Before power pushed back, Elena Voss believed control was something you could hold.
Something steady.
Something yours.
---
But now—
She understood the cost.
---
The closer you got to power—
The less of yourself remained separate from it.
---
The field didn’t erupt this time.
---
It tightened.
---
Energy streams pulled inward, condensing into sharper lines, cleaner paths—no wasted motion, no hesitation.
---
Focus.
---
Intent.
---
Elena stood at the center of it, breathing slow, steady.
---
Not overwhelmed.
---
Not resisting.
---
Aligned.
---
Adrian watched her carefully, unease written across his face.
---
“You’re changing,” he said.
---
She didn’t deny it.
---
“So is it.”
---
The system pulsed in response.
---
Not aggressive.
---
Not passive.
---
A
