Everlasting dream (18+)

The creature let out a blood-curdling scream as it thrashed about, trying desperately to extinguish the flames that engulfed its body. It slammed into the cave walls and rolled on the ground, its burning fur coat sticking to its melting skin. The monster's desperate attempts only seemed to make things worse, its screams growing louder and more frantic as it clawed at its face and chest.
Aster collapsed to his knees, his bleeding palm clutched tightly against his chest. His eyes widened with shock, his pupils
to tiny pinpoints, and his jaw hung open in disbelief.
"Ah-ast..." Nivalis stuttered, her voice trembling as she stared at the dead monster. "Wha... what did you..." she mumbled, unable to finish the sentence.
The sound of goblins shouting from outside, probably calling their dead leader, made them turn their heads toward the entrance. A small, much younger goblin, its eyes wide with terror, peered hesitantly into the cave but quickly retreated, not daring to venture further. Not after hearing the blood-curdling screams.
"Are you okay?" Nivalis asked, noticing her son's discomfort.



...
"Now, just relax. Let your mother take care of you," she said, tone firm yet caring. She smiled warmly as she sat back up. "I'm heating the water right now so we can properly clean you up, alright?" she explained, glancing at the pot.
Closing his eyes, Aster focused on breathing, listening to the crackling of burning wood, the rustle of leaves outside, and the gentle hum of the wind brushing past the open entrance. Slowly, his heartbeat began to slow down, his body relaxed, and his mind cleared. Remembering everything Silvia had told him about mana, he tried to sense its presence inside his body.
Ten minutes passed in total silence, with nothing happening. Aster couldn't detect the slightest change within himself. Aster sighed softly, opened his golden eyes, and stared at the ceiling. 'What am I doing wrong?' he wondered, frowning.
He turned his head and glanced at his mother. The dim, flickering light danced across her delicate, pale face as she tended the flames, occasionally adding more branches to the fire.
Nivalis hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin with her fingers. "Perhaps you're too exhausted? I think you fainted because you used all your mana in one big burst. I honestly thought you would be out for days, like Silvia. Ice is a lot harder to control than common elements, indeed... " she whispered, returning to tending the flame. "Try again, and if it's not working, just rest, okay?"
Closing his eyes, he focused on the sensations within him, pushing away any thoughts and distractions, clearing his mind completely.