Lyra followed Orion through tunnels to the Hidden City.
Crystal towers stretched to the sky. Floating bridges. People using abilities casually—levitation, sparks of fire, shaping energy.
Her heart raced. "This… is real?"
Orion scanned the streets. "Real. Dangerous. The Guild isn't the only threat."
Whispers followed her. People stared at her aura. Concerned. Afraid. Impressed.
"Well, well… Orion, you brought a mess," said Kael, leaning on a glowing pillar.
"I'm Kael," he said, eyes on Lyra. "You must be the awakening."
"I'm not—" Lyra began.
"Don't argue. Not yet." Kael brushed past her, air charged.
Orion warned: "Behave."
Kael smiled. "I always behave… eventually."
Alarms rang. Red lights. Scouts.
Orion grabbed her wrist. She didn't resist.
They know I'm here.