The group had been on edge ever since the Wendigo attack. No one spoke of it openly, but the unease was palpable—an invisible weight pressing down on all of them. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a branch set their nerves on edge, and even the guards, usually relaxed and joking during the journey, had grown silent, their eyes constantly scanning the treeline.

They rose early the following morning, the sun barely rising, and made haste to cover as much ground as possible. There was no time to rest. The strange attack, so close to the capital, gnawed at them all. Even as night fell again, they pressed forward, unwilling to risk another night camped on the road. The distant lights of Valeria’s towers beckoned them, like a lighthouse guiding a ship through dangerous waters.

By the time they reached the gates of Valeria, it was well past nightfall. The city’s towering walls loomed before them, casting long shadows in the moonlight. The glow of torches flickered at intervals along the battlements, and from atop the walls, the faint murmur of guards could be heard.

“Hold!” a voice barked out from above, and the gate remained closed as a contingent of guards descended from their posts. They approached warily, their weapons ready, eyes sharp as they assessed the newcomers.

“State your business,” the lead guard commanded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Captain Aric, who had been riding ahead, dismounted from his horse and stepped forward, his presence calm but commanding. His armor gleamed in the torchlight, the insignia of his rank catching the guard’s eye.

“Captain Aric Thorne of the Aeloria family,” he stated, his voice firm yet measured. “We come from Aelshire, escorting Lady Elara Aeloria and her brother, Lorian.”

The moment Aric introduced himself, a flicker of recognition passed over the guards’ faces. The lead guard’s posture immediately relaxed, and he stepped forward, offering a deep, respectful bow. “Captain Thorne,” the guard repeated, his tone shifting from suspicion to respect. “Apologies for the delay, sir. We did not expect your arrival so late in the night.”

Aric gave a curt nod, his expression as unreadable as ever. “The road was not as safe as we anticipated.”

The guard’s eyes widened slightly at that. “Not safe, Captain?” he asked, clearly alarmed.

“Two Wendigos attacked us along the way,” Aric said flatly, his tone grave. “They shouldn’t have been anywhere near these roads.”

The guards exchanged uneasy glances. Wendigos were the stuff of legend to many, creatures spoken of in hushed tones by travelers who ventured into dangerous, forgotten places. But for them to be so close to Valeria…

The lead guard’s eyes widened in shock. “Wendigos, sir?” he asked, almost disbelieving. “This close to Valeria?”

“Exactly,” Aric confirmed, his gaze hardening. “Which is why we’re not stopping until we’re inside.”

The guard nodded quickly, gesturing for his men to open the gate. “Of course, Captain. Open the gate!” he shouted, and the large iron doors began to creak open, revealing the dimly lit streets of Valeria beyond.

Lorian couldn’t help but notice how the guards deferred to Aric with such respect, bordering on reverence. It was clear that Aric’s reputation preceded him, even here in Valeria. The man was more than just a seasoned soldier—he was a figure of authority, someone whose presence carried weight.

As they passed through the gates and into the capital, Lorian glanced at Elara, who had also taken note of how the guards reacted to Aric. She raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that said, Well, that explains a lot.

Lorian returned the look with a small nod. He had known Aric was respected, but seeing it firsthand in Valeria, where the capital’s own elite ruled, only deepened Lorian’s realization of how significant Aric’s influence truly was.

The group moved through the cobbled streets of Valeria, the city’s towering spires and ancient buildings standing tall against the night sky. The distant hum of life still stirred, even at this late hour. A few lanterns hung in doorways, and the faint glow of the Royal Academy’s tallest tower shone in the distance.

Despite the late hour, the city was far from quiet. The soft murmurs of distant conversations and the occasional laughter echoed down narrow alleys, mixing with the sound of hooves clacking against stone. The air here was different—charged with the pulse of magic and ancient power that flowed through the veins of Valeria.

Lorian felt it, too. The energy in the air seemed to hum beneath his skin, stirring something deep within him. It was a reminder of what this city stood for: knowledge, magic, and power beyond what he had ever known. For Elara, this was where she was meant to be. But for Lorian, the question lingered—where did he fit in this world?

He glanced over at his sister. Elara’s eyes were wide with awe as she took in the sights, the flickering lights reflecting in her gaze. Her excitement was palpable, but there was a trace of nervousness too, a tension she tried to hide behind her composed exterior. She’d been waiting for this moment for years, and now that it was here, Lorian could see the weight of expectation pressing down on her shoulders.

They continued through the city, winding their way toward the Royal Academy. The towering gates came into view first, wrought iron and emblazoned with intricate symbols of magic that glowed faintly in the darkness. Beyond the gates, the academy grounds spread out like a small city within a city—massive buildings connected by stone pathways, their windows glowing softly with light.

