The instructor tapped his staff lightly against the marble floor, the sharp crack echoing through the vast dining hall.
"Students," he announced, voice suddenly formal, "please rise and welcome the Chancellor of the Valerian School of Magic — Chancellor Izeal Tempest."
The hall erupted.
Chairs scraped back.
Students shot to their feet.
A thunderous standing ovation filled the room, rippling like a wave of awe.
Vane stood too, more out of obligation than enthusiasm, but even he felt the atmosphere shift as the Chancellor stepped forward — quiet, composed, impossibly steady.
He raised one hand.
Instant silence.
His voice carried effortlessly, smooth and controlled.
"Students of Valeria," he began, "I congratulate you on completing the first stage of your magical evaluation. You have shown promise — potential — and the will to learn."
A subtle hum of pride swept through the hall.
Vane, however, was too busy trying not to make eye contact with the man who could probably erase him from existence with a yawn.
The Chancellor continued.
"Today is significant for another reason."
He stepped aside, revealing the student behind him.
Kiren Redvel.
This time, the hall did not cheer.
It went still.
Kiren's silver hair gleamed under the chandeliers, his posture straight, chin lifted — but Vane could feel the tension rolling off him. Not fear. Not embarrassment. Something else.
The Chancellor clasped his hands behind his back.
"To explain his presence here, I will share a history many of you have forgotten."
A hush fell over the students.
"In the beginning," he said, "the creators shaped five races."
He lifted a finger.
"First — the Ancient Beasts. Primordial forces of instinct and hunger. Born from raw creation. They were neither good nor evil — merely consuming."
A second finger.
"Humans — creatures blessed with intelligence, adaptability, and strange powers that defied nature."
A third.
"Werewolves — the bridge between human and beast. Both rational and primal. Both strong and fragile."
Fourth.
"Vampires — humans cursed with eternal hunger, roaming the night with a thirst that doomed them."
He paused.
"And finally... Dragons."
A murmur spread across the hall.
"Beings closest to the creators. Symbols of power and balance."
He folded his hands again.
"Over time, humans grew arrogant. They believed themselves superior — the rightful rulers of the earth. So they enslaved the werewolves."
Vane's stomach tightened.
"They were hunted, displayed, butchered... used for sport, labor, weapons, even food."
His voice did not rise — but it hardened.
"While beasts were too strong to tame, and vampires retreated into seclusion, werewolves suffered."
A quiet bitterness rippled through Kiren, invisible to everyone except Vane — who felt it like a pulse.
"Now," the Chancellor said, "werewolves are on the brink of extinction."
No one breathed.
"With packs dwindling and history burying the crimes of humanity, our school has chosen to take a stand."
He placed a steady hand on Kiren's shoulder.
"We welcome Kiren Redvel as our new transfer student — and as a symbol of werewolf freedom."
Shock ran through the room.
Whispers.
Confusion.
Curiosity.
Pity.
And... disgust.
The emotions rolled over Kiren like a storm.
Vane clenched his jaw.
The Chancellor's eyes swept the hall — dark, star-deep, and demanding.
"To help bridge the gap between human and wolf, I require a volunteer. Someone who will guide Mr. Redvel. Teach him human customs. Assist him in navigating this academy."
Silence.
No one stepped forward.
Some looked away.
Some shifted uncomfortably.
Some narrowed their eyes with prejudice.
Then the Chancellor stopped searching.
His gaze locked onto one person.
Vane felt his stomach drop.
"You," the Chancellor said, lifting a hand and pointing directly at him.
"Vane Drayton. You will be charged with this duty."
The hall turned to stare.
Oscar screamed internally.
["NOPE. NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT. ABORT MISSION. SAY YOU'RE ALLERGIC TO RESPONSIBILITY."]
Kiren's eyes widened — not with anger, but with something unreadable.
Lyra choked on her breath beside Vane.
Vane just stood there, frozen, heartbeat thundering.
Because somehow...
he knew this moment was important.
And somehow...
the Chancellor had known his name.
---