CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
CASTS OF ENDURANCE
FLINT
The remainder of my morning consisted of Lucian's appraisal of the Coven's dynamic. Ruled by five leering political tyrants as the faun tried to simplify them as strategically passive idols. There is nothing in this world that could convince me that centuries of authority wouldn't corrupt even a fraction of them. But I couldn't be bothered to remember who governed the elements or what cheap sovereignty one offered. I did, however, pick up that their Order stems from the more defined and powerful wielders; Sun, Shadows, Fire, Air, and Earth.
Lucien trotted to his podium. The leather binding of his book slumped against the surface as he turned the page. Behind the professor, sticks of chalk wrote a display of sentences while Lucien spoke.
"Today," Lucien said, anxiously pulling the collar of his sweater. "Is a rather complex teaching matter. We will be discussing Seepers."
The few audible gasps I heard were enough for me to grip the edge of my seat. Finally, we're getting to the good stuff.
"As many students are aware, Seepers are outlawed creatures. Our species and humans are both intimidated by them due to their pernicious nature. These are divine beings with growing wings and the woven skin of the stars. There was a time when Seepers lived in harmony with us. According to Coven laws, these divine beings took offense to the world." He turns the page with fingers that tremble ever so slightly. "Hence, the Lost Time occurred. Our lands began to wither, magic became unbalanced, and corruption ate away at Mythicae's bones. Mythicals and Seepers sought to concur. Both sides killed a significant number of women, children, sons and daughters, and soldiers. But it was Eisheth- coven superior, concur of generations - that ended the magic war."
Lucian's hands glinted, flicking the pages of a tethered book while he stared everyone down. For once, Andrew is silent- devouring Verity's word porn, and Donnic jots down the lecture. "The five Covenheads reign to ensure our society does not collapse from the Void. A powerful corruption that once could bend the stars with wings that knew no bounds. Seepers," Lucian glowered, "is what used to maintain the now fallen position. As punishment, the five elements chose Objection and sentenced the guilty party to an eternity of confinement."
Hands soared to the ceiling, but the faun ignored them. "They're among us. Hidden and slowly forgotten, but still, the most dangerous beings to wander in this world. The Coven is set to punish the remnant breed."
A crisp and clear voice shot down the aisle of flailing hands. It was Donnic who dared to be ignored as he asked, "What was the reason behind Seepers attacking the Coven when they were members?"
Lucian smiled, though it was short and anything but pleased. Almost like the question was to be feared. "It is said that the Seepers sought out more, and were dissatisfied with their shares."
From the front row, a sweet and sincere voice whispered. The stench of fear consumed me while Lucian straightened, spurned by the question I could not hear. "No, Seepers cannot grant you wishes or powers. They can project and lend in other ways. Seepers are to be branded to a mythical owner. They are not the same as genies."
Donnic eased back into his seat, pleased with Lucien's answers as the students disoriented the poor man. My stomach twists, sensing the fear rippling in my peers, and keep my eyes on my hands. Seepers had everyone thick with worry, but it sounded like they are imprisoned for eternity. For the Coven to declare an indefinite sentence like that was similar to a death sentence for a human. Maybe I lost myself in the questions I was brewing, but the class slipped past me. The bell tower belts in the distance, alerting us that we can sulk to our next course.
I watched Andrew, amused by his ignorance, as he slipped through the flirting girls with his eyes glued to the pages. Maybe Verity didn't release him after all. Donnic, however, strolled past without a word. Lucian stopped me at the door, signaling me to approach his podium.
"A word, Anderson."
Lucian waited until the last student made it through the doors before continuing, "I've collected your mother's capsule as well as a few attachments. Whenever you're ready," he said silently as new students entered, "ask Ms. Heimer for your package at the Library."
I stared dumbfoundedly at him, blinking at his sincerity. "You serious?"
He nodded once and stumbled when I hugged him. The action was swift. I'm not even sure if I knew what I was doing until I felt his fragile weight in my hold. When I let go of Lucian, he stepped back pressing his bifocals back onto his nose. "Easy there, boy." He laughed, ignoring the murmuring students. "Go before Geraldine has my head for keeping you."
"Thank you, sir," I said before running down the hall.
My mind was consumed by what awaited me in the Library- wherever that was. Geraldine didn't bother questioning me when I mixed words or spoke in broken sentences. And I didn't acknowledge how bare the table looked as the six of us sat at lunch. Sasha kept eyeing me, but she never pried at me. I picked at the arrangement of thinned pasta, nibbled on the toast, and inhaled water mainly. For years, my father withheld such vital information about mom. And now, everything I could hope to know just might be waiting for me in a Library. I think this is the first time I've felt excited to go to one. When lunch ended, I was able to pair with Robyn who continued to ask if I could mention her during my session. I should've pressed more, but I didn't in the end.
