The clearing had gone quiet again, the echo of the last burst fading into the trees. Jadon stood with her hands on her knees, catching her breath while Christa watched her with that mix of pride and worry she always wore when Jadon pushed herself.

“You okay?” Christa asked. Jadon nodded, straightening. “Yeah. Just… surprised.” “Good,” Christa said. “Surprise means you’re learning. Ready for round two?”

Jadon flexed her fingers, still tingling with leftover energy.

“Yeah. I ...