The shadows of the Valley of Darkness pressed around them as the group set up camp for the night. Exhaustion weighed on their shoulders, but Kai could feel the energy of their marks pulsing faintly, like a heartbeat in the air.
"We need to do more than survive," Kai said as he paced around the campfire. "The trials proved we're not ready for what's coming. If the wraith was any indication, we have a long way to go before we can even think about facing another dragon—or worse."
"Training?" Aelira asked, adjusting the straps on her boots.
Kai nodded. "Exactly. The dragon's warning wasn't just about balance—it was about control. If we don't learn to wield these powers properly, we'll be as dangerous to each other as to our enemies."
"I like the sound of that," Lyria said, stretching her arms. "It's been too long since we had a proper sparring session. Let's see if that dragon fire of yours is more than just flashy lights, Kai."
"Careful what you wish for," Kai replied with a smirk.
Ryn stood, his expression determined."We'll need to focus on more than just fighting. Each of our trials taught us something personal. If we don't understand the lessons behind them, our strength will mean nothing."
The group murmured their agreement, though the weight of the task ahead was clear in their eyes.
Kai divided the group into pairs for sparring. He took a deep breath, his dragon heir mark glowing faintly as he faced Lyria. She twirled her blades with practiced ease, her smirk returning.
"Don't hold back, Kai because I won't," she teased.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he replied, raising his sword.
The clash of steel echoed through the clearing as they exchanged blows. Lyria's speed forced Kai to rely on his instincts, the fiery energy of his mark coursing through him. For a moment, time seemed to slow, and Kai's focus sharpened. He deflected her strike and countered, the edge of his blade stopping just short of her shoulder.
"Well played," Lyria said, her voice softer than usual. She stepped closer, her smirk replaced by a curious look. "You're improving. Maybe you are cut out to be a leader after all."
Kai's breath caught as her hand brushed against his lips, the warmth of her touch sending a spark through him. "Thanks," he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Before either could say more, Isolde's voice broke the moment. "If you two are done flirting, we've got work to do."
Kai and Lyria quickly stepped apart, though the faint blush on their faces didn't go unnoticed by the others.
Kaelith grinned. "I think we've found our first power pairing."
"Focus," Kai said, clearing his throat. "We need to train, not gossip."
The group continued sparring late into the night, pushing their limits and testing their abilities. By the time they finally collapsed by the fire, the tension between them had shifted. They weren't just a group of individuals anymore—they were a team.
As the fire's glow flickered against the darkened forest, Kai found himself staring at the stars. Lyria sat beside him, her expression unusually serene.
"What do you think is waiting for us in Eldoria?" she asked, her voice quiet.
Kai hesitated before answering. "Answers, I hope. Maybe even a way to stop whatever's coming."
Lyria tilted her head, her gaze lingering on him. "You're always thinking about the future, Kai. Maybe that's why you're a leader. But don't forget to live in the present, too."
Kai turned to her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. "I'll try," he said, offering a small smile.
As the night deepened, Kai felt the weight of their journey ahead—but for the first time, he didn't feel alone. The burden of the responsibilities felt lighter.