Chapter 6 - The Magic of New Love

Three days.

That’s how long it had been since Aiden and Valerie accidentally healed half the guild hall with a single touch and sent Chloe into a tabletop dance shouting HEARTLINK! to the rafters.

But it had also been three very long days since they’d managed to do absolutely nothing like it again.

The morning mist clung low over the guild’s training grounds, beading on the grass and soaking Aiden’s shoes. He stood in the earth ring, an arena of carved stones and soil mounds, his jaw tight, breath fogging in the chill. Across the field, Valerie practiced with Chloe at the water basin, palms hovering above the surface while a column of water climbed and curled in quiet spirals.

Aiden squeezed his fist. Come on. Focus. Earth is about peace, stability, and flow. I can do this.

He pulled on the camping memory again. The crackle of the fire, the cool breath of the lake, the endless canopy of stars that had made the world feel wide yet safe. The memory rooted itself in him, steady and grounding.

The soil shook. A faint rumble crawled underfoot, and the ring of stones surrounding the clearing gave a soft grnk as they lifted an inch off the ground, dust falling down their sides.

“Good,” Maximus called, arms folded, his deep voice steady. “Now give it shape. Gentle, don’t force it.”

Aiden exhaled through his teeth. He pushed, not with his arms, but with the calm that memory stirred in him. The stones wobbled, then began to turn in a slow orbit, circling like they were planets and Aiden their sun..

Sweat pricked at his brow. His heart thudded harder with each second the stones held aloft. Then, carefully, he let the memory fade. One by one, the rocks settled back into the dirt with muted thuds, returning to their places as if they’d never moved at all.

Phew, not bad,” he muttered.

Across the way, a ribbon of water folded itself into a glassy sphere over Valerie’s palm. Air swirled around her ankles, making her curls tremble. She guided the sphere higher, brought it down, and split it into three perfect orbs that rolled around her wrist like moons.

“Show off,” Aiden said under his breath, though a smile threatened to break free.

Valerie glanced over, caught his look, and stuck out her tongue. The orbs dropped back into the basin with soft plips.

Chloe clapped lightly. “Your control’s getting cleaner by the hour,” she said. “If you need to, try combining your technique with air. It should give you the support you need to keep its shape..”

Valerie nodded, cheeks pink from the cold. She lifted her palms again.

Maximus stepped into Aiden’s circle. “Earth responds well to a calm demeanor,” he said, not unkindly. “It is stubborn, but it yields to patience. Do you know what it does not yield to?”

Aiden sighed. “Me forcing it.”

“Correct.”

“I’m still learning,” Aiden said. “Just…slowly.”

Maximus’s face remained calm. “Even a steady one percent increase is better than zero. Eventually that one percent will grow into a hundred..”

They worked until Aiden’s breath was rough and his fingers tingled with that strange, prickling fatigue that came from using magic too long. Valerie kept pace, her control sharper than before. By midmorning, she was manipulating a narrow stream of water upward, then weaving a current of air around it to keep it balanced. The liquid swayed and shimmered in place, rippling like glass in the breeze. She smiled, a look of satisfaction and excitement spreading across her face.

Then, as if by silent agreement, everyone’s eyes drifted toward the central training circle, the one place they hadn’t touched all morning.

Heartlink.

The circle looked like any other. Its etched lines and smooth stone gave it a generic but almost ancient feel. But stepping into it felt like stepping onto a stage. Aiden swallowed. Valerie wiped her palms on her tunic. Maximus and Chloe shared a look that said equal parts hope and resignation.

“All right,” Chloe said gently. “No pressure. Just try connecting the way you did before. Aiden, think peace. Valerie, think flow. Both of you, focus on your bond, something kind or loving.”

They took each other’s hands. Aiden’s pulse quickened at the familiar fit of her fingers, the callus under her ring, the cool brush of the oval diamond against his knuckle.

