The beast's roar shook the academy walls.
A shadow loomed over the training grounds as a monstrous creature burst through the shattered barrier—eight feet tall, its hide covered in blackened scales, its eyes burning red with fury. It was no wild animal. This was something summoned. Something sent.
Students scattered, some screaming, others frozen.
"Formation!" Master Harond's voice cut through the panic like a blade. "Now!"
But not all obeyed. Many were still too young. Untrained. Unawakened.
Kael didn’t move with the others. He stepped forward, eyes locked on the beast.
His heart thudded.
It wasn’t fear. It was recognition.
The Hakana inside him stirred.
The beast charged, its claws tearing into the earth as it rushed toward the king, who stood utterly still, watching.
Just as i
