The morning sun barely touched the Hidden City's crystal towers when Lyra entered the glowing arena. The air hummed with energy, brushing against her skin like static. Around her, Orion, Kael, and a silver-haired man with playful eyes observed.
"I'm Rylan," he said casually. "Try not to burn the city down today."
Lyra's lips twitched into a half-smile. "Try not to annoy me."
Orion didn't smile. He stepped behind her, hands hovering near hers. "Feel the energy. Don't force it. Let it flow."
Lyra raised her hands. Sparks danced across her fingers. A flicker of heat burst outward. Before she could react, a training dummy disintegrated into ash. She stumbled back.
Rylan clapped slowly. "Impressive… and terrifying."
Kael smirked. "I like her. Reckless and alive."
Orion's tone was sharp. "Control is everything. Strength without control will kill you—or someone else."
Lyra clenched her jaw. "I don't want to hurt anyone."
"Good. Remember that," Orion said, eyes scanning the arena. "But sometimes control is learned the hard way."
Suddenly, a shadow moved at the arena's edge. Lyra froze. Recognition struck like lightning: someone from her past. Darius.
"Hello, Lyra," he said, voice low, calm—but tainted with something dangerous.
Her blood ran cold.
Orion stepped forward. "Stay back."
Darius' smirk widened. "You don't know what you're capable of yet."
Lyra's hands flared uncontrollably, throwing her off balance. The arena trembled. Fire licked the stone walls.
Orion grabbed her shoulders. "Focus. You can control it."
She breathed. In. Out. The flames shrank. Her energy pulsed steadily.
Kael leaned in, voice low. "You're more dangerous than you realize. And we've barely begun."
Rylan chuckled. "She's learning fast. Faster than anyone expected."
Lyra swallowed, trembling with adrenaline. She had survived the monsters above the city. Now, training had shown her: the real danger—and her real power—was inside herself.
From the shadows, Darius disappeared, leaving only the echo of his voice: "We'll meet again, Lyra."
A low horn sounded in the Hidden City. The Guild had detected her awakening—and their scouts were approaching.