The Council Chamber sat high above the academy, carved into the white spires like a throne room suspended over clouds. Golden light streamed through crystal windows, painting the floor in shifting halos.
Five seats. Five crests.
Four were filled.
Aeron and Eryx stood side by side at the head, lances resting against their shoulders. The twin brothers were mirror images—blonde hair gleaming, eyes sharp, postures confident without arrogance. Together, they were a wall few dared to challenge.
Lyra leaned casually against her chair, blade propped at her side, violet eyes gleaming with restless energy.
Mira sat straight-backed, hands folded over her staff, expression calm, though her gaze betrayed thoughtfulness.
And above them all, Selene occupied the central seat. Silver hair spilled over her shoulders like moonlight, golden eyes calm, watchful. She didn't need to speak to command the chamber—her silence weighed heavier than words.
"The Class A trial was… messy," Aeron said, breaking the quiet first. His tone was clipped, soldier-like. "Casian's recklessness nearly cost them the match."
Eryx smirked faintly. "But they passed. That much can't be ignored."
Lyra crossed her arms. "Sloppy victories aren't victories. Half of them fought like children. Only a few showed composure."
Her eyes flicked briefly toward Mira, who noticed—but didn't rise to the bait.
"It is the beginning," Mira said softly. "They'll grow."
"Some will," Lyra countered. "Others will crumble."
Eryx leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "The transfer. Haru. Thoughts?"
Aeron's gaze hardened. "He holds back. Deliberately."
Mira spoke quietly. "And yet, when he acts, his control is… unusual. Balanced, but strained. Like something fighting to stay contained."
Selene's golden eyes lingered on the space between them, listening to each word, weighing every tone. Finally, she spoke—her voice calm, low, but carrying like a bell.
"The grey-eyed boy. I've seen his kind before." She leaned back, threads of light weaving faintly in the air around her fingers. "Not in this age… but in the histories."
The chamber stilled.
Lyra frowned. "You mean—?"
Selene's gaze sharpened, silencing her with a glance. "Watch him. Do not interfere yet. The shape of his path is not clear."
The twins exchanged a look, understanding unspoken. Mira's lips pressed together in quiet worry. Lyra's fingers drummed restlessly against her blade.
The Council sat in silence, the weight of destiny hanging heavy in the room.
Below, the academy bustled as if nothing had changed.
But eyes were already watching.