Night fell faster than expected.
Lucien, Kaiden, and I were in the main training hall.
"Darius," Lucien said grimly. "He's coming himself."
A howl echoed in the distance. Not a standard attack. He wanted me personally.
The fortress trembled as shadows darted in. Assassins, elite fighters, every move precise.
Kaiden moved forward. Calm. Controlled. Watching.
I raised my hands. The mark flared, stronger than ever.
Energy burst outward, knocking attackers backward. Rocks flew. Windows shattered. My heart raced.
Lucien moved beside me. "Don't hold back."
I unleashed power. My mark burned like wildfire. Attacks scattered like leaves.
Kaiden stepped closer, guiding my focus. "Breathe. Control it."
I did.
And for the first time, my power wasn't just reactive—it was cooperative. Controlled. Deadly.
The remaining attackers fled. Silence fell.
Kaiden's eyes found mine. "Impressive," he murmured.
I shivered. "Scary."
Lucien's jaw tightened. "You need training. Fast."
Kaiden nodded. "And you'll get it. But remember…" His gaze softened faintly. "…you're valuable. Dangerous. And everyone wants a piece of that."
I realized the truth. Survival wasn't enough. I had to master my power, my heart, and my choices.
Night fell faster than expected.
Lucien, Kaiden, and I were in the main training hall.
"Darius," Lucien said grimly. "He's coming himself."
A howl echoed in the distance. Not a standard attack. He wanted me personally.
The fortress trembled as shadows darted in. Assassins, elite fighters, every move precise.
Kaiden moved forward. Calm. Controlled. Watching.
I raised my hands. The mark flared, stronger than ever.
Energy burst outward, knocking attackers backward. Rocks flew. Windows shattered. My heart raced.
Lucien moved beside me. "Don't hold back."
I unleashed power. My mark burned like wildfire. Attacks scattered like leaves.
Kaiden stepped closer, guiding my focus. "Breathe. Control it."
I did.
And for the first time, my power wasn't just reactive—it was cooperative. Controlled. Deadly.
The remaining attackers fled. Silence fell.
Kaiden's eyes found mine. "Impressive," he murmured.
I shivered. "Scary."
Lucien's jaw tightened. "You need training. Fast."
Kaiden nodded. "And you'll get it. But remember…" His gaze softened faintly. "…you're valuable. Dangerous. And everyone wants a piece of that."
I realized the truth. Survival wasn't enough. I had to master my power, my heart, and my choices.