Lyra stared at her hands, feeling the lingering warmth from her training. The energy she had summoned was gone now, but its presence still echoed in her body, reminding her of the power she had barely tapped into. It felt like holding a fire too large for her hands—a force she couldn't fully control, but couldn't afford to let slip away either.
She stood alone in the quiet courtyard, the evening breeze whispering through the trees, as if the world itself was holding its breath. The wolves moved in the distance, but none came close to her. She could feel their eyes on her, always watching, always waiting for her to prove herself.
But she wasn't ready—not yet.
"Still struggling?" Kael's deep voice broke the silence, and Lyra turned to find him standing at the edge of the courtyard, his arms crossed over his chest. His presence was a quiet comfort, but it was also a reminder of the weight she carried now.
