Tyla's eyes fluttered open. Her vision swayed for a moment before settling on a dull gray ceiling made of rough-hewn stone. The air was cold and dry, tasting faintly of metal. Above, a low hum resonated — the rhythmic thrum of machinery hidden beyond the ceiling. Gears turned, steam hissed, and something massive shifted every few seconds, like the heartbeat of a sleeping giant.
She blinked slowly, her head pounding. When she tried to lift her hand, a faint click echoed. Her wrist refused to move freely. Looking down, she saw a glowing restraint clamped around her wrist — an aura-suppressing cuff etched with runes. It pulsed with a dim blue light, absorbing any energy she tried to summon.
"Great," she muttered. "How the hell did I get kidnapped?"
Despite her doubt, Tyla could still feel the quiet flicker of her own prana beneath the restraint. It was weak but steady. She could break it anytime she wanted — but for now, she decided to play along.
"Looks like you're finally awake."
