Yennefer wasted no time in explaining the next steps. "There's an ancient site in the Blue Mountains." she said, tracing a finger over a map she'd spread out on the ground. "A convergence of magical energy that predates even the elves. It's the best place to awaken the latent power inside you."
Alina blinked. "Power? I think you're overestimating what I can do. I'm not a mage or some chosen one. I'm just... me."
Yennefer's eyes softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. "Whether you believe it or not, the Weavers of the Thread think otherwise. And if they're right, we need to get ahead of them. Magic isn't just something you can learn; sometimes it's something you have to remember. And you might have more of it in you than you realize."
Alina wanted to argue, but she held her tongue. She didn't fully understand what Yennefer meant, but she trusted her instincts. If Yennefer said this was important, it was.
Geralt studied the map. "The Blue Mountains are crawling with monsters—and worse. If the Weavers are watching her, we'll have company the moment we get close."
Yennefer nodded. "I'll cast wards as we travel, but we'll need to move quickly. The longer we delay, the greater the chance they'll find us first."
Alina exhaled slowly, her mind racing. She was terrified—of the journey, of the power Yennefer claimed she might have, and of the figure who had haunted her dreams. But beneath the fear, there was something else. A spark of determination. If this power was the reason she'd been brought here, then she would face it. Whatever it took.
"When do we leave?" she asked, her voice steady.
Yennefer's lips curved into a faint smile. "At dawn."
The next morning, the trio set out from Novigrad, heading southeast toward the Blue Mountains. The journey was grueling, even with Geralt and Yennefer leading the way. The road was treacherous, and the weather seemed to conspire against them—torrential rain turned the paths to mud, and chilling winds bit through their cloaks. Alina pushed herself to keep up, refusing to slow them down, though her muscles screamed in protest.
Each night, Yennefer instructed Alina to meditate, guiding her through exercises meant to help her connect with the magic Yennefer insisted was buried within her. At first, Alina felt nothing—just the cold ground beneath her and the faint flicker of the campfire. But as the nights went on, strange sensations began to stir within her. She couldn't explain it, but it was as if the world around her was... listening.
One evening, as they camped near the edge of a dense forest, Yennefer handed Alina a small, smooth stone. "Focus on this." she said. "Feel its weight, its texture. Then imagine it moving."
Alina frowned. "Moving? Like... floating?"
"Yes." Yennefer said, her tone patient but firm. "Trust what you feel. Don't overthink it."
Alina stared at the stone, her brow furrowed. She felt ridiculous, sitting there in the dark, willing a rock to defy gravity. But she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the sounds of the forest fade into the background. She focused on the stone, imagining it lifting off her palm.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, she felt a faint warmth in her chest—a spark that spread to her fingertips. When she opened her eyes, the stone was hovering an inch above her hand.
"Holy—" she gasped, the stone dropping back into her palm as her concentration broke.
Yennefer's expression didn't change, though her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good. You're beginning to connect."
Alina stared at the stone, her heart pounding. "That was... me?"
"It was." Yennefer said. "And it's only the beginning. But you'll need to practice. The Weavers won't wait for you to master this at your own pace."
Geralt, who had been sharpening his sword nearby, glanced over. "She'll need more than magic to survive what's coming."
Yennefer shot him a sharp look. "And she'll have more than magic. But this isn't just about survival, Geralt. It's about fighting back."
Alina swallowed hard, the weight of their words sinking in. She was stepping into a role she didn't fully understand, but she knew there was no turning back.
As they drew closer to the Blue Mountains, the air seemed to change. It was heavier, charged with an energy that made the hair on the back of Alina's neck stand on end. The landscape grew wilder, with jagged peaks rising in the distance and forests that seemed untouched by time.
One evening, as they camped in a narrow valley, Geralt stood watch while Alina and Yennefer rested. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding rocks.
Alina stirred, waking from a restless sleep. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Can't sleep?" Geralt asked, his voice low.
She shook her head. "Too much on my mind."
He nodded, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond their camp. "It's normal to feel that way. But don't let it paralyze you. Fear's only useful if it keeps you sharp."
She smiled faintly. "You sound like a motivational poster."
Geralt huffed a quiet laugh. "Not my intention."
They sat in silence for a moment, the crackle of the fire the only sound. Then Alina spoke again. "Do you ever think about fate? Whether we're all just... pieces in some bigger plan?"
Geralt's expression darkened slightly. "Fate's a tricky thing. Some people swear by it. Others fight against it. I've seen both, and I've learned not to trust it."
Alina nodded, his words resonating with her more than she expected. "I don't know if I believe in it either. But if I'm here for a reason, I hope it's worth it."
"It will be," Geralt said, his voice certain. "If you make it so."
The next day, they reached the entrance to the ancient site Yennefer had spoken of—a cavern carved into the mountainside, its entrance marked by strange, weathered symbols that seemed to shimmer in the light. The air was thick with magic, and Alina could feel it buzzing against her skin.
"This is it." Yennefer said, her tone reverent. "Inside lies the Heart of the Thread—a nexus of pure energy. If you can attune yourself to it, you'll unlock the full extent of your abilities."
Alina took a deep breath, steeling herself. "What happens if I can't?"
Yennefer's gaze was unwavering. "Then we'll find another way. But I believe in you, Alina. You've come this far. Trust yourself."
Geralt drew his sword, his expression grim. "Let's not waste time. If the Weavers know we're here, they won't be far behind."
With that, they stepped into the darkness, the faint glow of magic guiding their way. Alina's heart raced as she descended deeper into the cavern, knowing that whatever awaited her inside would change everything—whether she was ready or not.