The training yard rang with the dull thud of wooden weapons and the barked commands of warriors running drills. Bella stood off to the side, her palms pressed together, breathing carefully as Lydia circled her.

“Again,” Lydia said, her voice calm but firm. “Feel where the hum begins. Don’t fight it—guide it.”

Bella closed her eyes. The golden spark stirred faintly in her chest, like an ember being coaxed to flame. She exhaled slowly, imagining it sinking lower, grounding itself ...