The moon hung low over the academy, casting silver light over the worn training grounds.
Kael was alone—or so he thought.
He moved through basic drills, punching and weaving, but his heart wasn't in it.The shadows responded sluggishly, like they, too, sensed his hesitation.
"If you don't control it, it will control you."
Kael froze, breath catching.
From the darkness beyond the field, Kaede Mizuno stepped forward.
He wasn't dressed in his usual instructor's uniform tonight.Instead, he wore black, lightweight armor that shimmered faintly when he moved, almost blending into the night itself.
Kael straightened awkwardly. "Instructor Kaede... I—I was just—"
"I know what you were doing," he interrupted calmly.
His piercing eyes, sharp and calculating, locked onto Kael.
"You've been hiding it."
Kael swallowed hard, saying nothing.
Kaede circled him slowly, studying him not like a teacher—but like a predator sizing up its prey.
"The power you unlocked... it isn't normal.""It isn't safe.""And it damn sure isn't luck."
Kael looked away. "I didn't ask for it."
"No one ever does," Kaede said, voice softening slightly."But that doesn't matter anymore. It's yours."
The air between them grew heavy.
Kaede stopped in front of him, crossing his arms."You think you're protecting yourself by hiding it. Maybe even protecting them," he nodded vaguely toward the academy buildings behind him. "But the truth is, you're just delaying the inevitable."
Kael clenched his fists."I don't know how to control it."
A ghost of a smile crossed Kaede's lips."That's what I'm here for."
He turned and walked toward the deeper training grounds, where only elite students trained—those preparing to face real horrors beyond the walls.
"Come," he called over his shoulder."If you're serious about surviving what's coming, the real training starts now."
Kael hesitated only for a second.
Then he followed.
And somewhere above them, hidden by the clouds, something ancient stirred—drawn to the awakening power deep within him.