The warehouse had transformed into a training arena. Shadows stretched across the walls like living creatures, curling and twisting in anticipation. Kael stood at one end, his golden eyes fixed on Aria.
"Today," he said, voice firm, "you fight. Not just your fear… but the shadows themselves."
Aria swallowed, her pulse quickening. "Fight the shadows? But I control them…"
Kael shook his head. "Control is an illusion. Shadows are part of you — but they have instincts of their own. They test you, and if you hesitate, they will consume you."
She clenched her fists. "Then I'll fight."
Shadows erupted from the floor, twisting into humanoid forms. Each figure mirrored Aria's movements but moved faster, sharper, unpredictable.
Her heart pounded. Every instinct screamed to flee, but Kael's words rang in her mind: Anchor yourself. Control them.
She extended her hands, and the shadows around her responded. This time, she forced her fear aside and focused on her breathing. Slowly, the humanoid shadows slowed, matching her movements instead of opposing them.
Kael nodded. "Good… now strike."
Aria hesitated, then thrust her hand forward. A shadow whip shot out, striking the nearest form. The figure shattered into mist, absorbed back into her own aura. The rest recoiled, testing her again.
Sweat ran down her face. Her chest heaved. But a spark of confidence flickered.
I can do this, she realized.
Kael stepped closer, lowering his voice. "There's more you need to know about your bloodline. Your mother… she was exceptional, but even she feared the darkness you carry. She left guidance in the journal, yes, but also… protections. Hidden gifts."
He handed her a small crystal pendant. "This belonged to her. It's tied to your anchor, your shadow, your very soul. Keep it close. It will respond when you need it most."
Aria traced her fingers over the pendant. It hummed faintly, pulsing in sync with her heartbeat. A warmth spread through her chest — comforting, yet strange.
"Is this… magic?" she asked.
Kael's lips curled faintly. "Yes. But not like anything you've seen. It's your inheritance, your birthright. And it will be tested."
A distant crash echoed through the warehouse. Aria froze. Kael's eyes narrowed.
"They're here," he said. "Your first real test isn't the shadows… it's them."
From the open loading bay, three shapeshifters leapt inside. Their forms shifted constantly — human one moment, wolf-like the next, eyes glowing red. They snarled, circling her like predators.
Aria's shadows flared instinctively. The humanoid forms from earlier coalesced around her, protective and ready.
Kael stepped beside her, calm and commanding. "Remember what I taught you. Control, not fear. And strike only when necessary."
Her pulse raced. This was no simulation. The shapeshifters lunged.
Aria moved instinctively. Shadows lashed out, striking, blocking, binding. Each attack she mirrored her instincts, each defense fueled by the raw power she hadn't yet fully understood.
One of the shapeshifters leapt at her from behind. Aria spun, her shadow forming a whip that wrapped around the attacker's throat, lifting it off the ground. Its claws scraped the concrete, sparks flying, but it couldn't break free.
Kael's expression softened faintly. "Good… very good."
Her chest heaved as the final shapeshifter lunged, but this time, Aria anticipated it. She extended her hands, and her shadows surged, forming a barrier that struck the creature with precision. It collapsed, motionless, absorbed into the swirling darkness that protected her.
Breathing heavily, Aria dropped to her knees. The warehouse was silent except for the echo of dripping water and her rapid heartbeat.
Kael approached, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You've taken the first step, Aria. But this is only the beginning. Enemies will come faster, stronger, and smarter. And they will never stop hunting you."
Aria clutched the pendant around her neck. The weight of her destiny pressed against her chest.
"I… I'll be ready," she whispered, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her fear.
Kael's gaze softened. "No, Aria. You'll survive. That's the first lesson every heiress must learn."
Outside, unseen in the shadows, more eyes watched. More hunters waited.