The hall had become a storm of shadows and light. Elara's crimson aura flared wildly, claws slicing through air, stone, and the bodies of those foolish enough to challenge her. She moved with precision now, fully in tune with the awakening, fully aware of the lethal power coiling through her veins.
Kael fought beside her, silver energy lancing outward, cutting down any predator that dared approach. His eyes, however, betrayed unease—one he had never shown her before. "Elara… whatever happens now… be ready for the truth," he said, voice tight, urgent.
She spun, claws flashing. "The truth? What truth?"
Kael's hand clenched on his weapon. "The predator… the one tied to your bloodline… he isn't just your guide. He and I… have a history."
Her crimson eyes narrowed. "You? With him?!"
Kael's jaw tightened. "Long before you were born… before the awakening… I hunted him. Tried to end him. He survived… and in the process, marked me. A blood tie I could never fully sever. That's why he knows me. That's why he tested you."
Elara's pulse thundered, not just from the revelation, but from the surge of energy inside her. "So all of this… all the Council, the battles… it was a game to him. And I… I was the prize?"
Kael's silver gaze met hers, unflinching. "Not a prize. A force of nature he wanted to awaken—and you… you exceeded even his expectations."
The distant rumble grew louder. From the shadows, the master orchestrator finally emerged. Taller than any predator she had seen, clad in black that seemed to drink the light, eyes glowing molten gold. Every step radiated control, power, and centuries of ruthless strategy.
"Ah…" the master's voice echoed, smooth as silk, lethal as poison. "So this is the storm they've awakened. I wondered how long it would take for you to discover your full potential."
Elara's crimson aura pulsed violently. "I don't care who you are," she growled. "I am awake. I am alive. And I will end you."
The master tilted their head, amused. "End me? Child, you are beautiful in your arrogance… but you are still learning. Tonight, you will discover the true extent of the night's hierarchy—and where you fit within it."
The predator's whisper surged through her blood. Yes… show them. Show yourself. Let them see what you've become.
Elara exhaled sharply, letting the awakening flow fully. Crimson light flared from her eyes, her claws, her entire body. Shadows warped around her, trembling in recognition, bending to her presence.
Kael's voice rang sharp. "Elara! Remember me! Control it!"
She nodded slightly, then lunged, faster than thought, a blur of lethal intent. Claws collided with molten gold energy, sparks and shadows exploding in every direction. The master struck back, power meeting power, both forces warping the hall like a tempest of blood and shadow.
Kael moved to shield her from flank attacks, silver aura pulsing violently, but even he realized he could not match the storm she had become.
Elara's pulse roared. Energy flared like a living weapon, striking the master relentlessly. Every blow tested, measured, perfected. Crimson light seared shadows, bent stone, and sent predators sprawling.
The master staggered slightly, eyes narrowing. "Impressive… but not enough. You lack experience. You lack control."
Elara smiled, blood-red aura glowing brighter. "Experience? Control? You'll learn—tonight—that I am beyond all your lessons."
With a roar, she unleashed the awakening fully. Crimson energy exploded outward, twisting shadows, scattering the remaining Council, and colliding with the master in a blast of pure destructive force.
The hall shook violently, stone cracking, shadows screaming, energy warping like a living storm. Kael struggled to maintain balance beside her, silver aura straining, but his eyes reflected awe. "Elara… you are beyond comprehension…"
The master staggered, molten gold eyes blazing, shadows unraveling from their form. "This… cannot… be…"
Elara advanced, claws slashing through the air, crimson light flaring like fire. "This… is the storm," she growled. "And you… will fall."
A final collision of energy erupted, light and shadow clashing in a violent explosion. Stone cracked, air burned, and every predator in the hall was thrown backward. When the dust settled, Elara stood, crimson aura blazing, breathing heavily—but intact. The master lay slumped, shadows dissipating, defeated yet alive, eyes filled with something new: respect, fear, and understanding of the power they had awakened.
Kael staggered forward, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. "Elara… you've done it. You've survived… and proven your strength beyond any reckoning."
Elara's crimson eyes scanned the hall. The predator lingered in the shadows, eyes glinting, a faint smile tugging at his lips. This is only the beginning, his presence seemed to whisper inside her blood.
Elara flexed her claws, crimson energy still pulsing violently. "Then let them come," she whispered. "Because I am awake. I am alive. I am the storm. And no one… no one… will stand in my way."
The night trembled.
And the storm had fully arrived.