I stood on the balcony of my quarters at the Celestial Apothecary Guild, watching the sunset paint Eldoria's skyline in shades of crimson and gold. My mind, however, was consumed with darkness.
The dark energy I'd absorbed from Conrad Thornton swirled within me like a restless storm. Unlike the golden energy that had become my signature power, this new force felt volatile, untamed. Every attempt to channel it left my meridians burning with resistance.
"What am I missing?" I muttered, clenching my fist as I tried to coax the dark energy into flowing through my arm. Instead, it scattered chaotically, causing a sharp pain that made me wince.
A knock at my door broke my concentration.
"Enter," I called, turning from the balcony.
Alistair Northwood stepped into the room, dressed more formally than I'd seen him before. His usual practical attire had been replaced by an elegantly tailored silver silk robe with subtle embroidery.
