The training grounds buzzed with renewed energy. Warriors moved with sharpened purpose, blades slicing air, sweat gleaming in the golden morning light. But all eyes often drifted to the center — where Elara trained under Ravynn's brutal gaze.
"Again," Ravynn barked, tossing her another dagger.
Elara caught it midair, her grip steady despite the sting in her arms. Her muscles ached, her body bruised, but she welcomed the pain — it was proof she was becoming stronger.
Kael stood nearby, sparring with two elite warriors at once. He fought like a storm: swift, unrelenting, calculated. But every so often, his gaze flicked to Elara, a quiet pride in his eyes.
Elara hurled the dagger. It struck the target's center with a satisfying thud.
Ravynn gave a sharp nod. "Better. But your real strength isn't steel, is it?"
Without waiting for an answer, she motioned to a wooden dummy laced with enchantments.
"Burn it."
Elara hesitated. Her fire was still unpredictable, still dangerous. But she inhaled, grounded her feet, and called to the warmth pulsing beneath her ribs.
Golden flames flickered to life, coiling around her hands like ribbons.
She thrust both palms forward.
A jet of fire surged, roaring toward the dummy. It struck, engulfing the wood in a bright inferno. When the flames cleared, only scorched ash remained.
Gasps echoed around the yard. Even seasoned warriors stepped back.
Elena, watching from the shade, whispered, "She's evolving faster than we imagined."
Kael approached, his hand brushing Elara's shoulder. "You're not just powerful. You're incredible."
Elara looked up at him, breathless. "And I'm scared."
He cupped her face gently. "Good. Power without fear becomes destruction. You're exactly who we need."
But even as the pack prepared for war, a message arrived on the wind — carried by a raven with eyes of silver and a seal burned with dark fire.
Ravynn unrolled it, her face hardening.
"What is it?" Elara asked.
Ravynn read aloud: "Three nights from now. The Forgotten Vale. Bring your Flameborn… or watch your pack fall."
The war had just set its date.