The air in the Haven's underground base was thick with heat and exhaustion. The artificial sun that hung in the dome-like ceiling flickered gently, casting a soft amber glow over the wide training chamber.
Four young heroes sat near the edge of the arena, backs against the cool steel wall, water bottles in hand, their chests rising and falling with the heavy rhythm of fatigue.
Harry wiped sweat from his brow, his muscular frame glistening slightly under the lights.
Lily leaned forward with her arms on her knees, exhaling sharply, her eyes half-lidded.
James sprawled back like he was melting into the floor, legs stretched, sparks of residual electricity still dancing along his fingertips.
Sara, with her usual sass, sat cross-legged but upright, tired, but too proud to slump.
Even Solarius, who rarely showed fatigue, had a bottle in hand. He drank slowly, observing them all with that calm, radiant gaze.
