As I stood there, listening to the Commanders and Wing Leaders addressing us, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and fear. The news of those who hadn't made it still hung heavily in the air,
"Congratulations Cadets,From now henceforth you are the Academy's problem and trust me you won't want to cause this Academy problems." General Tian said scanning his eyes over the tired and hungry group staring at him
He had the same eyes as his daughter,The daughter who I can't find it in me to hate.
He continued"You will be tested by your superiors, hunted by your peers, and guided by your instincts. If you survive to Threshing, and if you are chosen, you will be riders. Then we'll see how many of you make it to graduation.You will all be splitted into each of the four wings"
Jacque seemed equally perplexed by the organization. "Three squads in each section and three sections in each of the four wings," I whispered to him.He nodded, and we exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the complexity of this new world we were entering.I read about this arrangement in a book in my father's Library
"And with that I will leave you into the hands of one of the best Riders,Elissa come forward"He said gesturing towards my sister.My face lit up but her aura was different,she didn't have the chirpy energy and her voice was cold
"Listen up,There are Four Wings in this Academy,Three Sections and in front of you stands the Leader of each Wing,except the fourth wing your leader will be back soon"
"You will be splitted into Flame Section,Tail Section or the Claw Section.In here you would be referred to as cadets.You are first years and you will act like it,You do not talk back but you can test us.If you see a Dragon go the other way.Do I make my self clear"
There was deafening silence "I am sure I did not stutter.DO I MAKE MY SELF CLEAR"she repeated
"Yes Commander" we said in Unison and I could see her smile
One by one, we were called forward, each of us instructed to stand behind our respective squad leader. I was placed in Second Wing,i didn't really care where I was placed as long as I wasn't alone
Selene was placed in the First Wing and so was Dain.My group were so spread out,I doubted we would have any activity together and then Lauretta was also placed in my wing
I was excited when I saw her coming to where we were lined up and I gave a small wave,she didn't even acknowledge my existence-What was going on and from the corner of my eyes,I saw Jack also coming towards my Wing
This was going to be Hell
The rest of my group got split up and just as I had given up hope and started to bask in this loneliness,Baelor walked past and for the first time I was happy to see him.I was certain he could see the relief in my eyes
"I am sure you are tired and hungry,food is ready for you in the Cafeteria and after you've eaten and gotten yourself cleaned up.Word will be sent to your families and your things will be delivered by the end of the week.
"An alarm would be heard and everyone should meet here.Do not be late.Congratulations Cadets,Try not to get killed"Elissa said as she walked away
As we left the assembly and followed our squad leader to the Cafeteria , the sight that awaited us was overwhelming. The hall was massive, with tables stretching as far as the eye could see, laden with a vast array of delicious-looking food. My growling stomach eagerly anticipated this feast.
I served myself a plateful of mashed potatoes an bacon.We found a seat at one of the tables along with my fellow squad members. Our squad leader Camilla joined us, and we began to eat, savoring every bite of our first real meal in days
Just as we were enjoying our food, the head of the Second Wing-My wing,the very same rider who had made the whole show with his dragon approached our table. A hush fell over the entire hall as we stopped eating, not sure how to react to his presence.
"You don't have to stop because of me, carry on," he said casually, gesturing toward our squad leader. His demeanor was calm, deadly
He then turned his attention to us. "Has Camilla told you what your plans for this week are going to be?" he inquired and we all shook our heads
"Draconis" Rhys said his voice flat,turning the attention of the table to me
I forcefully swallowed the food in my mouth and turned my attention to him
"I see your father needs all his children out of his sight"he said his voice laced with disgust
I chose not to respond my lips turning into a thin line. My father hasn't exactly been a good man,I figured that out fast growing up
Going on walks and getting things thrown at me or people trying to harm me,insults hurled at me.Hence why I can't leave the house alone
As Camilla made it clear that she hadn't shared our plans for the week, Rhys looked bored as she went over what she had planned
Before he left, however, directed a peculiar comment my way. "I'm glad you're in my wing, I'll be seeing more of you, Draconis," he stated with a hint of something sinister in his tone.
I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine in response to his words. "It's best to avoid him entirely"Camilla said looking over her shoulders"Hate is a strong word,so I wouldn't say hate but the Commander is not a fan of the High Blood houses especially your father "
My stay just got Better,I got into the Academy and I had been acquiring enemies like flies drawn to waste
Suddenly the food tasted like chalk and I couldn't bring myself to swallow
We made our way to the Dorms which were divided into the male and female dorm.The male dorm was within walking distance of the females and I had no idea how they built it and how they got the space but each person had their own rooms.Camilla showed us each our rooms and walked away
The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries,The colors were warm and inviting, casting a cozy glow in the room.The centerpiece of the room was a magnificent queen-sized bed, draped in luxurious silks and velvets, adorned with intricate carvings that whispered of craftsmanship beyond compared
Opposite the bed stood a majestic dresser, a piece of furniture that seemed as if it had been plucked from a bygone era. Its dark, polished wood gleamed with a regal air, and the ornate handles of its drawers were as delicate as they were functional.Each room also had their own shower room
The uniforms were placed neatly on the bed.It was an ensemble of a pleated black skirt, a crisp white blouse, and a tailored blazer adorned with mystical insignias. Additionally, there were black and gold pants and a top for sparring, indicating the comprehensive nature of our training.
Dropping my carry on,Getting cleaned up and donning the uniform felt like a fresh start,I could finally prove to my father I was worth enough to be a Draconis.He has never said it but I knew he had thought about it
I hadn't sat down for five seconds when an alarm blared,I ran out of my room and so did everybody else apparently
Amid the chaos as we all got back to the hall, I couldn't immediately spot Lauretta.Instead, I found Dain in the crowd and made my way to stand beside him."Are you alright?"he asked looking in Lauretta direction and held my arm,I didn't know how to respond so I shook my head because honestly I don't know if I would be alright.
As we all gathered in the auditorium, the anticipation was palpable. Elissa's entrance commanded immediate silence, and she stood confidently on a platform, her high ponytail giving her an air of authority.
"Cadets, you all look exquisite," she acknowledged, her gaze sweeping across the room. Her words were kind, but the stern expression in her eyes hinted at the challenges we would face.
Turning to the matter at hand, she continued, "Now, onto the task ahead." Her voice was clear and unwavering, ensuring that everyone hung on her every word.
Her tone grew serious as she delved into the rules of the academy. We listened attentively
"If you are on bad terms with anyone," she cautioned, "don't think of ending them while they are asleep. You're kicking them while they're low, and when caught..." Her voice trailed off, leaving a sense of foreboding in the air.
"Today, you will train amongst each other "she said calmly"This is to rid out the weak from the strong,you can break a few legs and arms but if you kill anyone-You join them"she said with no ounce of hesitation in her voice
"This is something she could have said before,we didn't have to come all the way back here for this"Jacque said frustrated and I nodded because he was right.They probably derive joy in having to make our life not so easy.We all needed a good rest and they knew it
"So cadets,you all need a good rest,as you will be woken up at dawn"she said and walked out
Every one walked back to their respective rooms in an orderly manner.I stood in the walkway waiting for Lauretta.My legs grew tired as I stood waiting and I decided it was best to talk to her later
As my head touched my pillows,I fell into a deep sleep hopefully I don't wake the whole floor with screams