The first attack came during drills.
Two cadets, eyes glazed and muttering in tongues, tried to corner Ryan in the sparring hall. They moved like puppets, shadows clinging to their feet.
Langston leapt from the rafters, his body blazing gold. Flames rippled from his claws, and ancient symbols lit across the floor.
The cadets screamed as the shadow magic shattered.
Ryan pulled a blade from her boot and stood back to back with him.
"Dark arts," she hissed.
"Subtle ones," he replied. "Placed like seeds."
Afterward, Kael summoned them.
"You were right," the General said grimly. "Someone is testing the defenses from within."
He looked at Langston. "Your presence is drawing fire."
Langston dipped his head. "Let them come."