I always wondered about the meaning of our dreams, and I’m not talking about aspirations but literal dreams while asleep. How many times had I witnessed the impossible?

Once in a full moon, ever since I was little, I was haunted by one of these dreams that kept me up at night.

It was always the same. I’d stare into the horizon without an enemy in sight while standing atop a wall, surrounded by nervous soldiers as we waited for something to come. I wondered why everyone looked terrified; however, my confusion was quick to dispel whenever the ominous ebony clouds gathered overhead, followed by a raging storm.

Shimmering portals that tore space itself materialized out of thin air, peering into another dimension out of which an endless wave of monsters came charging at the walls.

Fierce battle ensued, and the walls never held.

Once the fighting took place in the streets, it was only a matter of time before the whole town was set ablaze and coated in ashes. The haunting screams of innocents begging for their lives echoed as I, a mage in possession of unbelievable magical powers for a mortal, failed to save them.

But these were nothing but dreams, and sometimes all it took was a bit of cold water to wake me up.

“Wakey-wakey!” a familiar childlike voice reached out to me, muffled by the bubbling sound that turned out to be icy cold water conjuring in the air before collapsing on top of me.

“Fuc–!” Thinking I was ready to insult whoever played such a crude prank on me early in the morning, I found myself biting my tongue after seeing my kid half-sister Elena. My eyes took a second to adjust before I noticed Penelope, my step-sister and the culprit behind the spell, standing behind her with her finger pointing toward me.

“See? I told you that’d wake him up,” Penelope chuckled, lowering her hand as she leaned over Elena’s shoulder before glancing up at me. “Get dressed. Father wanted to see you.”

She was so weird at times, and it was always shocking when I saw Penelope’s softer side, one she rarely showed to me.

“Was the cold water really necessary?” I asked, hating when she used magic against me.

That’s right. My step-sister was a talented mage for whom conjuring a bit of cold water was child’s play.

“I tried waking you up, but you didn’t open your eyes.” Elena lowered her voice, dropping her softened gaze toward the ground. “Sister said it would help wake you up. . . Sorry.”

“It’s true,” Penelope backed her up while walking over to my desk. I wasn’t sure if she was aware, but she always showed the urge to have a look at what book I read that night. “Did you perhaps have a nightmare? We tried other methods, but nothing worked.”

Honestly, I couldn’t remember, which made me think that maybe getting woken up violently was the solution to all my problems; however, I hated that the method was so cruel. Not a big fan of the cold.

Penelope’s words were likely true as she wasn’t the type to lie, so there wasn’t a reason to doubt her, unlike Elena, who was young and often exaggerated things.

“Do I hear a bit of concern?” I teased, slowly getting up and walking over to my clothes laid out for me on top of a wooden chair near the window overlooking the courtyard.

One of the many benefits of living in a manor was the beautiful view I got to enjoy every morning.

“No,” she answered simplistically like always.

While I was getting dressed, Penelope skimmed through the pages expeditiously; meanwhile, Elena climbed onto the wet bed and started jumping up and down.

“You can take it if you want,” I said, throwing a glace at my step-sister. “I already finished it.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled, closing the book.

Not the most expressive response, but I took whatever I could get.

“So. What did Father want?”

“Probably wants to talk about our trip.” She referred to the trip to the Capital as her gaze turned to Elena. “Ellie, stop jumping on the bed.”

“Okay. . .” Elena was a tad disappointed but always listened to us.

Climbing off, she rushed to Penelope’s side and hugged her tightly around the waist.

“Think he wants me to stay home?” I asked.

“Doubt it.”

“Guess I’ll find out once I talk to him,” I sighed, looking at the mirror leaning against the left side of the bed.

Putting on one of my favorite linen shirts, I began randomly thinking about why men wore artificial shoulder pads. Sure, it made them look bigger, but it just showed how insecure they were. Though maybe I was just saying that because I had a well-built body due to rigorous training.

Considering my wheat-colored hair was a complete mess after becoming wet, I tried pushing it back before we left the room.

“Alright, I’m ready. . .” I said, tightening my belt.

We left my room and walked together to Father’s office, and on our way there, I couldn’t help but throw a glance at Penelope.

We didn’t have the best relationship, but it wasn’t bad either, thanks to Elena, over whom we bonded. She was only a day older than me but often used it as an excuse to get her way.

As if her unimaginable magical talent wasn’t enough, her intellect and stunning beauty were second to none.

Penelope was shorter than me, but I was taller than even some adults around us. Her sapphire eyes were capable of enthralling whomever they laid their sight upon, and her long black hair reached to her lower back. It’d be accurate to describe her as statuesque, making me confident that the students would flock around her after she enrolled in the continent’s Grand Academy of Magic next year.

Marriage proposals were at one point flooding our house, but my adoptive Father had no intention of giving his daughter away to anyone whom she didn’t choose herself. Not many daughters of a renowned household could boast about such luxury.

