Ava followed Lycan King Darius deeper into the forest clearing, her steps slow and uncertain. The early morning mist clung to the ground, swirling around their feet as faint rays of sunlight filtered through the trees.
"You said I'm the Moonborn," Ava said, her voice tight. "But I don't even know how to control any of this."
Darius stopped and turned toward her, his golden eyes calm but sharp.
"That is precisely why you must learn," he replied.
Ava crossed her arms.
"I didn't ask for this."
Darius's lips curved slightly.
"Power rarely waits for permission."
Before she could respond, he moved.
Fast.
He lunged toward her without warning.
Ava gasped, instinct taking over. She threw up her hand, and silver light burst from her palm. The energy slammed into Darius, pushing him back several steps before he regained his balance.
Silence filled the clearing.
Ava stared at her hands.
"I didn't mean to do that."
Darius straightened slowly.
"That is exactly the problem," he said.
Ava frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"You're not controlling your power," he replied. "It's controlling you."
Ava's chest tightened.
"So how do I fix that?"
Darius stepped back and gestured toward the open space.
"We train."