse of energy. It's not painful, but it's powerful. The first time I formed a magical circle, I felt as if my heart had expanded, as if I could hold the very essence of the world within me."

Katrina blinked in awe, her curiosity intensifying. "That sounds incredible... and a little terrifying."

Seraphina chuckled softly, leaning back in her chair. "It can be, but it's also exhilarating. Power always comes with its risks. But that's what makes it worth pursuing, don't you think? It's not just about strength—it's about the connection to something greater than yourself. Magic flows through everything. When you tap into that, it's like becoming part of the very fabric of the world."

Katrina listened intently as Seraphina went on to describe the different ranks a mage could attain. From Awakned to Archmage, each rank required the formation of additional magical circles, which served as reservoirs of power. It wasn't just about learning spells—it was about cultivating one's inner strength, growing the magic that lay dormant within.

As Seraphina spoke, Katrina felt a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe she wasn't as far behind as she thought. If she worked hard, if she studied and practiced, there was hope for her to become a powerful mage in her own right.

The hours passed quickly, and before long, the sun was setting. Seraphina stood, stretching her arms above her head. "Well, that's enough for today. You'll get there, Katrina. Just don't overwork yourself."

Katrina smiled, feeling lighter than she had in days. "Thank you. You've been great help."

Seraphina smirked as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Just remember, though—we may be friends, but I'm not going to let you have David all to yourself."

Katrina laughed softly, her cheeks flushing. "Oh, don't worry, Seraphina. I wouldn't dream of it."

The two women shared a conspiratorial smile, the rivalry between them playful yet tinged with sincerity. Despite their competition, there was an unspoken understanding that each of them cared deeply for David.

As Katrina made her way back to her quarters that night, her thoughts were filled with him. She climbed into bed, her body weary but her mind racing. She couldn't stop thinking about David—the way his eyes sparked with determination, the strength of his presence, and the tenderness he had shown her in the past.

A warmth spread through her as she imagined his arms around her, his breath on her neck. She longed to be near him, to feel his touch again. Her heart raced as the thoughts became more vivid, her body reacting to the mere idea of his closeness.

Eventually, exhaustion took over, and Katrina drifted into a deep sleep, her dreams filled with David's face and the promise of a future where she would stand proudly by his side, not as the head maid, but as an equal.