The courtyard fell silent as Soren stepped forward, his sword steady in his grip.
The world narrowed to this moment, this challenge. He felt the weight of every eye upon him, the recruits lining the edges of the training yard, their whispers dying on the winter air. They expected to see him burned to ash before he could even raise his blade.
Kaelen Veyth stood opposite him, gray robes settling around his tall frame, silver embroidery catching the pale sunlight at his cuffs.
The House Velrane mage lifted one eyebrow, his mouth curving into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"S you've never crossed a mage before?" His tone was teasing, but Soren caught the edge beneath it, the hint of something sharper. "This should be educational for everyone."
Soren didn't answer. He simply set his stance, feet planted firmly on the packed earth, blade angled low. The shard against his chest pulsed once, warm through his shirt.