The winter chill didn't bite at my skin like it use to. Slivers of the sun peeked through the gray clouds and the breeze was inviting as I walked to Kiner. I walked past others, disregarding Minnow's longing stares or Wrath's grimace, and pushed past the double steel doors of the Endurance Chamber. The stone structure was lit by rows of warm beige wax candles and alabaster pillars with a polished walkway. Nothing could ruin this for me. Not even-
"You took your sweet time getting here." A brisk voice sounded. My eyes found Maverd waiting with his wings stretching. He leaned sideways against the washed-out wall, either bored or annoyed. I wasn't sure.
He was layered in a heavy armory that appeared weightless to him. I knew better. The gray-toned iron plates on Maverd's shoulders sent warning bells to my head. Wherever Maverd was, she leads. A pair of boots slammed into my chest, my hands snatched the leather tactical footwear from my cavity. Verity lay behind Maverd lazily on a makeshift limestone bedding. Her hands reverberated hues before sending more clothing items in my direction. By the time she was done, an entire set of body armor was piled on me. I couldn't see my shoes. "Strip, human." she mused.
To my surprise, Maverd and I gawked at her together. He didn't bother correcting himself in front of his superior. But she shrugged with a faint smug, "Maverd didn't have a problem with it." She cocks her head to the side smiling. "Isn't that right, Mav?"
I didn't bother glancing at him for help. Though I'm certain the only reason he was here is to make sure Verity splatter the walls with me. "Not gonna happen, princess."
Heeler would've been pissed at the cleanup needed after my bloodshed.
"Bummer," Verity sighs. She straightens herself to cut me down in an icy glare. "I've read that humans are bound by societal obligations with little backbone to the pressures. I suppose you're an exception. Still would've been amusing to watch you squirm."
Maverd's shoulders ease at this. I don't tear my gaze from her as she rises to her feet. Unlike her companion, Verity is underdressed. She didn't bother layering herself in thick palates of armor or at least put on clothing to cover her midriff. Instead, she bore an uninterested look in thin shorts and what might as well be a bra. I have to avert my eyes from her figure only to find that she's barefoot in the sand.
Verity follows my gaze, and tugs on the fabric. "Are you curious of my attire or only interested in what's beneath it? I've read humans are rather tedious with a history of ignoring a woman's rights. And the word no falls short to your appeal."
I scowl at that. Implying such a thing was preposterous. "I'm wondering why you've selected enough armor to cover a fleet, but can't bother to do so for yourself."
To my surprise again, Maverd laughed at my words. It came out like an arrogant bark but I appreciate it. He didn't dull the sound when Verity shot a warning glance either. Verity, however, shrugged at my suggestion. "What I wear is none of your concern." she brushes a hand across Maverd's chest, prowling before her prey. "I think I'm being rather generous here, human. I could spar bare. Wipe the floor with your scales and flesh. But I'm being courteous by spending my morning plucking decent armor to keep you from shattering yourself. You won't so much as touch me or land a blow to me. If you do, I'll wear that bruise proudly."
I take a step back, cringing at the armor that fell from my feet.
"I'm not going to hit you."
Her face slackened at my words before a low snarl rumbled through the ivory room. "Don't condescend me."
I looked to Maverd for help but knew he wouldn't interject. He stood behind his friend with broadening wings. A strange glimmer lingered in those coal eyes that examine. Dissecting and digesting every body movement or response the other made. Verity stopped in front of me, lifting a chest plate to me with magic-wielded fingers.
"I was born to rein the very magic that feeds these lands. The only thing I know is to subjugate, and right now," Verity sneered, setting the piece of armor into my arms. "You're keeping me from my true labors."
Verity's heels turned, and she didn't look back when she slipped through a veil of sand in the wall. I heard a sharp command to dress, and didn't waste another second. Conveniently, Verity supplied a weapon case that straps at the waist. The burlap practically swallowed the dagger. Heat crept under my skin, still reigned by my own will but it was there. Growing with annoyance and something I couldn't quite figure out. Maverd gave out a low whistle while I replaced my uniform with a sleek black body armor suit. The green coverings embroidered ontop of the shell was that same three-headed lion from the emblem at orientation. I nearly fell on my ass more than I'd care to admit as I harnessed the stone armor to my body. How I was supposed to move, let alone train in the atrocity, is beyond me.
"Takes a special one to get under her skin." he admits, staring at the curtain of sand.
Replacing my dress shoes with boots could be compared to walking on nails. I didn't dwell on it though. Not when Verity could simmer my mind or Maverd watched my movements too intently. "Something tells me you're here to keep the walls clean."
A low chuckle releases from him before he walks across the circled sandpit. Why a magical school had so much sand for one chamber in the middle of snow-plowed Montana didn't sit right with me. These days I've just learned to go with the avalanche. "At least you're not ignorant," Maverd said. "You might be surprised to hear, but Verity has arranged for me to chaperone the two of you. Dare I say, milady has a nasty temper."
He didn't wait for me to reply. I'm not sure I had one for him. The soles in the rounded boots were tacky. Uncomfortable. It'd take a week to break the new shoes in, and I groaned at the thought of enduring this for that long. Having to train under her. Wondering if or when she was going to snap my bones or finish me off for good for something I didn't do.
