Seris didn't teach.
She tested.
Without warning, she struck.
Kael barely blocked.
"Too slow," she said.
He adjusted—faster this time.
Still not enough.
Seris pressed harder.
Relentless.
Precise.
"Emotion clouds reaction," she said.
"Detach."
Kael exhaled—pushing everything aside.
The flame sharpened.
Cleaner.
Faster.
Seris stopped.
"…Better."
Kael smirked faintly. "You always this encouraging?"
Her gaze didn't shift.
"No," she said.
"But you're improving."
A pause.
"…Faster than expected."
That was her version of praise.