Inside the study, only four people sat around the long table: Kain, the orphanage director, Bridge, and Gabriel. Darrius and Malzahir were already on outer patrol, and the younger kids were asleep. The lamplight was warm; the mood wasn't.
Kain placed a slim, glowing manual on the table. "Veil of the Hidden Star," he said. "Try to learn it by tonight."
The director nodded grimly. Gabriel leaned forward, eyes bright. Bridge folded his arms, trying to look relaxed and failing.
Kain flipped the manual open. The instructions were crisp, almost insultingly simple compared to the nightmare text of the Threads of Destiny. He decided to learn the skill first so that he can offer any tips to the others if need be. He breathed once, twice—then closed his eyes and drew his spiritual power inward. It came easily. His control had sharpened a lot this past year; the Top 5's training, dozens of battles, and the Thread of Destiny's constant repeated usage had left him more skilled.
