The Gift of Astrum
Chapter 3: The Gift of Astrum
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**Li Mei’s POV**
Li Mei sat by the window of the Astrum family library, her golden eyes fixed on the rolling hills of the estate. The morning sun bathed the room in a soft, golden glow, but her thoughts were far from the serene landscape outside. Her gaze drifted to her daughter, Seraphina, who was seated at a large oak table, surrounded by towering stacks of books. The child’s dark ebony hair, with its slight curls, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her eyes, those captivating, ethereal eyes, were focused intently on the pages of a thick tome titled *The Foundations of Magical Theory*.
Li Mei smiled softly, a mixture of pride and wonder filling her chest. Seraphina was extraordinary. Even at six years old, her intellect and magical prowess were beyond anything Li Mei had ever seen. But it wasn’t just her talent that made her remarkable. It was her determination, her insatiable curiosity, and the way she carried herself with a quiet confidence that belied her age. She was a child, yes, but there was an old soul behind those amethyst-and-gold eyes.
Li Mei’s thoughts drifted to her own childhood, a world away from the grandeur of the Astrum estate. She had been born into the Li clan, one of the oldest and most powerful magical families in the East. The Li clan was renowned for their mastery of combat magics and charms, but it was also a family steeped in tradition and rigid hierarchy. As a woman, Li Mei had been expected to conform to the patriarchal norms of her society to be seen, not heard; to marry well, not to excel. But she had defied those expectations at every turn.
From a young age, Li Mei had shown a genius talent for magic. She had earned her mastery of combat magics by the age of eighteen, earned her mastery in arithmancy by nineteen, and become a renowned charms mistress by twenty. But her success had come at a cost. She had faced ridicule, jealousy, and outright hostility from her relatives, who saw her as a threat to their authority. Her father, the patriarch of the Li clan, had been particularly harsh, viewing her achievements as an embarrassment rather than a source of pride.
“A woman’s place is not in the dueling arena” he had once told her, his voice cold and dismissive. “You bring shame to this family with your ambitions.”
But Li Mei had refused to be silenced. She had fought for every scrap of knowledge, every ounce of respect, and in doing so, she had carved out a place for herself in a world that had tried to keep her small. It was during her travels as a young woman that she had met Lucian Astrum, a man who saw her not as a threat, but as an equal. Their love had been a quiet rebellion, a union of two powerful magical lineages that defied the expectations of both their families.
And now, as she watched her daughter, Li Mei felt a surge of hope. Seraphina would never have to fight the battles she had fought. She would grow up in a world where her talents were celebrated, not stifled. But Li Mei also knew that her daughter’s path would not be easy. The Astrum legacy was a heavy burden to bear, and Seraphina’s gifts both inherited and earned would come with their own challenges.
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**Seraphina’s POV**
Seraphina stood before the ornate mirror in her bedroom, her reflection staring back at her with an intensity that matched her own. She had always known she was different, but it was only in moments like this that she truly saw it. Her dark ebony hair, with its slight curls, framed a face that was both angelic and devastatingly beautiful. Her features were a perfect blend of her parents, her father’s sharp jawline and high cheekbones softened by her mother’s delicate nose and full lips. But it was her eyes that truly set her apart. The amethyst hue of her father’s eyes had blended with the golden warmth of her mother’s, creating a color that was otherworldly, ethereal. They were the eyes of someone who had seen too much, felt too deeply, and dreamed too boldly.
She tilted her head, studying herself with a critical eye. She was six years old, but she felt so much older. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, theories, and plans, each one more ambitious than the last. She had spent the past few years devouring every book she could find on magical theory, history, and practice. She had experimented with magic and spells pushing the boundaries of what she thought was possible. But for all her progress, there was still so much she didn’t understand.
Magic, she had come to realize, was not just a force to be wielded. It was a living, breathing entity, one that responded to emotion, intention, and will. It was tied to the very fabric of the universe, a thread that connected all things. But how did it work? What were its rules? And why did some people have more of it than others?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. “Come in,” she called, her voice calm and measured.
The door opened to reveal her grandfather, Lord Alaric Astrum. He was a tall, imposing figure, with his lilac eyes and a regal bearing that commanded respect. But there was a warmth in his gaze as he looked at her, a pride that made her feel both seen and understood.
