The world came back in pieces.

First, a sound. A high-pitched ringing, sharp and constant, like feedback from a cheap speaker. Then light. Bright. Hostile. The kind of fluorescent glow that makes every hospital look like a building-sized passive-aggressive text message.

Your head felt like it had been used as a kickball, and judging by the concerned faces hovering over you, that wasn’t too far off.

She snapped her fingers near your face, all business. Behind her, you could see the training ground — or what was left of it. A scarf of smoke, scattered debris, and several of your classmates hovering at a distance like nervous meerkats.