The next morning felt different.
Not lighter.
But clearer.
Lyra stood at the training ground before sunrise.
Waiting.
This time—
Not because she was told to.
Because she chose to.
The air was cold.
Quiet.
But her mind wasn’t.
She could still feel it.
That power.
Not out of control anymore—
Just… there.
Waiting.
“You’re early.”
Kael’s voice came from behind her.
Lyra didn’t turn immediately.
“I didn’t want to hesitate,” she said.
Kael stepped beside her.
“That’s a good start.”
Lyra glanced at him briefly.
“No arguments today?”
A faint hint of something crossed his expression.
“Not unless you give me a reason.”
That almost made her smile.
Almost.
Silence settled between them.
But it wasn’t uncomfortable.
Not like before.
“Show me,” Kael said.
Lyra took a breat