“Seraphina,” he said, his voice deep and resonant. “May I speak with you?”
She nodded, gesturing to the chair by the window. “Of course, Grandfather.”
He sat down, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been watching you, child. Your progress is remarkable, but I sense that you have questions. Questions that go beyond the pages of your books.”
Seraphina hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I do. I’ve been thinking a lot about magic what it is, how it works, and why some people are more powerful than others. I’ve also been wondering about our family. The Astrum lineage is said to be one of the oldest and most powerful in Britain, but what does that really mean?”
Lord Alaric smiled, a glint of approval in his eyes. “You have the mind of a scholar, Seraphina. It is a rare gift, even among our kind. Let me tell you about the Astrum legacy, and the gift that sets us apart.”
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Lord Alaric leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant as he began to speak. “The Astrum family is not just old, Seraphina. We are ancient. Our lineage stretches back to the days of ancient Rome, and some say even further. But our true power lies in our gift the *Lux Aeterna*.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened. “The Eternal Light?”
“Yes,” Lord Alaric said, his voice filled with reverence. “The *Lux Aeterna* is a magical gift that has been passed down through our bloodline for generations. It grants those who possess it an unparalleled talent for magic, a connection to the arcane that goes beyond mere skill or knowledge. But it is not a gift that is given lightly. It must be earned, nurtured, and mastered.”
He paused, his gaze locking onto hers. “There are three levels to the *Lux Aeterna*. The first level grants enhanced magical sensitivity and control. The second level unlocks the ability to channel vast amounts of magical energy, far beyond what most witches and wizards are capable of. And the third level… the third level is something else entirely. It is said that those who reach the third level can shape reality itself, bending the very fabric of the universe to their will.”
Seraphina’s heart raced as she absorbed his words. “Do you think I have it? The *Lux Aeterna*?”
Lord Alaric nodded. “I do. And I believe you have the potential to reach the third level. But it will not be easy. The *Lux Aeterna* is as much a burden as it is a gift. It requires discipline, focus, and a deep understanding of both yourself and the magic within you.”
He leaned forward, his expression serious. “On your seventh birthday, you will undergo a family ritual the *Ritus Aeternum*. It is a sacred ceremony that will enhance your body, mind, and magic, preparing you for the manifestation of the *Lux Aeterna*. But you must be ready, Seraphina. The ritual is not without its risks.”
Seraphina nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities. “I’ll be ready,” she said, her voice filled with determination.
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Lord Alaric’s expression softened as he continued. “Magic is not just about power, Seraphina. It is about understanding. The true foundation of a witch or wizard’s strength lies in three things: magical power, the mind, and one’s degree of magical attunement.”
He explained that magical power was the raw energy one could channel, but it was only one piece of the puzzle. The mind—intellect, creativity, and emotional control—was equally important. And magical attunement, which was shaped by family magics and personal affinity, determined how effectively one could wield their power.
“Affinity,” he said, “is the natural inclination of one’s magic toward a certain field. Some are drawn to elemental magic, others to charms or transfiguration. Family magic, on the other hand, is the collective power and knowledge passed down through generations. It strengthens one’s affinity and provides a foundation upon which to build.”
Seraphina listened intently, her mind absorbing every word. She had always known that magic was complex, but this was the first time she had heard it explained in such a way. It was like a puzzle, each piece fitting together to create a greater whole.
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As the conversation drew to a close, Seraphina’s thoughts turned to the future. She had so much to learn, so much to achieve. Hogwarts was still years away, but she was already planning her path. She would master every branch of magic, push the boundaries of what was possible, and use her knowledge to elevate magical Britain to new heights.
But there was one thought that lingered in the back of her mind, a name that sent a shiver down her spine: Albus Dumbledore. She couldn’t be sure, but she suspected that he was of her generation. If she was going to change the world, she would need to be ready to face him—not as an enemy, but as an equal.
As she looked out the window, her reflection blending with the golden light of the setting sun, Seraphina felt a surge of determination. She was Seraphina Astrum, heir to the *Lux Aeterna*, and she would not rest until she had unlocked the full potential of her magic.
The world was waiting, and she was ready to meet it.
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