The first sight of Elysium Academy took Thaddeus' breath away. From the carriage window, he watched as the towering spires rose from the mist, each adorned with glyphs that pulsed faintly with elemental energy. The air itself seemed charged, vibrating with magic that was both ancient and alive. It was unlike any estate, fortress, or training ground he had ever known.
"This… is magnificent," Aurora murmured beside him, eyes wide. Her voice carried awe rare for the ever-composed Moon sister.
Thaddeus nodded, gripping the edge of the carriage. "Magnificent, yes. But also dangerous." His voice was calm, but his mind raced. Elysium Academy was a crucible, and he was keenly aware that every heir there would be a spark ready to ignite into conflict—or alliance.
As the carriage rolled through the gates, Thaddeus' shadow stretched and curled along the cobblestones, moving independently, brushing against the ground like a silent sentinel. It was a subtle display of power, a reminder that even here, in the presence of other heirs and faculty, he was not ordinary.
The courtyard was alive with students and minor nobles. Voices murmured and laughter rippled through the crisp air, but every sound seemed filtered through Thaddeus' awareness, every glance and movement cataloged with precision. He noted the way some students carried weapons unique to their families: the bows of the Stormhavens, the rapiers of the Clearwaters, the spears of the Emberharts. Each heir moved with a practiced confidence that came from years of training, though few could match the shadows at his command.
He caught a glimpse of a tall, golden-haired boy standing beside a radiant figure clad in white and gold. Even from a distance, Thaddeus sensed the aura of authority and skill that radiated from them. The Solgards, he thought. The presence was undeniable, commanding attention without a word. And in that instant, he knew—this would be his greatest rivalry.
Aurora leaned slightly toward him, whispering, "Keep your focus, Thad. They are skilled, yes… but this is only the beginning. Observe first."
Thaddeus nodded, allowing the shadows at his feet to coil tighter, attuned to his instincts. Observation was as important as action, and he had learned long ago that patience often won battles before they began.
The carriage stopped at the foot of a central tower, known as the Eclipsera Spire, where the Headmaster's offices were located. Even from here, Thaddeus could feel the hum of energy, subtle yet commanding. The headmaster was rumored to be reclusive, a figure rarely seen, yet whose influence stretched through every corridor, classroom, and training hall.
As they disembarked, attendants guided Thaddeus and Aurora through the grand gates. The courtyard stretched wide, surrounded by six elemental towers, each representing one of the noble families' primary elements: shadow, sun, wind, water, earth, and fire. The stone was etched with sigils that glowed faintly, reacting subtly to Thaddeus' presence.
"Elysium Academy doesn't just train—you feel it," Aurora said, her tone both awe-filled and cautious. "Every wall, every floor, every glyph… it resonates with power."
Thaddeus' gaze swept over the towers. Yes, he thought. And power is not merely taught here—it is demanded.
They were led to a hall where new arrivals would be addressed. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, with chandeliers that seemed to float without chains, glowing with elemental energy. Students from minor noble families milled about, casting curious glances at the Moon siblings. Whispers followed them—words of reputation, of legacy, of shadows that obeyed their master.
A figure finally stepped forward—a tall, imposing woman dressed in silver robes, her hair tied back, eyes sharp as blades. She carried an air of authority that needed no introduction.
"Welcome to Elysium Academy," she said, voice clear and commanding. "Heirs of the six noble families, and other distinguished students, you are here because your blood, your skill, and your potential mark you as capable of greatness. But greatness is earned, not given. Observe, learn, and survive."
Thaddeus' fingers brushed the hilt of his katana beneath his cloak. Observe, learn, survive. He had trained for survival, for combat, for strategy—but the Academy would demand more than he had ever imagined.
After the welcome address, students were escorted to their towers. Thaddeus and Aurora ascended the Moon Tower, their personal quarters located near the top. The rooms were simple yet elegant, designed for focus and training. Shadows danced along the walls as he entered, curling toward him in anticipation, acknowledging the presence of their master.
He took a moment to let the energy of the tower wash over him. This place… it responds to me. And I will respond in kind.
Aurora moved silently, unpacking supplies and inspecting the training areas adjacent to their rooms. "Tomorrow begins real training," she reminded him. "Exams, sparring, and—" Her voice faltered slightly, and Thaddeus noticed. "You will have rivals you cannot anticipate. Some will challenge skill, others will test your mind, perhaps even your heart."
Thaddeus' lips curled in a faint smile. "Let them come. I have shadows to shield me, strength to guide me, and purpose to drive me. I do not fear them."
The rest of the day was spent acclimating—exploring hallways lined with portraits of past heads and champions, visiting training halls where elemental energy shimmered in response to the students' presence, and observing other heirs from a distance. He noted:
The golden-haired Solgard boy, tall, commanding, radiating sunlight even in shade. The sister beside him moved with equal grace and precision, a careful watch over her brother.
Figures with bows moving like wind, subtle and almost invisible in their control of currents.
Rapiers and ice, spears and fire, gauntlets and earth, all wielded with practiced skill.
Thaddeus cataloged it all in his mind, quietly assessing potential rivals and allies alike. Every movement, every aura, every subtle sign could become a factor in future encounters.
Night fell over Elysium Academy, and the towers glowed faintly, elemental energy humming through the walls. Thaddeus stood at the balcony of the Moon Tower, katana in hand, shadows stretching toward the moon. He reflected on the journey, the prophecies, and the challenge that awaited him.
The Solgards will be the first real challenge, he thought, but they will not be the only ones. Every heir here carries potential, and every test will reveal it. I must be ready—for rivalry, for alliance, and for the unknown.
Aurora joined him, silent, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the first hints of stars mingled with the moonlight. "Tomorrow," she said softly, "everything begins."
Thaddeus nodded, letting the shadows swirl around his feet. "Then let them watch. Let them whisper. Let them test me. I am Thaddeus Moon, and I will not falter."
For a brief moment, he allowed himself a rare thought of anticipation. Not fear, not doubt—but a spark of exhilaration. Elysium Academy would test everything he knew, everything he was, and everything he could become. And he would meet it all, shadow and steel in hand.
The first night at Elysium Academy passed, quiet yet alive with potential. In the darkness, the Moon heir's shadows whispered, curling closer as if to remind him: the trials had only just begun.