### Chapter 14: When Strength Isn't Enough
The weight of Kael's words settled in my chest like a stone. I wanted to argue, to prove him wrong, to say that I *could* be strong enough. But the look in his eyes—cold, steady, unwavering—made it clear.
I wasn't. Not yet.
Ember crossed her arms. "So what, you're saying Dom needs to go through whatever nightmare you did to get stronger?"
Kael's gaze didn't waver. "No. I wouldn't wish that on anyone." He turned to me. "But you need to learn, fast. Strength isn't just power—it's knowing how to use it."
I exhaled, my fingers curling into fists. "Then show me."
Kael arched an eyebrow. "Now?"
I nodded. "Now."
Ember sighed. "Of course. Because almost dying *once* today wasn't enough for you."
Ignoring her, I stepped forward. Kael studied me for a long moment, then shrugged. "Alright."
I barely had time to react before he moved.
One second he was standing in front of me—the next, he was behind me, his arm locking around my throat in a blur of motion.
I gasped, struggling against him, but it was like trying to fight a steel vice.
"Too slow," Kael muttered.
I drove my elbow back, aiming for his ribs. He caught my arm effortlessly and twisted it, forcing me to my knees.
Pain flared up my shoulder, but before I could yell, he released me and stepped back.
I coughed, rubbing my throat. "What the hell was that?"
Kael crossed his arms. "Reality check."
Ember snorted. "You could've *not* tried to choke him to death."
Kael ignored her. "You rely too much on your bond. Strength isn't just about power—it's about movement, control, reading your opponent." He tilted his head. "Try again."
I gritted my teeth. Fine.
This time, I didn't wait. I lunged, aiming to tackle him.
Bad idea.
Kael barely moved. He shifted his weight, caught me by the wrist, and flipped me onto my back like I was nothing.
Air exploded from my lungs.
Before I could recover, Kael crouched beside me. "Do you see now?"
I glared at him. "That you're an *ass*? Yeah."
Ember laughed. Kael smirked. "And that's why you lost."
I exhaled sharply, frustration and embarrassment bubbling in my chest. He was right. Even with my bond, even with my newfound power, Kael was *miles* ahead of me. He had trained for this his whole life. I had barely begun.
But then something shifted.
The hum in my chest, the connection to my creatures—it flared, reacting to my frustration. I felt Nightshade stir beside me, its energy wrapping around mine.
Kael's smirk faded slightly.
I didn't think. I moved.
Instead of attacking directly, I reached into the bond, letting the power flow. Nightshade's presence sharpened my senses. The air around us seemed to ripple.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Good. But—"
I *moved.*
This time, when I lunged, I wasn't just relying on my body—I was using the bond. My speed doubled, my reflexes sharper. I twisted mid-air, avoiding the grip he was about to use, and landed behind him.
Kael turned. Just as I swung.
My fist connected.
For a split second, I felt satisfaction—until I realized *Kael let me hit him.*
He barely flinched.
Instead, he tilted his head, a slow smirk curling at the edge of his lips.
"Better," he admitted. "But not enough."
And then, he moved again.
I barely saw it coming. One moment I was standing, the next my legs were gone from under me. I hit the ground hard, Kael's knee pressing lightly against my chest—not enough to hurt, just enough to remind me that if this were a real fight, I'd already be dead.
Kael leaned down, voice quiet. "If you want to survive, Dom, you need to *think*—not just act. Power means nothing if you don't know how to use it."
I clenched my jaw.
Then he stood, offering me a hand.
I hesitated, then took it.
Kael pulled me up effortlessly. "Again tomorrow."
I groaned. "Great. Can't wait."
Ember clapped me on the back. "Hey, at least you landed a hit. That's more than I expected."
"Thanks," I muttered.
Kael turned away, already scanning the forest. "We should move. That thing—whatever it was—is still out there."
He was right. The fight had distracted me, but the danger hadn't passed.
And now, I understood something terrifying.
I wasn't ready.
But I had to be.