The morning air was heavy with anticipation.
Charlotte stood in the training arena, the stones beneath her feet still faintly glowing from the silver energy she had unleashed during the previous night’s battle. The academy had repaired the broken walls, but everyone knew—nothing could repair the fear, the awe, or the knowledge that she had awakened something ancient.
Ethan and Lucas were already present. Ethan shifted back and forth on his feet, tense, golden eyes constantly scanning the skies. Lucas leaned against the edge of the arena, arms crossed, silver eyes flickering with unspoken calculation.
“You look determined,” Lucas remarked dryly.
“I need to learn control,” Charlotte said firmly. “If the Shadowborn come back, I can’t… I can’t risk losing it again. I can’t risk anyone gett
