Lira woke up slowly, her head resting on Kael's shoulder.
The soft blue glow of the refuge crystals made the chamber look calm and safe.
Kael was sitting beside her, watching her quietly.
"You're awake," he said softly.
Lira rubbed her eyes.
"How long was I asleep?"
"Most of the night," Kael replied.
"You needed the rest."
She sat up slowly, leaning against him for support.
"Did you sleep?" she asked.
Kael gave a small smile.
"A little."
Lira frowned.
"You should rest too…"
"I will," Kael said. "After your training today."
Lira blinked.
"My training?"
Before Kael could answer, the Seer appeared from behind one of the crystal walls.
"Yes," he said.
"Yesterday, Kael learned to shield your bond.
Today… you must learn to control your light."
Lira's eyes widened.
"Me? I-I don't know if I can."
Kael placed his hand over hers.
"You can. And I'll be right here."
She nodded slowly, comforted by his voice.
The Seer raised a hand, and the glowing circle from yesterday appeared again in the center of the chamber.
"Step inside," the Seer instructed.
Lira walked into the circle, Kael right behind her.
The Seer continued:
"Lira's power is gentle, but unstable. If she learns to control it, the bond will grow faster and safer."
Lira took a deep breath.
"What do I need to do?"
The Seer pointed at her chest.
"You will release your power… without letting it explode."
Lira went pale.
"I-I almost lost control last time"
Kael put a hand on her shoulder.
"Then I'll hold you steady."
Lira looked at him, her expression softening.
"…Okay. I trust you."
She closed her eyes.
A soft silver glow started spreading from her hands… then her arms… then her chest.
The glow grew brighter.
Too bright.
Lira tensed.
"Kael it's happening again"
Kael stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I've got you. Just breathe."
Lira tried, but her power kept rising.
Kael called out to the Seer:
"What now?!"
The Seer answered:
"Don't stop her power. Guide it!"
"How?!"
"Talk to her. Calm her heart. Her magic follows her emotions!"
Kael looked down at Lira.
She was shaking, breath short and fast.
"Lira," he whispered in her ear, "look at me."
She forced her eyes open.
"Kael… it's too much"
"No," Kael said firmly. "You're stronger than this."
The glow around her flickered.
"Remember what we survived," Kael continued.
"The first trial. The second. The Devourer. You didn't break then, and you won't break now."
Lira's breathing slowed.
Kael held her closer.
"You're not alone. I'm right here."
The silver glow softened
not gone, not wild
controlled.
Lira gasped softly.
"It's working…"
Kael smiled.
"I told you."
The Seer watched them closely.
"Good. Now hold it steady."
Lira focused.
The light spread evenly around the circle, calm and warm.
But suddenly
A sharp pulse hit the chamber.
The crystals near the walls flickered.
Lira stumbled.
"Kael something's wrong!"
The Seer's voice sharpened.
"Someone has found the outer entrance."
Kael grabbed Lira instinctively.
"How?! This place is hidden!"
The Seer stepped toward the entrance tunnel.
"It seems the Emperor's heir moves faster than I expected."
Lira's heart pounded.
Kael drew his sword with one hand, keeping Lira behind him.
"Is it knights?"
The Seer shook his head.
"No."
He paused.
Then spoke quietly:
"It's one man."
Lira froze.
Kael tightened his grip on his sword.
"One man?" Lira whispered. "Who?"
The Seer's voice was cold.
"The heir's right hand.
The strongest hunter in the Empire."
Kael's jaw clenched.
And Lira felt a wave of fear roll through her body.
Someone… that strong… had come alone.
Which meant
He was confident he could kill them both.