He wore a black suit over a crisp white shirt, paired with neatly pressed black trousers. Standing before the mirror, he fastened the final button and studied his reflection.
"Cool," he muttered to himself.
"That's my boy," Marita said warmly as she stepped into the room.
She adjusted his collar with practiced hands, pride shining in her eyes.
"Come now," she said. "You should eat before you leave."
"Alright, I'm coming," Irys replied, slipping on his shoes.
---
The dining hall was grand, its long table polished to a mirror sheen. Seated at its head was an elderly man in his early seventies, his posture straight despite his age. When Irys entered, the old man smiled.
"Greetings," Irys said respectfully, taking his seat.
"Ready for school?" Cyphos asked from the king's right.
"Yes, Father," Irys replied.
"Then what are we waiting for?" the old man said with a gentle chuckle. "Let us eat."
"Yes, Your Majesty," they chorused.
Seated at the table were the royals of Erydon: King Oden II at the head, Prince Cyphos to his right, and Princess Asai to his left. The king had two children—Cyphos and Asai—his wife long deceased. Cyphos, with his wife Marita, had two children: Irys and Soffie. Princess Asai had three—Henrik, Lily, and Jason.
---
Syriah Academy loomed like a fortress of learning, its towers piercing the sky. Students arrived with their parents, excitement and nerves filling the air.
"All first years, follow me," a man called, raising his hand.
They were led into a spacious chamber where three adults waited.
"Greetings," the man said as he entered. "The first years are here."
"Thank you, Mike. You may leave," said the man seated in the center.
Mike bowed lightly. "Thank you, Professor."
The man stood.
"Good day, students."
"Good day, Professor," they replied in unison.
The room was large enough to hold all thirty students comfortably.
"My name is Allan McGregor," the man said, "Headmaster of Syriah Academy. This is Professor Jane Dermin, one of my deputies, and beside her is Professor James Wiltler, also a deputy headmaster. Welcome."
Jane stepped forward.
"We will now proceed to the Great Hall, where your elemental affinities will be revealed. Your parents are already waiting."
---
Tension swept through the students as they entered the hall. Cheers and applause echoed from the stands. Allan and James followed closely behind.
Allan raised a glowing orb high.
"Silence!"
The hall fell instantly quiet.
"This," he said, "is the Sorting Orb. When your name is called, step forward and place your hand upon it."
Smiles flickered among the older students.
"Rhys Meyers."
Rhys stepped forward. The orb glowed blue.
"Water!"
Applause filled the hall.
"Mary Hiyers."
The orb remained clear, air swirling inside.
"Air!"
Cheers followed.
"Thomas Charles."
Green sparks crackled within the orb.
"Oh? A rare element," Allan murmured.
"Lightning!"
The hall erupted.
"Irys Spartan."
Irys's heart pounded as he stepped forward. Axel, standing among the others, stiffened.
The same surname… how could that be?
Irys placed his hand on the orb. It flared red.
"Fire!"
The crowd roared as Irys smiled and returned to his seat.
The names continued.
"Ice."
"Metal."
"Lava."
"Telepathy."
Each announcement drew louder reactions than the last.
Finally, only one student remained.
"Axel Spartan."
A hush fell over the hall.
Axel stepped forward slowly.
So this is my father's bastard, Irys thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Axel placed his hand on the orb. Nothing happened.
"Telepathy?" Allan muttered, stepping closer. "No… something else."
Axel swallowed.
This is it. I'm going home.
Then the orb darkened.
Darker.
Until it became pitch black.
Allan's breath caught.
"We haven't seen this in years," he said quietly. "The rarest affinity of all."
Axel held his breath.
"Darkness!"
The hall erupted—not in cheers, but shock.
Axel stared at the orb. "Darkness?" he asked softly.
"I am as surprised as you are, boy," Allan said, concern flickering across his face.
He turned back to the hall.
"With the sorting complete, I welcome you all to a new session at Syriah Academy. Now—shall we enjoy our dinner?"