Morning light filtered into the valley, painting the cliffs in gold and shadow. The rebels stirred from their rest, though the weight of exhaustion lingered on their faces. For the first time in weeks, there had been no sound of pursuit, no echo of Dominion riders. Yet none mistook the quiet for safety.
Kael stood near the stream, the water reflecting his pale face and the faint blue sparks that crackled across his hands. He clenched his fists, forcing the light to fade, but the storm never truly vanished. It lingered in his chest, heavy as thunderclouds.
“You’re holding your breath.”
He turned. Asha approached, her arms folded, her expression as sharp as always. “That’s your first mistake. Power isn’t something you choke down. You breathe with it, or it chokes you.”
Kael exhaled slowl