Focus on our bond. Don’t overthink it.

He felt the hum—the same faint, low note that had thrummed through him in the food hall three days ago, like a harp string plucked somewhere under the ribs. Valerie’s gaze met his. The note rose, brightening.

For a moment, everything aligned.

Light flickered at their joined hands. Blue and green faded into a teal.

Then Aiden’s mind snagged. Don’t mess it up again. Don’t mess it…

The light sputtered.

In its place, a dark pulse rippled outward. The stored magic recoiled violently, snapping back into them. Aiden’s fingers jerked in an uncontrollable spasm, while Valerie gasped, her breath caught in her throat. The air split with a sharp crack, and the training flags surrounding the field shuddered as though struck by an unseen hand. Their balance faltered, knees buckling under them as the backlash drained their strength, the botched spell draining every ounce of energy they had.

Valerie flinched. “I’m sorry, I must’ve lost my focus…”

Aiden clenched his teeth. “No, I screwed it up.”

Chloe winced. Maximus’s jaw tightened. “Stop,” he said, stepping forward. “That is enough.”

Aiden dropped Valerie’s hand and flexed his stinging palm. “I almost had it...”

Valerie bit her lip. “We both did. It’s only been three days, we’ll figure it out eventually. ”

“Well ‘almost’ and eventually’ aren’t good enough,” he said, harsher than he meant. “ How are we going to save this world if we keep blowing it like this?”

Her eyes flashed. “I’m trying my best.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t. I just said–”

“You just said ‘we’ keep blowing it.”

“Well we are, aren’t we?!,” he snapped.

Silence fell like a curtain. Chloe looked at Maximus as if asking permission to speak. Maximus shook his head once, subtly.

Valerie folded her arms. “Fine,” she said quietly. “I think it’s time we take a break.”

“Great,” Aiden said coldly, rolling his eyes. “Fantastic plan.”

Maximus cleared his throat with intention. “That sounds like a wonderful plan Valerie. We are done for the morning anyways.” he said. “Both of you have made excellent progress individually. Heartlink requires more than skill. It is going to require a strong bond that is at peace with one another.” He nodded toward the gate. “Go walk off the stresses of training. Enjoy the town atmosphere.”

Chloe brightened as if he’d handed her a mint. “Town run!” she chirped. “Pastries fix everything.”

Valerie’s shoulders loosened a touch. Aiden shoved his hands into his pockets and tried to will the sting from his palm and the heat from his face. It’s fine. It’s a break. We’ll reset.

We have to.

—

Auravale breathed differently in the afternoon. The morning’s cool bite gave way to soft warmth that turned the cobble stone to golden scales and breathed life into the street. Shop banners flapped lazily. Somewhere, a lute stitched a melody between conversations. The scent of baking sugar drifted from a bakery, tempting to unravel Aiden’s self-control.

“Onward,” Chloe said, leading like a parade marshal. “There’s a stall two streets over that makes walnut honey twists that will teleport you to another land!”

“I hope not,” Aiden said dryly. “I mean we just got here.”

Valerie hid a smile behind her knuckles. “I’m not turning down sugar.”

They cut across the square. Aiden tried to let the rhythm of the place seep into him, the friendly greetings, the merchants bartering, the clatter of crates. A pair of kids wove in and out between townsfolk, one with a toy wand that popped bubbles into the air; the other chased them, shrieking with laughter, popping them with a twig sword.

Back home it was switches and faucets. Here it’s fire and water. Give us time… Val and I will get there. Natural. Unshakable. Like we belong.

“Chloe!” a voice called.

A guard in polished leather jogged toward them from the direction of the watch gate—broad-shouldered, sun-browned, grin so clean it might’ve been issued with his uniform. Beside him walked a woman with her hair in a loose braid and a satchel wrapped at her hip, the edge of a glass vial peeking from the top. She had gentle eyes that seemed to notice everything.

