“It’s probably best if you hold on to the leather straps. The first test is to show us how much Flame a Channeler can hold. This will increase with experience, but for now, it will tell us your training level. Captain Seonu will provide the Flame. All you need to do is let us know when it becomes uncomfortable. Have you any questions?”

“Yeah, I have, as it happens. What exactly is the Flame?”

Zahir’s eyes widen. “That hasn’t been explained?”

I flick a glance at Flanagan’s stoic face. “Sort of. I’ve been told it’s a supernatural energy, but it’s all been a bit crazy since.”

He nods, black brows pinching together. “In essence, the Flame sustains supernatural life. Without it, Flame creatures would not exist. Shifters, Anlu’kyr, the Fae, Elementals—all depend on it. But unless humans are Flame-born, they cannot see the Flame and can easily be Hazed or harmed by its influence. For instance, humans cannot enter the Faelands without deleterious effect. Channelers can. Which is why Guardian soldiers must be Channelers. Make sense?”

I give a heavy sigh. The only thing I got from that was the reminder that I’m a supernatural creature dependent on the Flame. Was I always? Just how human am I? And how royally fucked in the ass is my life?

When I stare at the floor, Zahir squeezes my arm. “This new world will take adjustment, Michael. Be patient with yourself. Is there anything else before we start?”

I ask another question on my mind. “So, there are like, what, four types of Channelers? No other kind?”

“There are only two types of Channeler. A Wielder and a Grounder. But the strongest of both have their own names. The True Grounder is the strongest Grounder. Commander Flanagan is the only one we know of. The strongest Wielder is called a Whisperer. Not only can they wield the Flame, but they can also draw it to themselves, call it. Is that what you needed to know?”

“Only Whisperers can do that? Sort of call the Flame?”

He chuckles. “Don’t worry, Michael. You’re not a Whisperer. There hasn’t been one in hundreds of years. The Whisperer bloodlines have all died out.”

My stomach clenches. I’m sure I called the Flame, and with the Warlock association, I’m really not sure how they’re all going to react to that news. But his words reassure me. Maybe I’m just a strong Wielder with a few extra quirks because of my mongrel blood.

“I’ll be happy to answer any more questions you have,” Zahir says. “We’ll set time aside. How does that sound?”

I manage a smile, and he claps me on the shoulder. “You’d best take your shirt off. You’ll be more comfortable with less clothing. And you might want to use the supports.”