The sun was just brushing the peaks of Fading Peaks when Kian's fists blurred again, each strike sending faint teal trails into the crisp morning air. His breath came in sharp, rhythmic bursts, and beads of sweat clung to his forehead. Around him, the small estate of Kian's branch family seemed unusually quiet—only the wind whispered through the tall, jagged pines.
Finally, Kian dropped to one knee, chest heaving, aura flickering faintly at his wrists. The wooden training dummy lay splintered at his side, and he couldn't hide the spark of pride in his sharp emerald eyes.
"Again, Kian?" came a low, amused voice.
Kian turned to see his father, Calix Savoy, leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, dark green eyes calm but assessing. His posture was relaxed, but Kian could feel the weight of a lifetime of martial aura mastery radiating from him.
"I… I'm ready, Father," Kian said, sitting back on his heels. His voice trembled slightly, but determination shone in it. "I want to take the heir test. At the main branch. With the other Savoy children. I want to prove I can be… one of them."
Calix's expression softened, but his eyes narrowed just a fraction. "The heir test isn't a game, Kian. You're still… twelve. Twelve, and your aura is only awakened. The other children… they've trained longer, stronger. Why now?"
Kian's small fists clenched. A faint pulse of teal aura surged, fluttering like restless wings. "I know I'm not as strong yet. But I want to show I can grow. I want to show I'm not just from the branch family… I can carry the Savoy name, Father. Even with the curse."
Calix studied him for a long moment. The wind stirred, teasing the edge of his tunic. Finally, he nodded slowly, a shadow of pride passing over his face. "Very well. I cannot stop you. But you must understand—this will not be easy. The main branch… the heir test… it will challenge more than just your body. Your aura, your mind, your very will. Are you certain?"
Kian's grin spread, eyes alight with fierce energy. "I am. I have to be."
The elder Savoy gave a short, approving nod. "Then prepare yourself. We leave for Shadewatch Main Branch at dawn. And remember… the curse may make the world forget the Savoys, but it will never forget the fire in your heart."
Kian rose, fists clenched, aura pulsing faintly around him. For the first time, the small estate felt like the beginning of something larger—something that could finally bring a Savoy back into the memory of the empire.