Morning mist still clung to the eastern yard when Bright led his squad out into the open training field.
The sand was cold beneath their boots.
The compound quiet—too early for most recruits, but not for them.
He stopped at the center of the field and turned.
Juno looked eager, Mara nervous, Fen unreadable, Lira mildly interested…
Rolf still looked annoyed.
Bright spoke plainly.
"Today, we start with assessment drills. I need to know what you can do—and what you can't."
He didn't raise his voice.
He didn't need to.
Being an Initiate had changed something deeper than power.
His presence carried weight now.
An instinctive "pay attention" quality that even the stubborn ones felt.
Bright pointed toward the long track carved into the sand.
"Lira. You're first."
She stepped forward, rolling her shoulders, dagger resting against her hip.
Her speed enhancement thrummed subtly—it wasn't active, but a natural aura was felt around her.
