love or wrong

She staggered back, panting, her heart hammering in her chest. But for the first time, there was no sense of loss, no chaos. The flame within her hummed like a creature satisfied. She had controlled it—fully.

A flicker of approval crossed Gladius's face. "Better."

Esteria wiped her forehead, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite her exhaustion. "Better?" she echoed. "I just turned that pillar into gravel."

Gladius raised a brow, unimpressed. "The fire can create far greater destruction than that, Esteria. You've taken a step, but do not let pride cloud your progress."

"Of course," she muttered, though the thrill of victory still tingled through her. For days, she had struggled to master the fire's wild nature. And now, at last, she could feel it bending to her will.

From the edge of the clearing, Calyx clapped slowly, a smirk plastered across his face. "Well, look at you," he teased. "Destroyer of pillars. We're all very impressed."