Nyx's POV
The Council grounds had never looked more intimidating.
I stood at the edge of the main training arena—a massive circular space enclosed by stone walls, with raised seating where Council members and other observers could watch from above. The morning sun cast long shadows across the dirt floor, making the space feel even larger than it was.
Empty now, except for Kael and me. Frost did not come with us because the council specifically stated that they need to see me control my magic. They probably felt that her presence could make my magic appear bigger than reality. But they underestimate how deep my bond with Frost is.
"Stop catastrophizing," Kael said from beside me. "I can feel your anxiety through the bond. It's making my hands shake."
"Sorry." I tried to calm my racing thoughts. "I just—what if I freeze up? What if I can't perform under pressure?"
