Magic collided midair with a violent crack.
Lena's silver energy met the witches' dark power head-on, sending shockwaves rippling through the valley. The force pushed her back a step, but she held her ground.
"Focus!" Kael shouted as he shifted, launching into the fight.
Lena steadied her breathing, forcing herself to stay centered. The power inside her surged wildly, but she grabbed onto it—guided it.
The wind answered her again.
It rose sharply, sweeping across the battlefield and throwing several witches off balance. Leaves, dust, and raw force spun around her like a shield.
But not all of them fell.
One witch remained standing.
She stepped forward slowly, untouched by the chaos. Her eyes burned a deeper shade of purple, her presence heavier—older.
"You learn quickly," the witch said calmly.
Lena narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?"
The woman smiled faintly. "Someone who understands what you are becoming."
Kael moved beside Lena, low growl rumbling in his chest. "Don't listen to her."
The witch tilted her head.
"It doesn't matter," she said. "You can't outrun what's already begun."
Lena felt it then—
A shift inside her.
Something pulling.