Training began at sunrise.
Lena stood across from Kael, the cool morning air sharp against her skin. The ground beneath her feet still felt unstable, as if it remembered the power she had unleashed.
"Again," Kael said.
She inhaled slowly, focusing.
The wind stirred faintly around her.
"Stronger," he urged.
Frustration flickered. "I am trying."
"Trying won't save you in battle."
The words struck harder than intended.
Lena clenched her fists, forcing the energy forward.
The air snapped.
Silver light surged outward—too fast, too sharp.
Kael dodged just in time.
"Control," he snapped.
Lena stepped back, shaken. "I could've hurt you."
Kael met her gaze steadily. "But you didn't."
She looked away, unsettled.
"It doesn't feel stable."
"That's because you're fighting it instead of guiding it," he said.
Lena hesitated. "And if I lose control?"
Kael's voice softened slightly. "Then I'll be there to pull you back."
She looked at him again, unsure.
The wind stirred around them once more.
Waiting.