LYRA

The days after the assembly blurred together in a haze of fear and routine. No one traveled alone anymore. We moved through the castle in clusters like schools of fish trying to avoid predators. Conversations happened in whispers. Every shadow made someone jump.

Training intensified. Weapons Master Theron pushed us harder than before, his patience worn thin by the attacks. He split us into smaller groups and Kael started working directly with us, demonstrating advanced techniques and ...