The academy gardens were quiet, bathed in silver moonlight.
Lyra walked alone, letting the tension of the day fade.
A soft voice came from behind. "You shouldn't be wandering alone."
Kael appeared, shadow curling around him. His dark eyes softened. "You fought well today. I underestimated you."
Lyra's heart raced. "I couldn't have done it without you."
He stepped closer, gaze intense. "You're… stronger than I expected. Dangerous. And unusual."
Lyra's pulse quickened. "You're… unpredictable."
Kael smirked faintly, retreating into the shadows. "Don't expect me to be predictable."
Alone, Lyra's mark pulsed under the moonlight. The academy is dangerous. Kael is dangerous. And I… I'm ready for everything.