The sun shone brightly over Embervale, casting warm golden light across the Darius household. Alex sat at the long dining table, cheeks flushed with excitement, as his parents beamed at him. The Test of Realms was over, and the results had come in: he had been admitted to Crownspire Academy.
"Alex, you've made us proud," Gareth Darius said, his deep voice carrying a rare note of pride. "You've trained hard, and it shows."
Elira Darius smiled, her eyes glistening. "Three years at Crownspire… it will be challenging, but I know you'll adapt. You must remember, Alex, how to behave among other students. Respect, focus, and patience will take you further than strength alone."
Alex nodded, trying to contain his excitement. "I understand, Mother. Father. I'll make you proud."
After breakfast, the family decided to celebrate in their own way. Local merchants had set up stalls for the upcoming festival, and Alex was allowed to pick whatever he wanted for his stay at Crownspire.
"Since you'll be living there for three years," Gareth said, "we need to get everything you'll need: robes, books, and some personal items. You'll only be coming home during holidays."
Alex wandered through the bustling market with his parents, hands brushing past fabrics, quills, and small trinkets. He paused at a stall of fine leather satchels. "This one will hold all my books," he said, picking up a sturdy pack.
Elira smiled. "And don't forget, Alex, it should fit comfortably on your back. You'll be carrying it every day."
As they moved to a stall selling magical practice tools, Alex's fingers hovered over a set of wooden training daggers. "I'll need these for exercises," he murmured.
Gareth chuckled. "Always the strategist, even shopping. Make sure you don't overpack. Efficiency is just as important in your studies as it is in battle."
The crowd in the market buzzed with activity, children laughing and merchants shouting their wares. Alex found himself drawn to a small stall filled with trinkets carved from wood and stone. He picked up a tiny charm shaped like a wolf. "Mother… Father… can I take this? It'll remind me of Fenrir."
Elira's eyes softened. "Of course, Alex. Carry it close to your heart. It will remind you of home, and the friends waiting for you here."
Gareth added, "Fenrir will be waiting for your return. But you need to grow, learn, and test yourself on your own. That is part of being ready for what lies ahead."
Later, sitting by a fountain in the town square, Alex's parents shared more of their wisdom.
"Crownspire is prestigious," Elira said. "You'll meet children from all corners of Elyndor. Some will be arrogant, some gifted. Learn from them, but never let them shake your confidence."
Gareth added, "And remember your roots. Embervale has trained you well, but Crownspire will test more than your skills—it will test your character. Keep your mind sharp and your heart strong."
Alex nodded solemnly, feeling the weight of their words. He looked toward the distant mountains, imagining the academy perched atop its cliffside towers, surrounded by endless forests and rivers. The thought both thrilled and unnerved him.
As the sun began to dip behind the hills, the family returned home. Alex helped his mother unpack the items they had bought: robes, books, practice tools, and the small charm from Elira to remind him of home.
Before bed, Alex lingered near the window, staring out at the darkening forest where Fenrir lay waiting. A soft breeze ruffled the trees, and for a moment, Alex allowed himself to feel both the excitement and the loneliness of leaving home.
"I'll make it," he whispered, touching the charm. "For you, Fenrir… and for Embervale. I'll make you all proud."
That night, as the candlelight flickered across the walls, Alex finally climbed into bed, his mind buzzing with possibilities. Three years awaited him at Crownspire Academy: lessons in magic, combat, ruins exploration, and the discovery of his own limits. And though Fenrir wasn't by his side, the wolf's unwavering presence lingered in his heart.