Chloe lifted both arms like she’d been waiting all day. “Jaxson! Avery!”

Chloe waved excitedly as two figures emerged from the flow of the street. “Oh! Perfect timing. Aiden, Valerie, I have a couple I’d like for you to meet.”

The man was broad-shouldered and sturdy, his guard’s uniform marked by scuffs that looked earned rather than polished away. He had the kind of presence that made you believe he could carry twice his weight in armor and still crack a joke. His handshake was steady, his grin easy. “The name’s Jaxson. I’m part of the town guard. It’s nice to meet you.”

Aiden stiffened his own hand, not wanting to appear weak. “Quite a grip you have there Jaxson.”

Jaxson laughed nervously. “Thanks, I get that a lot.”

“Yeah, yeah. You’re rough and tough, we get it.” Chloe said, waving him off. She pivoted toward the woman next to Jaxson. “And this is Avery, apothecary extraordinaire. She’s the reason this town hasn’t keeled over from colds and poor life decisions.”

Avery’s smile was quiet but kind, her hand cool when it brushed Valerie’s. She smelled faintly of herbs: mint, rosemary, and something softer beneath it all. “It’s a pleasure. Don’t mind Chloe. She tends to exaggerate whenever she gets excited.”

“Guilty,” Chloe said, unabashed. “But I’m still right.”

Jaxson rolled his eyes. “She’s been like this since we were kids. Teasing everyone into submission.”

Aiden and Valerie’s eyebrow raised in unison, questioning Jaxson’s statement.

“We’re not related,” Chloe added quickly in response. “We just grew up together since our parents were neighbors. He’s basically my brother, whether he likes it or not.”

“Mostly not,” Jaxson deadpanned, though the smile tugging at his mouth betrayed him.

Valerie let out a small chuckle. The warmth between them was disarming, like slipping into a family dinner you hadn’t realized you’d been invited to.

“We were just grabbing lunch,” Jaxson continued, gesturing toward the market square. “Thought we’d test Fenn’s stew before my shift.”

“Fenn’s stew is more than just stew,” Chloe cut in with absolute seriousness. “It’s happiness in a bowl disguised as vegetables.”

Avery sighed, her tone patient, practiced. “Which means she’ll want seconds. Again.”

“Correct,” Chloe said, already steering the group in that direction.

They fell into an easy rhythm on the walk, conversation bouncing easily between them. Chloe teased, Jaxson countered, Avery smoothed the edges with calm remarks, while Aiden and Valerie found themselves swept along..

It wasn’t until they rounded another corner that Jaxson turned his attention back to them. His tone carried the weight of curiosity. “So Chloe tells us you two are otherworlders, is that true?”

Valerie stiffened slightly at the word. Aiden rubbed the back of his neck. “I see Chloe doesn’t keep secrets long.”

“Well excuuuuse me, it’s not every day you make friends with a couple from another world!” Chloe said matter of factly.

Avery’s eyes softened as she looked at them, her voice genuine. “Well welcome to Auravale. I’m glad you ended up here and not somewhere more…hostile.”

“Like Darkfen,” Jaxson muttered, wrinkling his nose.

“Or the Wylde coast,” Chloe added, thoughtful. “Terrifying storms, but they do make a good stew.”

Valerie blinked. “Do you just… find good stew everywhere?”

Chloe’s grin widened. “You would be correct, madam.”

They smelled the bakery before they saw it. The scent of sweet honey mixing with fresh bread overwhelmed Aiden’s senses. After trying one, he came to one simple conclusion: Chloe had not lied; the walnut honey twists were, in fact, indefensibly good.

The group made their way to a table outside the bakery overlooking a fountain in the middle of the town square.

Jaxson chuckled as they sat down. “So, funny story… the first time I saw Avery was two years ago. I was hauling some poor guy who collapsed outside the gates into her clinic.”

Avery’s lips curved, amused. “You forgot to mention you nearly dropped him on the step.”