Captain Aric dismounted as they approached the gate, giving the reins of his horse to one of the guards. He stepped forward to speak with the academy’s night watch, his voice low and authoritative.

Lorian and Elara waited in silence, their eyes fixed on the grand structure before them. The Royal Academy was even more magnificent than they had imagined. Towers spiraled high into the sky, their peaks lost in the night’s shadow. The air felt thicker here, charged with magical energy that seemed to swirl around them.

Elara’s hand twitched slightly at her side, her fingers instinctively trying to form the coin of light she often played with when nervous. Lorian noticed and gave her a small nudge.

“Nervous?” he asked, his voice light but knowing.

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She smiled faintly, flipping the light coin between her fingers with ease. “Maybe a little,” she admitted. “This is… everything we’ve been working for. But seeing it in person—it’s overwhelming.”

Lorian looked back at the academy gates. “You’ll do fine, Elara. You’re made for this place.”

“And you?” she asked, glancing at him. “Do you still think you don’t belong here?”

Lorian hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the shadows beyond the gates. “I don’t know,” he said honestly. “But it doesn’t matter what I think. I’m here for you. That’s all that matters.”

Before Elara could respond, the gates began to open with a soft creak, and Aric motioned for them to follow. “Let’s go,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll get you settled inside.”

They moved through the gates, and the sight that greeted them took Lorian’s breath away. The academy grounds were sprawling, illuminated by floating orbs of light that hovered above the pathways like silent sentinels. Lush gardens stretched out between the towering buildings, and in the distance, the grand library stood like a beacon of knowledge.

Elara’s eyes lit up with excitement, her nervousness momentarily forgotten as she took in the beauty of the place. “It’s incredible,” she breathed, her voice filled with awe.

Lorian remained quiet, his eyes scanning the area. Despite the peaceful appearance of the academy, there was an undercurrent of tension that he couldn’t shake. It was as if something was watching them, lurking just beyond the light.

They reached the entrance of the main hall, a grand structure with towering doors engraved with ancient symbols of protection and knowledge. As they approached, the doors swung open, revealing a wide marble hall lined with towering statues of past magisters and heroes of the academy.

A figure awaited them inside—a man dressed in deep purple robes, his sharp features framed by silver hair. His eyes, cold and calculating, fixed on Elara and Lorian as they entered.

“Welcome to the Royal Academy of Valeria,” he said, his voice smooth but carrying an edge of authority. “I am Magister Orion, head of this institution. You must be Lady Elara Aeloria, and this—” his gaze flicked to Lorian, “—must be your brother, the Shieldbearer.”

Lorian stiffened slightly at the title but said nothing. It was a reminder of the role he had been forced into, a role that still weighed heavily on him.

Elara stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Magister Orion, thank you for welcoming us. It’s an honor to be here.”

The magister gave a tight smile. “The honor is ours, Lady Elara. Your reputation precedes you. We are eager to see what you will accomplish here at the academy.” His eyes flicked back to Lorian briefly before returning to Elara. “I trust your journey was… uneventful?”

Elara hesitated for a moment, glancing at Aric before replying. “There were some difficulties on the road,” she said carefully. “We were attacked by Wendigos.”

Magister Orion’s brow furrowed slightly, though his expression remained controlled. “Wendigos? This close to Valeria? That is… troubling.”

Aric stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “They were drawn to something. We don’t know what yet, but it’s not a coincidence. These roads have always been safe.”

Orion’s gaze sharpened, and for a moment, Lorian thought he saw a flicker of concern pass over the magister’s face. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

“I see,” Orion said, his voice measured. “I will have this matter investigated. But for now, you are safe within these walls. The academy is well-protected.”

Lorian wasn’t sure why, but the magister’s assurance did little to ease his lingering unease. Something felt off—he just didn’t know what.

Magister Orion gestured toward a grand staircase leading deeper into the academy. “Come. I will show you to your quarters. There is much to prepare for tomorrow.”

Elara nodded eagerly, following the magister up the staircase, her excitement once again bubbling to the surface.

As they ascended the polished marble steps, Lorian noticed the intricate carvings that adorned the walls—magical runes and ancient symbols, each one glowing faintly as they passed. The academy’s history was practically etched into its very foundation, and Lorian could feel the weight of it settling over him.

They reached a long corridor lined with large arched windows that offered a view of the academy grounds. Beyond the glass, the gardens were bathed in soft moonlight, their beauty otherworldly in the quiet of the night.

