The Vale household dinner was quiet in the way only blood-related silence could be.
His father sat at the head of the table, posture straight, hands steady. His mother placed dishes down carefully, avoiding unnecessary noise.
His older cousin, Loran, broke the silence first. "Master Halden spoke of advancement today."
Vale did not look up.
"They're selecting inner candidates early this year," Loran continued. "Resonance above average will be required."
His father's chopsticks paused.
"Vale," he said, not unkindly. "Your progress?"
Vale swallowed. "Unchanged."
The word hung heavily.
"You come from the Rin branch," his father said. "Your grandfather shook halls with his voice."
"I know," Vale replied.
"Knowing is not enough."
Vale's mother spoke softly. "He trains diligently."
His father nodded. "Diligence without result invites doubt."
Vale felt the familiar tightening in his chest.
"We don't need brilliance," his father continued. "But we need certainty. The clan does not carry those who cannot resonate."
Vale bowed his head. "I understand."
Later that night, lying awake, Vale stared at the ceiling beams.
The clan wanted sound.
But something inside him remained quiet.