The morning sun filtered weakly through the tall windows of Lucian's dormitory, but he barely noticed. His mind was restless, tangled with the memory of last night's explosion of fire and earth.
He sat on the edge of his bed, fingers twitching involuntarily as if flames still licked his skin. How could this be? His Sigil was Wind—simple, light, swift. Yet the power in him had shattered every rule he knew.
"Lucian!"
The voice jolted him. It was Maren, his roommate, bursting through the door, eyes wide.
"Are you okay? I heard about last night. People are talking—"
"Don't." Lucian's voice was sharp, almost desperate. "It's nothing. Just a fluke."
Maren frowned, stepping closer. "You don't have to hide it. You're already different. Might as well own it."
Lucian shook his head. "Different gets you hated. You saw the looks last year. The whispers."
Maren placed a hand on his shoulder. "I don't care what they say. You saved those kids. That counts for something."
Before Lucian could reply, a soft chime echoed through the dorm—an announcement from the Headmaster.
"All students report to the Grand Hall immediately. Attendance is mandatory."
Lucian's heart sank.
In the Grand Hall, the air was thick with tension. Hundreds of students gathered, whispers like wind swirling around them.
From the elevated dais, Headmaster Eryndor stepped forward. His silver hair shimmered, and his gaze swept the crowd until it rested on Lucian.
"Lucian Zevrik," he said, voice calm but firm. "Come forward."
Every eye turned toward him.
Lucian swallowed hard and walked up, cloak drawn tight around him.
Eryndor's eyes held no judgment—only something deeper. Recognition? Concern?
"We have received reports of an unprecedented display of multiple Sigil elements last night," the Headmaster continued. "Such power is rare and dangerous. For your safety—and for the safety of others—you will undergo evaluation in the Sigil Chamber."
Lucian's throat tightened. "I… understand."
As he descended from the dais, Maren caught his arm. "We've got your back."
Lucian nodded, but inside, questions swirled like a storm.
What was his true power? And why did the others fear it?
The path ahead was uncertain. But one thing was clear—Lucian was no ordinary Syntari.
He was something… else.