Kael woke before dawn and remained completely still for several seconds, waiting for his body to give him some reason to postpone the test.
None came.
His left shoulder still felt slightly stiff when he rotated it backward, but there was no pain. His ankle supported his weight the moment he placed his foot on the floor, and the deep breath that normally revealed any irregularity in the channels across his chest produced neither pressure nor burning.
Even so, he didn't move any mana.
He put on his shirt and began tying back his hair when he heard Sylphie behind him.
"You're being strangely obedient."
Kael looked at her through the reflection in the window.
She was still sitting on the bed.
"You'd complain if I wasn't."
"I would."
"Then enjoy it."
Sylphie stood and approached him.
She placed her palm against the center of his chest without asking permission. Kael had already expected it and merely pulled his shirt aside slightly to make things easier.
