***Cadiz***
The training room the Ashfordes had prepared for me was massive, easily three times the size of the council chamber where I'd nearly killed everyone just days ago.
They'd filled it with magical tools, enchanted crystals that glowed with stored power, spelled weapons that hummed with energy, protective amulets that pulsed with defensive magic, even some kind of magical dummy that was supposed to react when I tried to drain it.
Everything I could possibly need to practice absorbing magical energy without risking harm to actual people.
I stood in the center of the room, sweat dripping down my face despite the cool temperature, my shirt clinging to my back from hours of concentrated effort. In my hand was a crystal that had been glowing bright blue when I'd picked it up an hour ago but was now completely dark and lifeless.
I'd managed to drain it, managed to pull all the magical energy out of it and into myself.
