Kael caught up to her near the floating bridges, his dark hair framing eyes that seemed to see right through her.
"You're reckless," he said. "I can teach you to fight faster. Stronger."
Lyra crossed her arms. "I don't need someone who wants me dangerous."
Kael smirked. "You already are. You just don't know it."
Orion appeared silently behind her, his jaw tight. "Kael, step away."
Kael ignored him, eyes locked on Lyra. "She'll learn faster if I push her. You want her alive? Let me."
Lyra felt adrenaline, fear, and something she didn't understand: a pull toward him, even as Orion glared. She clenched her fists. "Fine. But if you try anything—"
"Anything?" Kael interrupted, grinning. "I'm just teaching you control."
Training began. Fire, barriers, energy manipulation. Each attempt risked burnout. Lyra's hands flared. Sparks danced dangerously.
"Too much!" Orion shouted, stepping in.
"Not enough," Kael countered, grinning.
Lyra's chest tightened. She didn't know who to listen to. Her hands trembled, energy threatening to erupt. Then a single thought: I have to control it, or I die.
She inhaled. Focused. The fire curled neatly into a small orb. Stable. Real.
Rylan nodded approvingly. Kael's grin widened. Orion's eyes softened slightly.
From the sky, alarms blared. A low, steady hum: Guild scouts were near.
"Stay close," Orion ordered.
Lyra followed without hesitation. For the first time, she realized training wasn't about surviving—they were preparing her for war.
Beyond the city gates, black smoke coiled, and red eyes glinted in the distance. The Guild is coming.