Selene's POV
I found a corner on the upper balcony. It was one of those tucked-away spots no one usually bothered with as it was too high for casual conversation, too exposed for anything private. The guards had started keeping a wider distance lately, like someone had quietly adjusted the rules without telling me. Maybe they were tired of pretending they weren't watching every move I made. Or maybe they just didn't want to stand too close anymore.
I leaned against the cold railing, the rough stone pressing into my palms, and closed my eyes.
The power inside me didn't wait for permission anymore. It was restless under my skin, like it had opinions and nowhere useful to put them. I tried to reach for it the way I had in training.
Nothing happened at first. Just the steady push
