Gentle morning light seeped through the silk curtains as someone gently shook Sylphia's shoulder. The girl mumbled something incoherent, burying her face in the pillow.
"Sylphia," came a familiar, gentle voice. "Time to wake up. Today is your day."
Sylphia rubbed her sleepy eyes and, upon seeing her mother sitting beside her, furrowed her brows.
"Mom? What are you…?"
Veynessa smiled, her hand brushing against her daughter's forehead.
"Today is your Ascension Ritual."
In an instant, all drowsiness vanished from Sylphia. She shot up, her eyes wide as saucers.
"Really?! Already?! Finally!" She jumped out of bed like an arrow. "These three years dragged on forever!"
She no longer looked like a helpless six-year-old. Her features had sharpened slightly, and though her frame remained small, it now held more grace. At six, she already looked like a nine-year-old, standing with the eager determination of one about to begin the path of cultivation.
