When the shard dissolved without burning through my veins, I knew I had to share the discovery.
My hands trembled, not from pain this time but from exhilaration. For the first time since I had been cast into this desert world, strength had come to me without demanding blood and agony.
I all but dragged Jamila with me as I stormed toward the chief's tent. The night air was sharp, filled with the sound of warriors still groaning, meditating, or gasping as they struggled with their shards. The air itself felt charged, vibrating with the restless hunger of hundreds trying to grow stronger. I wondered how many would succeed, how many would break themselves trying.
I needed to share this discovery to minimize the risk of too many getting injured or worse.
Chief Hasef was seated inside when I arrived, speaking in low tones with two elders. They fell silent as I entered, my breath still uneven from running.