“Well I got distracted by a certain someone,” Jaxson said, pointing a spoon at her. “Anyways, I ended up checking in on the patient every day. For weeks.”

Chloe smirked. “Uh-huh. Every guard in town knew you weren’t there for the patient.”

Valerie leaned in, smiling. “So what about you, Avery? You must’ve noticed.”

Avery’s cheeks flushed faintly, but her voice was calm. “He wasn’t great at hiding his intentions. Even so, I started stepping outside around the times I knew his patrol would bring him by. Sometimes just to sweep the same patch of dirt twice.”

Jaxson’s grin widened. “And that’s how we learned each other’s schedules. Guard routes, clinic shifts…we would meet up wherever we could.”

“It wasn’t easy,” Avery admitted softly. “Different ends of town, opposite hours. But worth it.”

“Definitely worth it.” Jaxson’s tone was firm, eyes soft on her. Then his grin turned sheepish. “Three weeks ago, the rain had slowed the market to a crawl. I asked her to step out back and before I could get through the whole speech, she said yes.”

Avery laughed quietly, giving him a playful nudge. “You were shaking so badly I thought you were going to pass out.”

Chloe smacked the table. “Well show us the ring,” she demanded. “I still haven’t seen what you picked.”

Avery’s cheeks warmed. She extended her hand. A delicate silver band caught the light, a small stone set in an imperfect, lovely cradle of metal. Aiden found himself grinning; it wasn’t flashy, but it glowed simply because it meant something.

“Forged it myself with the blacksmith in town,” Jaxson said, holding up his palm as if swearing an oath. “Took weeks of burns and hammer swings, but worth every strike.”

Valerie leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “It’s beautiful.”

“Congratulations,” Aiden said sincerely.

“Thank you,” Avery said softly. “It’s still new for us… we’re figuring it out as we go.”

“It helps to have friends who cheer us on,” Jaxson said, tilting his chin toward Chloe, who pretended to inspect the bottom of her pastry for flaws. “As you two may have heard, marriage isn’t a common occurrence anymore.”

Chloe cleared her throat loudly. “Speaking of cheering,” she said, pivoting with reckless subtlety. “Aiden and Valerie have been married for six years.”

Jaxson blinked. “Six?”

Avery’s eyes widened. “That’s…long.”

Aiden and Valerie exchanged a look, their morning spat lingered between them.

Jaxson noticed, because of course he did. “Sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to—”

“No,” Valerie said quickly, forcing a small smile as she reached for Aiden’s hand on the table. Her fingers threaded through his. “It’s just…we still mess it up sometimes. Even now. But we keep choosing each other over our moods. That’s what makes it work.”

Aiden squeezed her hand, grateful. “And communication,” he added. “Or at least we try. If we talk about things openly, there’s not much we can’t figure out.”

Jaxson leaned back, impressed. Avery’s shoulders softened like a knot had unwound. Chloe kicked Aiden’s boot under the table with a tiny, approving tink of her heel.

Aiden couldn’t hold back the grin that crept onto his face.

Thank The Creator for Jaxson and Avery. This was the reminder we needed to continue with our mission.

For a moment, the sweetness of the moment lingered amongst the group.

Then a laugh sliced through the air, elegant yet hollow. Too polished to be genuine, it carried the smugness of someone who had rehearsed superiority.

The group turned.

A couple approached along the fountain’s curve. Even though there were only two of them, their presence demanded to be noticed by the whole town. The man was tall, tailored black coat buttoned with silver, hair slicked and sunless as a raven’s wing. The woman at his side moved with deliberate grace, every step a quiet claim of space. Her hair pinned with pearl-tipped pins, a gown the color of rich emerald velvet, her smile was painted on, polished, but her eyes stayed cool and untouched.

“Chloe,” he said smoothly. “Devotion is lovely to watch. But such things…have a way of unraveling.”