[Exterior camp near the Silent Threshold — North rock — Night]
The rock had a direct view of the Silent Threshold.
Alex sat with his knees against his chest, looking at the twelve‑meter walls in the darkness — the repeated symbol visible even at night because the stone's spiritual plane had enough activity for Soul Sight to read it effortlessly.
Raven arrived and sat beside him.
Without active F3. Without the combat posture that was so habitual it was almost her resting posture.
Just Raven.
Silence for a moment.
"Do you know what my first thought was when I first saw you?" said Raven.
"No."
"Too young." Raven. "Nineteen years old and already in the Circle's records as a potential target." A pause. "Viktor wanted to recruit you. That's what the note said — that he was observing a candidate with unusual potential for the Circle."
"And you?" said Alex.
