POV: Ashina
Training began at dawn, relentless and exhausting.
Ashina stood in the center of the practice ring, sweat dripping down her spine, as Seraphina, the other captive Moon Priestess they'd learned about through Kael appeared in her mind's eye through a vision. The woman was emaciated, chained to a wall, her once-vibrant power reduced to a flicker. But she was alive, and through the vision, Ashina felt her desperation.
*Help us,* the woman's voice whispered through the magical connection. "Please. We're running out of time."
Ashina gasped, the vision breaking. She stumbled, and Mira caught her arm, steadying her.
"What did you see?" the old healer asked, her ancient eyes sharp.
"The other priestess. Seraphina." Ashina's voice shook. "She's dying. Morgana's draining her too quickly. If we don't get there soon."
