Samantha felt a familiar flutter of anxiety. "Marks her how? We've already seen some signs that she might have abilities beyond the normal, but—"
"Fear not," Thalia interrupted gently. "I speak not of burden but of possibility. The chamber would not have admitted her if her path threatened harm."
"That's... moderately reassuring," Samantha replied, though her brow remained furrowed. "But I've learned that great power—even when it's not inherently harmful—tends to attract those who would misuse it."
"A wisdom earned through experience," Thalia acknowledged. "Yet consider: she will not face her path alone. She has you. She has those who wait beyond these walls. She has a constellation of guardians."
The reminder of her friends—her family, really—eased some of Samantha's concern. She thought of Kai's fierce loyalty and Marcus's steady wisdom. A formidable group to grow up within.
"You're right," she conceded, stroking Nova's wispy hair. "I'm not doing this alone."