I moved one foot in front of the other in an awkward stance. The armor clung to my skin, digging into my suit and flesh with every bend of the knee. Maybe the real torture was picking this attire for me. I held my forearm above my head, shielding the sand from falling into my eyes while I walked in. Immediately, the room was thick with silence. The ceiling was of moonstone filled with tiny carvings of weapons and beasts. Dragons with wings of many forms- some jagged, others so sleek and airy, and then there were ones with horns at the tips of the membrane. It was breathtaking to see. Besides the dragons, I could only name a few other Mythicals. Sepients, Reapers, Gargoyles, and a multitude of winged creatures like Maverd at each other's sides. Spaced out accordingly with longswords, whips, fallen starlight, and a blend of magic tethering them together. An army is what I was staring at.
Shifting my attention to the room, I stare in awe at the arena. Pillars were littered against the bright walls as beams. A considerable distance from the rounded pit in the center that was clearly guarded with swirls of magic to shield Mythicae. Considering the bloodshed I witnessed in the wielder room, I would question if it was enough. Casts of Endurance is peaceful, unlike the wielder room. Heeler didn't exactly brief us on the history of it or the purpose but magic engulfed the remote room. And I'm certain the armor Verity selected would get me killed in the process. It clung to my skin, nipping at the bend of my knees and creases.
Verity stood beside Maverd with careful eyes. She watched each movement I made as I approached the edge of the ring. Without a word, she snapped her fingers together. The candles shivered as magic breezed past the wicks until I heard metal rearrange. I realized, as embarrassing as it was, the strange sound was from my armor. Which shifted plates properly to my body in an instant. Verity didn't say a word. I expected a snide remark or two but instead, she motions me to step forward.
So I did.
She didn't need to say anything. I felt like an idiot as my movements were quiet. No metal scraped against my skin or chafed in awkward places. I didn't have to look at myself to know it was right.
"Before we begin, I'm obligated to discuss the terms of the Endurance Chamber," Verity said. "Today, you will be pushed beyond your limits- mythical and mortal flesh. If you are perceived as less, if the Endurance Chamber deems you unworthy of our beloved art then you'll be exiled from Dominus Armorum."
Her words crash into me and I begin to protest. Verity holds a hand up to me, sealing my lips shut. "If you are accepted through the bond then these next few weeks will be hell for you. I will rip you apart from every fiber." I don't doubt that cruelty. "Burn every imperfection within your being, and mold you into a divine lethal force. If the Chambers deem you worthy of that privilege. I will not reject the bond."
"However," Verity continues, "you are guaranteed the option to leave. Turn now and there will be no questions asked. If you choose to accept these terms, there is no turning back."
Maverd turns a cold stare at me, nodding once for me to speak. The magic that once clawed at my throat eases as I stare down its master. "What do you mean by bond?"
Chills shoot down my spine when Verity's smile turns sinister. "The bond of a mentor and apprentice."
"I need you to clarify-"
Verity nods like she's forced to answer my questions. "Mythicae will not allow two under its domain in the most sanctified arrangements without a soul-binding bond. No one can access this room's full potential without the agreement between two souls and the fabric of magic." She steps forward into the ring, and I have to fight the urge to step away. "Mythicae requires the sacred act. Prove that you are worthy to obtain the blest or die trying."
That's why she arranged this. She's going to cover the walls with me, and Maverd wouldn't be able to do a damn thing about it. Probably wouldn't stop her either. I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going anywhere. Not when I'm this close to finding out about mom. Not when I've grown accustomed to Mythicae. This is my home just as much as it is hers.
I step forward. Watching her eyes slightly widen before stopping in front of her. "I accept the bond, princess."
Verity smiled, holding her hand outwards. "Show me your beloved weapon."
Her words made me halt. I strapped the dagger to my side when I dressed myself. If Verity had an ounce of humanity to spare, she wouldn't hesitate to deprive the thought. I'm a hybrid; half human and dragon. With a dagger as my weapon. The same kind of weapon that a human used to kill Callum.
My fingers conceal the hilt when I open the straddled case. I turn the blade towards me and hold my weapon to her. The hilt aimed at her while the blade glints at me. Maverd stills, his wings tensing at the sight as if we had the same thought. Verity's remained expressionless, taking the dagger from my hand before dragging the sharp edge against her palm. The tinge of iron hit me as she watched the crimson droplets fall into the sandpit. Verity holds her gaze to me and I know what she needs. I follow. Extending a hand out to her just to watch the woman that's supposed to despise me profusely, nick the calloused skin on my palm. We watch together as my blood falls slowly from the cut. Hues of crimson and ruby swirl amongst each other until it is clotted into the sand. The small room shivers with sand trickling from the ceiling. I could've sworn I'd seen light orbs glittering in the room in an intricate dance, but Verity's words brought my attention right back to her. For the first time, Verity is radiating in warmth as the magic surges around us. It's potent. Incredibly strong yet delicate as the Chamber quakes in our presence. Either terrified of our adjoining or accepting of it. Whatever truth lies behind it has pleased Verity. Her eyes were brighter than before. For once, Verity Denik looked alive.
"I accept the bond," Verity said, placing my dagger into my hand gently. "Welcome to Cast of Endurance, human."