Kallen returned before dawn, as he always did after reporting directly to Raven.
The training courtyard rang with the dull thud of wood against fist. Raven struck the post again, breath even, eyes cold with focus.
"You're awake early," Kallen said, unbuckling his sword.
Raven didn't slow. "You're late."
"I was making sure the Tiger Clan didn't decide to be brave in the dark," Kallen replied dryly.
Raven stopped.
His gaze shifted—not to Kallen, but past him.
Vanella stood at the edge of the courtyard, wrapped in a simple cloak, posture rigid but controlled. She looked tired. Not weak. Controlled—like someone holding too much inside.
Kallen glanced at her and nodded once. No surprise. No introduction.
Kallen studied her for a moment longer, then turned to Raven. "She's holding it in wrong."
Raven's brow lifted slightly. "Explain."
"For someone who reacts like she does," Kallen said, "she should have broken by now."
Vanella stiffened. "I'm standing right here."
Kallen smirked faintly. "Exactly."
Raven exhaled once. "She stays."
"I assumed as much," Kallen replied.
They didn't begin with power.
They never did.
Kallen took the lead, as he always did when Raven wanted observation rather than dominance.
"You remember what I told you in the study," Kallen said quietly, circling Vanella. "About composure."
She nodded.
"This," he continued, "is the same thing—just louder."
Vanella closed her eyes, jaw clenched.
Raven watched closely.
"Don't fight it," Kallen instructed. "And don't invite it."
A basin nearby rippled faintly.
Vanella's breath faltered—but she steadied it.
The water stilled.
Raven's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Better," he said.
Vanella opened her eyes. "I didn't do anything."
"That's progress," Kallen replied.
Raven stepped closer. "You don't need to understand it yet."
His voice was low. Controlled.
"You only need to survive it."