On the other hand, Elena was our nine-year-old half-sister with whom I shared the same mother, a woman who married Penelope’s father. She also had long black hair extending past her shoulders with round gleaming teal eyes that set perfectly in her small pale face. Her perky nose and childlike features made her irresistibly adorable.

As for Father, it was always nerve-wracking whenever I had to see him. There were never any hints as to what to expect.

“Alright. Wish me luck, girls.”

“Good luck!” Ellie yelled, making me sigh smilingly.

“Let’s go, Ellie.” Penelope pulled on her hand, leading her outside.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the wooden door.

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“Come in.” His penetrating voice once again sent chills down my spine as I instantaneously stood straight.

“So he’s like that today,” I mumbled, sighing as I pushed the door open.

Despite entering countless times, it was always awe-inspiring to see just how luxurious an office could be with enough effort, decorated with hundreds of books, maps, and artworks that made even the nobles drool. Dare I say, befitting of one carrying the title of Duke.

Sat in his cushioned red and black chair, resting his hand on the large desk occupying the middle, he gazed toward me while sliding a piece of paper to the side. The sunlight that peered through the large window behind him cast a shadow that masked his expression.

“It seems I’ve interrupted your bath,” he commented with his blue eyes fixated on me.

Despite his age, he boasted a warrior’s body, thick dark hair, and a strong jaw outlined by a neatly groomed beard. Unsurprising, considering his strong ties with the military.

Duke Victor Kallis, the ruler of the Torian Province within the Kingdom of Eleron, and the man who married my mother twelve years ago.

His approval meant a lot to me, which was also true for my year older step-brother Eliot, who I hadn’t seen since I woke up.

“My sisters informed me of your summons just as I finished,” I refrained from telling the truth, fearful he might scold them for making it harder for the servants who worked at the manor. “How may I be of service today?”

“Relax,” he said, gesturing toward the empty chair. I swallowed what little saliva built up in my mouth before taking a seat. “I presume you’re aware that you’ll be attending the gathering at the Palace, right?”

“I wouldn’t dare forget the royal wedding. Rumors are that the Crown Prince found the most beautiful bride on the continent.”

“It seems my son has been spending time among the commoners again.”

While I was known to wander into a tavern or two, he never explicitly told me he disliked me hanging around such places, but I always assumed he did.

“Can you blame me?” I asked, lowering my voice while avoiding sounding pathetic or spiteful. “At least there, I feel somewhat accepted.”

“Still having trouble with your siblings?” He asked, furrowing his brows. “I wish you kids would just resolve your differences.”

It was easier said than done. The Duke’s first wife died just a few years before he remarried. They’ve always felt as if my mother was her replacement, which naturally angered Eliot, my older step-brother.

The Duke assumed we’d get along since I never knew my father, but Eliot never accepted me. Pushing his anger out on me, he drove a wedge between us and even made Penelope distant. Elena’s birth pulled us closer, improving our relationship significantly, but the consequences of our younger days still plagued us. However, at least we were able to talk to each other and even sometimes say something positive.

Mother managed to win them over due to her tenacity, a luxury I didn’t have, as my efforts were overshadowed by awkwardness caused by countless fights.

“It’s getting better,” I reassured him.

“Good.” He smiled, softening his stone-cold expression. “Remember, Alex. You’re family and should watch each other’s backs.”

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them, Father.” I smirked, dropping my gaze. “But you didn’t summon me here to talk about family, did you?”

“Straight to the point, I see. Very well.” He cleared his throat. “You’ll be joining your siblings tomorrow and head for the Capital.”

“Tomorrow?” I furrowed my brows. “But isn’t the royal wedding in two months?”

“It is, but the nobles are throwing a gathering for the talented youth attending the Grand Academy of Nuia’s entrance exam. Eliot must make a showing, and since Penelope will enroll next year, I thought it’d be best if you all went together.”

Like his sister, Eliot had a talent worthy of attending. Unsurprising since sensing mana and forming a core was genetic, making bloodlines extremely important. The Duke and his deceased first wife were renowned for their origins, the same as my mother.

Despite my mother’s lack of talent, she belonged to one of the most prestigious bloodlines in Eleron, the Welton Family. Unlike her, Elena had a bright future ahead of her when it came to becoming a mage.

“Sure, but why send me?” I sighed.

The truth was, I felt out of place when surrounded by such amazing people. While I believed myself smart, quick-witted, and talented with the sword, I could never overcome my plaguing weakness. I, Alexander Kallis, was born with a powerful curse that made gathering mana impossible, thus making my talent for magic nonexistent.

Considering that forming a mana core at a young age was a good tell of how far one would make it as a mage, it was unlikely I’d amount to much even if I lifted the curse. The older one was, the harder it became to advance unless the mage belonged to a race with naturally greater longevity.

Among humans, rare were those that managed to get it in their early teens; even rarer were those like my siblings, who awakened at the age of ten.

