The rogues attacked again, this time closer, coordinated. Lucien moved at my side, controlled, precise. Kaiden remained at the forest edge, watching, assessing.
"Ready?" Lucien asked.
I nodded, feeling the mark burn beneath my neck. Energy surged through me—fear, power, and something fierce I couldn't name.
The first rogue lunged. I flung my arms forward. White light exploded, wind ripping through trees, scattering the attackers. Leaves tore from branches, the ground trembled.
Kaiden stepped forward, eyes sharp, wolf growling low. "Impressive," he said. His voice carried a warning: you're stronger, but untested.
Another rogue attacked. I ignited my power again. Lucien shouted instructions, guiding me, but the fight was mine.
Kaiden's presence—near, watching—made my heart pound. Not fear. Not desire. Something more complicated, a mix of both.
By dawn, the rogues had fled. The valley was silent except for our ragged breaths.
"You're learning fast," Lucien said. "But remember—control is everything."
Kaiden's gaze lingered on me, unreadable, tense, claiming. And I realized: he wasn't leaving. Not yet.