Soren at Fifteen

Sophia's POV

The first full shift happened on a Tuesday in October, in the clearing east of the castle walls where Kael had been bringing him for training for six years.

I was in the study reviewing the annual trade accounts when Kael appeared in the doorway with the specific expression of a man who has significant news and is deciding how to deliver it.

"He shifted," Kael said.

I set down the accounts. "Fully?"

"Completely," Kael said. "Without difficulty." A pause. "He is a ...