The days that followed blurred into one long, relentless stretch of time. Emily could no longer distinguish day from night, nor could she count how many hours she had spent in the cold, unforgiving sanctuary. The figure, still nameless and elusive, was a constant presence. His voice, sharp and steady, guided her through the rituals and exercises that drew her deeper into the Abyss.
Emily had imagined her training would be filled with powerful spells and dramatic displays of magic. Instead, it was a slow, painful unraveling of her will, testing her patience and control. Each session brought her to the edge of herself, forcing her to face the darkness within.
"Again," the figure said, his tone never faltering.
