Distant howls shook the valley.
Lucien frowned. "Something approaches. Not Kaiden."
My chest tightened. Another pack? Mercenaries?
We reached the cliff edge and saw them—rogues, larger than before, moving silently, circling the fortress.
"They know about you," Lucien said. "And they want to test it."
I swallowed, the fear biting sharper than yesterday. "Then let them try."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Your confidence is good… but overconfidence will kill you."
The rogues attacked at nightfall. I ignited my mark, and energy surged from me. Wind tore through the trees as they scattered, fear replacing their arrogance. Lucien watched, impressed but wary.
"You're fast," he said, "but remember—strength without control will betray you."