That night, Lyra was summoned to a dimly lit room. Kael Draven was there, leaning casually against the window, the moonlight glinting off his dark hair.
"You survived the first trial," he said, voice low. "I underestimated you."
Lyra tried to stay calm. "I just… did what I had to do."
He stepped closer. The air between them seemed to thicken, charged. "You're hiding something," he whispered. "I can feel it. Your aura… it's different. Dangerous."
Lyra's stomach twisted. "I'm just a student," she said, voice shaking slightly.
Kael's gaze didn't waver. "Dangerous students tend to die here… or worse. Watch yourself, Lyra."
Her heart pounded. She didn't understand him, didn't trust him, but there was an undeniable pull.