“Elara,” he said, voice low and even. “Sit.” I did, trying to keep my knees from bouncing. “You’re scheduled for your first hunt.” He didn’t ask, he already knew.

“You’re here,” Rhen said calmly. “You faced him. You learned something.”

“Hybrids test,” he went on. “They push because everyone’s always pushed them. You push back, they measure again. That’s the language.” His gaze sharpened. “You survived the Riders. That means something. Don’t forget it.”