"Oh, look at my luck," Zevian muttered as he halted , his boots clicking against the stone floor. "Didn't even have to find you this time."
Draken looked , his eyes narrowing. "What do you want?" His voice was calm, but the alertness in his gaze showed otherwise.
"Relax," Zevian said, the sharp grin on his face did little to ease the tension. "There's something I need to understand, and you happen to be the only one who might have the answer I'm looking for."
Draken's brow rose slightly, curiosity flickering. "What is it about?"
"A spell."
The curiosity on Draken's face increased.
"Ignis rediat cor suum na'ar sehen."
For a moment, the wind around them stiffened.
Draken froze. His jaw clenched.
"So you're familiar with it?" Zevian continued
"Where did you hear that?" Draken asked, his voice precise.
Zevian smirked. "I believe it's rude to answer a question with a question."
"That spell," Draken cut in, ignoring the jab, "could kill you where you stand. Which is ironic, considering it's meant for protection." He straightened. "It draws its strength from the caster's own heart, their life force. Only a fool or a desperate soul would dare use it."
Zevian's smirk faded slightly. "So it's real."
"It's forbidden," Draken snapped. "Lost along with the bloodshed of the war. No one should even remember those words."
A pause stretched between them.
"So tell me, Zevian…" Draken's eyes narrowed to slits. "What are you doing with knowledge of a spell that shouldn't exist anymore?"
Zevian smirked, his eyes glinting with a bloody light.
"Are you…scared?"
"Zevian" Draken spoke. "If you in any way decide to take the path your father took. I will end you…mercifully ",
The words dropped like a weapon on its own, Zevian's grin stretched, his eyes narrowed.
"mercifully eh" he let out a light unamused laugh. "Don't worry about me Draken, I assure you. I have no interest in my father's path".
Zevian walked away. Draken stood in silence and uncertainty.
Averin's POV
For some reason, Syla became colder after waking up. She didn't speak much, which I'm well aware of but this was on another level. Her words could be counted.
I lay on my bed,Syla was by the window, light quietly spilling around her. The faint hum of energy from her, soothed me until…the calling bell's loud clang cut through the silence.
All students summoned. Again.
In no time, syla was ready, I on the other hand was too tired to be bothered. Yesterday was stressful enough as it was.
I could only imagine what they'd have us do today. Maybe jump into a volcano and 'not burn' or probably a fight to the death in the name of 'discipline'. I groaned softly and turned my face into the pillow.
"Mom" the words escaped me before I could stop them.
she wasn't here this time.
She'd always protected me, had the answer for everything and helped me. But now… now it's just me and it's so hard doing this on my own. I couldn't even protect myself but in my defense no one ever taught me how to survive anything like this and nothing could've prepared me for this.
"You heard the bell, didn't you?" syla's cold voice cut through my thoughts.
Right. I'm here.
Still breathing. Still pretending I could do this.still praying for this to be a dream.
I sighed, dragged myself from bed and braced for another day in hell.
…
Outside students were gathered, whispering and chatting like this was some fairytale of some kind. My stomach twisted with disgust for their comfort in this situation.
I watched around, scanning their faces. Then they caught my eye. I almost missed them, hiding. They blended in so perfectly with the crowd, except for the fact that they were covered in band-aid's and scars. There were up to a dozen of 'em. Their faces hung so low, you could easily get an idea of what shame meant by looking at them. Just then I realized I made it through the woods unharmed, yeah, sure I lost some length of hair but aside from that…I survived. Maybe not by myself but I made it.
"Good morning, children of Concordia" an unfamiliar voice started. "I'm High enchantress vilora wyn, the Elder Queen of the blood moon witches" the whole arena erupted in murmurs.
"Silence" Zevian ordered from behind the woman and immediately there was no sound heard.
"you all have done well" she continued "you have taken a step closer to finding your strength and purpose, you've also taken a step to overcome weaknesses you refused to acknowledge".
Some students shifted uncomfortably.
"The Golden gate trials" she spoke, "was not designed to test your magic, It was designed to test your judgment… your instincts… and the truth of who you are."
Her eyes swept across us, sharp, calculating and judgemental.
""Some of you discovered courage. Others discovered fear. Both are valuable."
Her gaze landed on a trembling boy. "Fear keeps you alive. Courage keeps you moving."
she paused.
"You were not expected to return unscathed. You were expected to return stronger and more determined. Through the years, this trial has helped the academy select the elite. And every generation proves that Concordia still produces warriors worthy of its legacy. Warriors like the heads of the houses."
She clasped her hands behind her.
"And now…"
A ripple of uncertainty moved through the crowd.
"The time has come to recognize those who not only made it… but surpassed expectations."
Students straightened. Some held their breath.
Enchantress vilora's voice deepened.
"But before we continue, the results of the Golden gate trials will be delivered by the one responsible for overseeing your progress for this year" her lips twisted into something in-between a smile and a warning.
"Draken veylor"
As she stepped aside, Draken moved forward, his presence sweeping over the students like a shadow. His boots echoed sharply against the stone platform. each step controlled, commanding silence without ever asking for it.
His eyes scanned us slow, calculating. The kind of gaze that made you stand straighter even if your bones were broken.
"You were sent into the woods to face dangers you were not prepared for," Draken began, voice deep enough to vibrate in the chest. "Not because we wished to break you… but because true power only reveals itself under pressure."
Some students swallowed hard. Others stared at their feet. Only a few held his gaze.
"Many of you failed."
A ripple of shame moved through the crowd and I felt a bit of it too.
"But failure," Draken continued, "does not determine greatness… consistency and commitment does."
He clasped his hands behind him.
"The Golden Gate Trials is one among many trainings that'll reveal your instincts, your will to survive. Not your spells. Not your bloodline. You."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"Now… the results."
The entire arena held its breath.
Draken lifted a sealed scroll from a silver tray, the wax imprinted with the school's crest.
"The students who completed the trials with distinction…those who showed exceptional judgment, resilience, and instinct…will be recognized as this year's Golden Gate Champions."
I felt my heart slam against my ribs.
Draken broke the seal.
"The names will now be read."
"The winners of this year's Golden Gates trial are…"
I saw syla's jaw tighten, she was nervous and that made me even more nervous. My heart ran faster than my mind, I could feel my fear at my throat as I tried to breathe.
"Syla Reed, Nevan Emberion and Averin wren" the arena immediately went loud with applause, some cheered, other's looked at us with sheer disgust.
Draken lifted his hand, silence followed hovering like a blade.
"This information was delayed and for that I apologize"
Students waited, confused.
"for every trial completed students are graded and your overall performance determines your value in our world".
Shocked murmurs spread instantly.
"Your grades would be revealed to you before the initiation night. Be advised, your grades also determine if you would be accepted by the house your power's fall to".