Skylar

"Take a moment, Skyler," my father says from the edge of the ring, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "You've earned it."

I nod, allowing my muscles to relax as I shift back to human form. The transition is smoother now, almost second nature, but the toll on my body remains heavy. My knees buckle slightly, but I steady myself, refusing to show weakness—even if only to myself.

"Your control over the elements... it's impressive." My father's eyes shine ...