Far from the agency, Eratz and Colin stood in the shadow of a towering, volcanic mountain.
The air was warm and dry, the faint smell of sulfur lingering in the breeze. Steam hissed from cracks in the rocky ground, and the occasional spark of heat danced in the air.
Colin followed Eratz hesitantly, glancing at him and then quickly looking away. Her fingers fiddled nervously with the edges of her gloves.
"Are you... really sure this one's for me?" she asked quietly.
Eratz slowed his pace, glancing back at her with a calm but assured expression. "I've hunted this beast for miles. Watched how it moves, felt its energy. It's you. I wouldn't have brought you all the way out here if I wasn't sure."
Colin's gaze dropped to the ground, her steps faltering.
"But... what if it doesn't accept me? What if I mess up? What if I just... fail?"
Eratz stopped abruptly, turning to face her fully. His eyes locked on hers.
