An hour later, Korra stood in the archives again, surrounded by dusty texts and Rhyker's grudging instruction. Kael refused to leave her side, while Mara hovered nearby with water and food, as if mortal sustenance could somehow make magic less dangerous.

"The theory is simple," Rhyker explained, pointing to an ancient diagram. "You anchor yourself to the land using your bloodline connection. The healer's sigil opens the channel, our will shapes the ward, and your strength maintains ...