The market was thinning out by midafternoon, but Karl still felt like he was being watched.
Not by villagers.
By something sharper.
He didn't realize Mira had wandered off until a smooth voice reached him from behind.
"You're Valen, aren't you?"
He turned.
A tall woman stood near the old fountain, silver hair braided neatly, her cloak shimmering with light runes stitched at the seams. A hawk-shaped creature rested on her shoulder, wings tucked, golden eyes locked onto him.
"…Yeah?" Karl answered cautiously.
Her eyes scanned him once. No smile. No warning.
"Liraen Voss," she said.
"I'm here for you."
Karl blinked. "Do I… know you?"
"No." She stepped closer.
"But the council sent for me after reports of a mark, a beast sighting, and a shrine pulse. And now…"
She glanced down at his feet — where the ground was still faintly frosted.
"I see why."
Mira appeared out of nowhere like she always did when things got tense.
"Okaaay, hi mysterious stranger. I'm Mira. He's Karl. Are you here to take him to secret training? Or, like, arrest him? I need to plan."
Liraen ignored her.
"You manifested frost in stable weather. That alone is rare. But it's not just that."
She tilted her head. Her hawk blinked once.
"There's something… echoing inside you."
Karl took a step back. "I didn't do it on purpose."
"Most powerful things aren't."
She turned to go.
"I'll speak with your Elders. After that… expect a summons."
"Wait—" Karl started.
But she was already gone, her figure melting into the shadows of the temple path.
Only the hawk lingered for a heartbeat longer… then soared silently into the sky.