Helena enters the training grounds with fire in her eyes as she approaches the fighting ring. She knows her challenge today against Prost is meant to demonstrate her mastery of the air magic that has been the focus of her lessons for the past month.

She steps into the ring and squares her shoulders against her opponent, wind already gathering at her back. The instructor rings the bell and Prost takes one clumsy step toward her as she signals the slightest wave of her fingers. Before anyone understands what has happened, Prost is on the ground, incapacitated and struggling to find his breath as if an invisible hand clutches at this throat.

Her lineage and reputation have always given others pause, never wanting to get too close. But this blantant show of power, unbridled yet restrained, will solidify her as the most dangerous recruit of her year. Perhaps of her generation.