Blacked out

As Clara stood before the council, she was met with a mixture of intense gazes and expectant silence. Arachne, the elder councilor, leaned forward, her eyes piercing with curiosity.

"Clara, tell us," Arachne began, her voice low and measured, "how did you manage to defeat the Shadowfang? What secrets did you uncover, and what powers did you wield?"

Councilor Kim's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in scrutiny. "Yes, Clara, we've heard rumors of your... unorthodox methods. We need to know the truth."

Councilor Locke's voice was laced with a hint of skepticism. "We've seen your potential, Clara, but we must understand the nature of your power. How did you tap into it, and what are its limits?"

Bron, the council's youngest member, spoke up, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and concern. "Clara, what about the ancient magic? Did you really harness its power, and if so, how?"