The morning sun cast long shadows through the Arcanum Sanctum's ancient windows, painting stark patterns across Kael's chambers. He sat cross-legged on the stone floor, eyes closed, focusing on the steady rhythm of his breathing as he had done every dawn since passing the Trial of the Inner Flame. The Heart's power thrummed within him, a constant reminder of both his victory and his burden.
A soft knock at the door broke his meditation. "Enter," he called, already knowing it would be Morgana. She had developed a habit of checking on him during these morning sessions, though they both knew it wasn't merely out of concern for his wellbeing.
She stepped inside, her expression grave. "The Sentinels have returned from the borderlands. The reports aren't good."
Kael rose smoothly to his feet, noting how the shadows in the room seemed to shift with his movement, responding to the Heart's energy within him. "Tell me."
