The wolf-type didn't celebrate the outcome.
If anything, his expression remained unchanged, as though the result had already been expected.
"You're close," he said.
Kael pushed himself up slowly, wincing slightly as he steadied his breathing. "That's not as encouraging as you think it is."
"It should be."
The wolf-type turned as if to leave, but paused just long enough to glance back.
"You're not weak," he added.
Kael blinked. "That's new."
"You're unstable."
Kael let out a quiet breath. "That sounds more familiar."
The wolf-type gaze lingered for a moment longer.
"You'll either improve quickly," he said, "or you'll break."
Then he walked away.
No challenge.
No threat.
No arrogance.
Just a statement.
Kael stood there, watching him go.
"…I don't like him," he said after a moment.
Lyra stepped beside him. "No."
"…But he's not wrong."
"No."
Kael looked down at his hands again, flexing his fingers slowly.
"They're steady now," he said. "But it still doesn't feel stable."
Lyra didn't interrupt.
"That moment when everything lines up," he continued. "I can reach it, but I can't hold it."
"No," she agreed.
Kael exhaled slowly, letting the frustration settle into something more focused.
"Then I'll learn," he said.
Lyra looked at him.
This time, there was no distance in her expression.
No evaluation.
"…Yes," she said.
And for the first time, it sounded like she believed it.