“This way,” Orion said, leading them down the corridor. As they walked, his robes swished silently against the floor, his presence commanding yet distant. “Lady Elara, your achievements thus far have been recognized by the academy. You’ve already demonstrated exceptional promise, earning you a place among the top students.”

Elara’s eyes widened in surprise, and Orion reached into his robes, pulling out a small, ornate pin—a polished gold emblem of a Kirin, the legendary creature symbolizing wisdom, purity, and balance. The Gold Pin of the Kirin glinted faintly in the dim light, an unmistakable mark of excellence.

“The Gold Pin of the Kirin,” Orion said, presenting it to Elara with a formal nod. “It represents mastery beyond your peers—wisdom, intelligence, and balance in all areas of study. Few students attain such a rank upon arrival.”

Elara’s breath caught as she accepted the pin, reverently holding the symbol of her new status. She had heard of the academy’s pin system, but to receive a Kirin Pin before even starting her studies was beyond anything she had imagined. She turned to Lorian, eyes shining with excitement, but there was a flicker of hesitation too—she knew this would only deepen the growing gap between them.

“Thank you, Magister Orion,” Elara said, her voice filled with both gratitude and awe. “I’ll do my best to live up to the academy’s expectations.”

“You already have, Lady Elara,” Orion replied, his tone carrying a rare warmth. “This pin grants you access to the Magisters’ Wing, reserved for those who excel at the highest level. It is an honor, but it comes with great responsibility. We will expect nothing less than greatness from you.”

He stopped in front of a large oak door intricately carved with runes and symbols. “This will be your room,” Orion said, pushing the door open.

Inside was a grand chamber fit for a scholar of Elara’s stature. High ceilings stretched above, with plush furniture and walls lined with shelves of books and scrolls. A large window framed the view of the academy’s central courtyard, casting the room in soft moonlight.

Elara stepped inside, her breath catching as she took in the luxury of the room. She turned back to Lorian, her expression a mix of joy and concern.

“This is incredible…” she whispered.

Lorian gave her a tight smile, though the sight of Elara receiving such special treatment stirred something uncomfortable inside him. He wasn’t angry—he was proud of her—but the difference between them was becoming harder to ignore.

“And as for you, Shieldbearer,” Orion said, turning his attention to Lorian, “you will be housed with the general student body. While your role differs from that of your sister, you are still expected to adhere to the academy’s guidelines. There is much to be learned here—if you choose to apply yourself.”

Lorian stiffened slightly at the reminder that he was not here on his own merit. He gave a curt nod. “Understood.”

Orion’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, unreadable, before he gestured for Lorian to follow him down a different corridor. The atmosphere shifted as they moved further from the Magisters’ Wing. The grand architecture gave way to simpler stone walls, and the sense of prestige faded.

Finally, they arrived at a smaller door. “These are your quarters,” Orion said, opening the door to reveal a modest room with several beds lining the walls. Two other students were already sleeping soundly, their belongings scattered haphazardly around the space.

The contrast between Elara’s room and Lorian’s quarters was stark. Plain wooden furniture, bare walls, and a simple bed awaited him. There was nothing special about this room—nothing to set him apart from the other students who had earned their place here.

Lorian stepped inside, feeling the weight of his situation settle over him. While Elara had been welcomed as a rising star, he was here as a mere attendant, relegated to the background.

“The academy is a place for growth,” Orion said, his tone matter-of-fact. “Though you are here in a different capacity, there is potential for you to advance. But remember: a Shieldbearer must be more than just a guardian. It requires skill, focus, and dedication. You will be expected to uphold those values during your time here.”

Lorian nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. His eyes flicked to his roommates, sleeping soundly in the dim room. He couldn’t shake the growing divide between his path and Elara’s.

Orion’s voice drew him back. “Tomorrow marks the beginning of the new class year, and the Orientation for first-year students will take place. Though your role here differs from most, you will attend as well. It will set the stage for your journey at the academy.”

Lorian glanced at the magister, uncertain of how he would fit in at such an event. “I understand,” he replied, keeping his voice steady.

“Good,” Orion replied, his voice clipped. “Rest well, Shieldbearer. You will need your strength in the days to come.”

With that, the magister left the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Lorian stood in the dim light of the shared quarters, the sounds of his sleeping roommates filling the silence.

The soft breathing of his roommates seemed to ground him, pulling him back to the present. He lay back on the hard mattress, staring at the ceiling. His muscles ached from the long journey, but his mind was restless, swirling with thoughts of what lay ahead.

Tomorrow would be the start of something new for both of them. Elara had already secured her place at the academy, but Lorian wasn’t sure where he fit in.

As he closed his eyes, he immediately began to drift asleep with only one thought in mind: I want a nice bed too.