Despite my parents' best efforts to cleanse the curse afflicting me by hiring countless priests, healers, and even mages from the Academy, it all failed.

“You’re my son,” he said, catching me off guard. “I’d like you to support your siblings by making an official showing. It’ll help you build connections, and you’d get to celebrate your upcoming birthday alongside the Royal Family. They wanted to host you alongside Penelope.”

It was hard to believe it was so close, only a few weeks away.

“Will you be attending?”

“Are you asking if I’ll miss my children’s coming of age?” He chuckled in disbelief. “You’ll be turning eighteen, and your mother and I would never dare miss such an important date.”

“Then why aren’t you coming with us?”

“You always loved asking questions.”

“I think it’s important to avoid ignorance, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Well said,” he praised me, taking a deep breath before exhaling slowly. “Listen. Your mother and I have an appearance to make elsewhere before we head to the Capital. It’d be best for your siblings to get used to the Palace, which is why I’m sending you out earlier. After we finish our business, we’ll join you. It should give you enough time to mess around. Just don’t cause too much trouble.”

“Am I hearing things, or are you giving me permission to start trouble?” I asked with a coy smirk.

“It’s not every day one gets to enjoy their coming of age. I’m sure even I could turn a blind eye once or twice.”

I snorted in disbelief.

“Then, could I ask for a favor?”

“Speak.”

“Could you give me a significantly larger allowance?”

“I hope you’re not thinking of visiting brothels. . .”

“Father. . .” I awkwardly sighed.

He stared at me for a bit while stroking his chin. “Hmm. . . You’re not the type to ask for such things. What reason could you have for asking?”

“I was hoping to get Penelope something special from the Capital.” I smiled, imagining a necklace I was saving up to buy.

“So even when you finally ask for more, it’s not for you.” Father sounded somewhat disappointed. “Fine. I shall leave it with your attendant.”

“Thank you, Father. Was there anything else?”

“No.” He shook his head. “I hope this trip brings you all closer.”

It was all wishful thinking at best. Eliot was going to the Academy, and so was Penelope a year after. I wouldn’t get to see them for years. However, if that was what he wanted, the least I could do was try.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“That’s all I ask.” He showed me a smile. “You’re free to go.”

“Thank you, Father,” I said, taking my leave.

Initially thinking he’d ask me to stay behind, I let out a sigh of relief while leaning against the nearest wall. While I acted as if I wasn’t interested, there was nothing more intriguing than the Capital. Plus, I’d get to show off my knowledge, seeing as I was born there.

One glance toward the courtyard made me realize how late in the day it was, making me glad I didn’t mention just waking up, or Father would’ve scolded me.

“Again!” I heard Eliot yelling as I left the house, enjoying the sound of clashing swords.

He was mid-training with our mentor, a veteran and a former adventurer that knew our father well.

Even though I was considered above-average height, Eliot was still slightly taller and not to mention bigger. I’d sometimes make fun of him for his strong eyebrows that made him look fierce when matched with his deep blue-colored eyes that charmed countless ladies. Unsurprising since women preferred a tall, dark-haired man, proof of his lineage.

Eliot’s talent with magic and sword was undeniable, but he never gained the upper hand against so many years of experience, our mentor boasted.

Devoting a lot of his time to magic made it so that Eliot had flaws in his technique, footwork, and even distancing, and while minor, against an opponent like our mentor, it made all the difference.

Eliot took one wrong step and found himself tumbling to the ground after barely avoiding a strike aimed at his neck. My mistake was that I dared let out a chuckle since the outcome was predictable, forgetting others were watching the training session.

“What are you snickering about?” asked one of our knights that served directly under Eliot, defending his liege’s honor.

Unlike the rest of my family, I didn’t possess any respect from those around us. Be it that I was born outside of marriage or the fact that I was cursed, every highborn in Eleron made it their business to take it out on me.

Father would’ve likely silenced them in an instant, but I didn’t want to cause even more trouble.

“Am I not allowed to be impressed?” I crossed my arms, finding their voices annoying.

“Ignore them,” Eliot said as he sighed in frustration, glaring at the knight after standing back up.

His advice was as far as he’d go to stand up for me, which was at least something.

“You know I’m used to it.” I chuckled.

“Maybe, but should I take your laugh for a challenge?”

“If you wanted me to beat your ass, you should’ve just asked,” I teased, walking over to grab a sparring sword. “Penelope splashed me with cold water, and since I can’t vent on her, I guess you’d be a solid substitute.”

Though it sounded as if we hated each other, it was far from the truth.

Eliot loved crossing blades with me without using magic since I’d stand no chance otherwise, and our competitiveness always made the duels quite entertaining.

“Big words, Alexander.” He flourished his sword, aiming the tip toward me while referring to me by my name, not once calling me brother or using a nickname. “Standard rules?”

With only a nod, I took a deep breath and dashed without warning, prepared to take the fight to him.

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.

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