The energy around my chambers thickened, a nearly tangible pulse vibrating through the walls. I could feel them—mages, their auras like glowing embers, patrolling the perimeter. Ever since the night of Prophetess Kim's death, the night I was accused of her murder, my perception had shifted. I could see energy now, distinct and undeniable.
Maidservant Tae, standing quietly by the door, was devoid of any energy. She wasn't a mage—that much was clear. But Ariel, sitting beside me with a mischievous grin, had a faint glow of untapped potential. If she ever learned to harness it, I had no doubt she could rival the best of them.
"Mom," Ariel's voice pulled me from my thoughts. Her eyes sparkled as she admired the braid I had just finished weaving into her hair. "You're so beautiful. I can't believe you helped me with this! It's one of the things on my bucket list."
