The Citadel's walls shivered with tension as night fell. Liora stood beside Kael on a balcony that overlooked the streets of Veyl. Below, shadows slithered between puddles and neon lights like smoke with teeth.
"They know where you are," Kael said quietly. "And now they know you're awake. They will test you first."
Liora swallowed, gripping the railing. Her hands were slick with rain, though it had not reached the Citadel. She could feel the whisper buzzing inside her skull: Fear them, learn them, control them.
"Can I stop them?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Kael gave a small, almost sad smile. "We will see."
The first Glassling emerged from the street below. Small, jagged, and shimmering like broken glass, it darted toward her with impossible speed.
Liora focused on her breathing, listening to the whisper. Not your enemy. Watch it.
She raised her hands instinctively. The creature froze mid-step, tilting its head as if studying her. Then, with a thought she didn't know she possessed, she extended her sight. The Glassling shuddered and dissolved into light, vanishing without a sound.
Kael's eyes gleamed. "Well done. You're faster than most first-timers."
Faster… yes… stronger… The whisper hummed proudly. Liora felt a strange warmth spreading through her chest.
But the night was far from over. A larger shadow stretched across the streets — one that moved with human grace but impossible size. Its glowing eyes locked on her.
"You're ready," Kael said grimly. "But not yet safe. Let's see how you handle a real test."