Chapter 31 — Learning the Shape of Power
Blackspire had many training grounds.
Some were carved into open courtyards where soldiers drilled beneath the sky. Others were buried deep within the mountain, chambers hollowed out of obsidian and reinforced with ancient wards meant to contain things that were never meant to be free.
Kael chose the deepest one.
Elowen felt it the moment she crossed the threshold.
The air was heavier here not suffocating, but dense, as though every breath carried weight. The stone walls were etched with runes older than the fortress itself, their meanings half-lost to time. Faint lines of violet light pulsed within them, reacting subtly to Kael's presence.
And to hers.
She flexed her fingers unconsciously.
"You feel it," Kael said.
It wasn't a question.
"Yes," Elowen replied honestly. "It's like… standing near the sea before a storm."
Kael studied her closely, watching for fear, for hesitation.
He found neither.
Only focus.
