The council chamber's silence was suffocating. Hooded figures encircled her, eyes glinting like shards of glass in the dim light. Adeline's pulse throbbed in her wrists where the mark pulsed faintly, warning her that this trial would not be easy.
Lucien stood just behind her, a steady anchor in the storm. His dark eyes swept the room, assessing threats she couldn't yet see. "Remember," he whispered, "focus. The mark responds to your intent. Not fear, not doubt—only intent."
Adeline nodded, swallowing the knot in her throat. She had survived shadows, and she had survived the awakening of her mark. Now it was time to prove she could control it
.
"Step forward," intoned the council leader, voice echoing against the high ceilings. "Show us the power the Sovereign Mark has chosen to awaken. Let us see if you are worthy."
A section of the chamber floor shimmered and dissolved into darkness. From it emerged shapes—shadowy figures, twisting and shifting, forming threats from nightmares. Their red eyes glowed faintly, mirroring the pulse of the mark on her wrist.
Adeline's breath caught. The shadows moved with intent, circling her, testing her, probing for weakness.
Lucien's hand brushed her shoulder, grounding her. "Now," he said. "Show them who you are."
She focused on the mark, feeling it thrum in tune with her heartbeat. She reached out, letting her intent flow through her veins and into the mark. A wave of light burst from her wrist, scattering the shadows backward with a hiss. They recoiled, regrouping but wary now.
The council murmured in approval. One hooded figure stepped closer. "Good. But can you sustain it? Can you maintain control while facing uncertainty?"
The shadows surged again, faster this time, moving like liquid across the floor. Adeline's arms shook. Fear rose, threatening to overwhelm her, but she caught Lucien's gaze. He nodded once, firm, unwavering.
Focus.
She drew a deep breath, centering herself. The mark flared, bright and steady, illuminating the chamber with a pulse that resonated through the walls. The shadows faltered, their forms breaking apart under her control.
Lucien's hand found hers, gripping lightly. "You see? You are stronger than you realize".
Adeline exhaled, eyes shining with both fear and exhilaration. The shadows dissipated completely, leaving only the council and Lucien standing silently.
The council leader inclined their hooded head. "You have passed the first test. The mark has responded, and the power is yours to command. But know this—your journey has only begun. True mastery comes with trials yet unseen."
Adeline's gaze fell on Lucien. His expression softened for the briefest moment, pride mingled with unspoken caution. "You did well," he said quietly. "But remember—the world outside this chamber will be far less forgiving than the council."
A shiver ran through her. The trials were only beginning, and the shadows were not the only threats. But with Lucien by her side—and the mark awakening within her—Adeline felt a spark of determination ignite.
"I'm ready," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
Lucien's lips curved in a faint, approving smile. "Good. Because you will need that readiness. And soon."
The chamber seemed to exhale as one, acknowledging the bond between them and the power now stirring fully within Adeline. The first trial was over, but the true test of courage, skill, and trust had only just begun.