---
Later that day, The sun was high over the academy training fields, casting golden light on the lush greenery that surrounded the grounds.
Fowad stood at the edge of the field, observing Liam and Mira as they practiced with their beasts.
Liam's rock turtle beast moved steadily, its shell glowing faintly with defensive energy, while Mira's hawk darted through the sky, executing precision attacks on distant targets.
Fowad felt a flicker of pride watching them. Though their initial reluctance to join his cause had made him wary, they had proven their loyalty through hard work and dedication.
He was beginning to think he could trust them until the attack came.
It began subtly. The air around the training field grew colder, the atmosphere shifting, revealing faint trails of unfamiliar energy moving through the area.
'His heart sank.'
"Something's wrong," he muttered, stepping forward.
