The next month flew by Isolde spent her days in a whirlwind of lessons. Mrs. Finch was a relentless taskmaster, forcing Isolde through hours of posture drills, table manners, and courtly protocol. The lessons were exhausting, but Isolde threw herself into them with fierce determination. She would not falter.
Natalia remained a constant presence in Isolde's life, though their sessions were now held in a secluded tower room rather than in the open. The older mage watched with quiet satisfaction as Isolde's control over her magic grew stronger, her understanding of the unseen forces deepening.
"You're becoming quite formidable," Natalia remarked one afternoon as Isolde mastered a particularly complex shield spell.
Isolde smiled, "This is the only thing that feels normal in my life right now."
