Chapter 37

As they wrapped up, Headmistress Elara arrived, her cloak billowing in the breeze as she surveyed the students. “Excellent work, everyone,” she announced, her voice carrying across the field. “Remember, honing your physical abilities is only one part of your growth here. Today, we’ll also focus on fortifying your inner resilience.”

She glanced at Zoe, her gaze both warm and piercing. “Zoe, would you join me for a moment?”

Dominic gave Zoe a nod of encouragement as she followed Elara across the training field and into a secluded grove at the edge of the grounds. The towering trees created a canopy above them, casting dappled shadows that shifted in the light breeze.

Elara gestured for Zoe to sit on a fallen log beside her. “You’ve already begun unlocking the pendant’s powers, haven’t you?”

Zoe nodded. “Yes, but I don’t understand all of it yet. It feels like it’s connected to something vast, something that might be dangerous.”

The headmistress smiled faintly. “Power often feels that wa