The training ground was alive with the hum of energy. The air seemed thicker, charged with magic, and Ariana could feel it all around her. She had spent hours trying to control her powers, the subtle energy of the Gateways still thrumming just beneath her skin, always there, always waiting.

Dorian had been patient, at first, guiding her through basic exercises—breathing techniques to center her magic, focusing on the energy flowing through her wrists, and simple formations of light and shadow. But now, as the sun began to set, a new sense of urgency had entered his voice.