Chapter Thirty – “Reflection of Power”

The sounds around him faded, and the vision began to take form… not as an image, but as a feeling.

Markus stood at the center of the stone courtyard, breathing slowly, his eyes half-closed, as if trying to see the unseen.

Shilad's voice broke the stillness:

"You're not looking for the light itself, but its echo... Let it reflect upon you before you try to touch it."

Markus slowly opened his eyes and said,

"The flicker... I saw it. For a moment, it felt like it was watching me... like it was alive."

Shilad smiled, without lifting his gaze:

"That's good. That's what you were waiting for — not me."

There was a pause, then Markus asked,

"Where did the cats go?"

Shilad rose slowly, answering,

"They went where they wished to go. As they should."

Markus looked around, then asked,

"And the people? The ones in the settlements?"

Shilad brushed the dust off his hand and replied,

"Good people… most of them.

You'll get to know them better… if you plan to complete the test."

Markus fell silent for a moment, then said,

"I think I'm starting to understand... a little."

Shilad gave him a half-smile as he turned,

"Understanding doesn't come all at once… it comes like rain, drop by drop."

Then he gestured for him to close his eyes again, and the training continued.