Training changed.
Not harder—deeper.
Kael stood at the center of the arena, surrounded by the five women who now shaped his control: Lira, Nyra, Seris, Silas, and Aelira.
"Again," Seris ordered.
Kael exhaled, letting the Ember Core pulse.
Lira stepped first—her touch steadied him instantly.
Nyra followed—softening the heat.
Aelira struck next—forcing precision.
Silas moved last—silencing excess energy.
Kael's flame didn't surge.
It aligned.
For the first time, all five influences coexisted.
Balanced.
Watching from afar, Riven muttered, "That's not training anymore."
Torren crossed his arms. "No. That's evolution."
Kael opened his eyes.
Gold flickered—but didn't flare.
And the deeper voice whispered—
You are learning to carry more than one truth.