Skylar

As I pivot, my muscles screaming as I force another volley of punches into the air, each one an imagined blow against the enemies that threaten my realms. Sweat beads on my forehead, trickling down to sting my eyes, but I blink it away, refusing to pause. My father's presence looms behind me, a watchful guardian assessing every shift in my stance, every flicker of power that sparks from my fingertips.

"Concentration, Skyler," he reminds me, his voice steady as the ancient ...