I was jolted awake by three loud bangs that echoed throughout the halls. My heart raced as I tried to gather my bearings, the unfamiliar surroundings momentarily disorienting me. Panic subsided as I remembered where I was – the Academy
My door was thrown open and Camilla yelled
"Put on your uniforms and meet me in the training hall. NOW!" she barked her orders, and went down the hall doing it to everyone else
In a frenzy, i rushed to get ready and raced downstairs to the massive training hall. It was a cavernous space that could comfortably accommodate a thousand people. Large mats were place at various intervals in the space.Upon arrival, we instinctively formed a circle around our respective squad leaders, just like every other squad had done,sitting down and crossing our legs.
Camilla, addressed us just as the others were being addressed"There are an equal number of boys and girls in this squad." We all glanced around, confirming her statement. We were indeed a squad of sixteen.
"When I point at you, stand up," Camilla instructed. "There are no weapons allowed, and if you have one, hand it over to me now." She scanned the faces staring at her, but no one moved.
Then, she singled out a girl with striking gold hair. "You there, with the hair, get up."
The girl, who quickly introduced herself as Elaine, wasted no time in rising to her feet, locking eyes with Camilla.
"Okay, Elaine, pick a partner," Camilla instructed further. Elaine choice was clear as she pointed at Jack,the tall boy who has promised to drive a blade into my heart.This is the first time I had the chance to stare at him properly,he had light brown hair and tanned skin,he was built like he could snap her in two without lifting a finger
Elaine on the other hand looked delicate,like a flower.She had her gold hair that brought life to her already dull grey eyes but looking at her and Jack,the chances of her winning this fight were low
"Wouldn't you have been fine picking someone-"Camilla trailed off but stopped in seeing the look in Elaine eyes
Jack stepped onto the training mat, and with the gesture to begin fighting, they launched into a whirlwind of combat. Elaine initiated the bout with a rapid flurry of kicks, her precise footwork aiming for Jack's face. Jack countered with agility, narrowly evading the incoming kicks.
However, Elaine appeared to overestimate herself, launching another kick toward Jack's head. It proved to be a significant mistake, as Jack swiftly blocked it with his arms and, in an instant, went for Elaine throat, slamming her to the ground. She laid there struggling to catch her breath.
Jack didn't ease up, relentlessly delivering punches to her head. But she , not giving in, seized an opportunity, grabbing Jack by the ankle and yanking him to the ground. Both fighters sprung back to their feet.
Unfazed, Elaine unleashed a final, devastating headbutt that struck Jack with precision. Dazed, Jack staggered back. She went for the throat, locking Jack in a position where he had two choices: to tap out or lose consciousness. Jack wisely chose the former, tapping out of the fight.
With Elaine still catching her breath in the middle of the mat,all attention on her went back to sit in her original position
I was stunned,too stunned and so was everyone in the squad.How could this 5'6 porcelain doll take down that mammoth of a man
I watched in awe as each pair of cadets sparred, their skills on full display. Baelor, as I had expected, was nothing short of remarkable. His movements were fluid, and his precision was downright intimidating. I wouldn't expect less
Then came the moment I had been dreading – it was my turn to spar, and my opponent was none other than Lauretta.
As we stood face to face, the tension in the room grew palpable. Lauretta seemed determined to draw blood,I could see it in her eyes and I was equally resolved not to let her humiliate me, especially in front of my siblings, who were also present at the training ground.
They glanced at me briefly, their expressions unreadable, and then looked away.If I hadn't locked eyes with my brother I would assume it was a figment of my imagination.
Our brawl erupted with fierce determination. Blows rained down like a tempest, our fists swinging like hammers. The taste of blood filled my mouth as we exchanged savage blows, battering each other's faces and bodies. The fight grew more brutal with each passing moment, the room spinning in my vision.
Despite the mounting pain, I refused to back down. Blood trickled into my eye, obscuring my sight, but I pressed on-not really having much choice and fueled by a stubborn resolve. However, in the midst of the chaotic battle, a voice from the corner of the room pierced through my consciousness. "She's got a blade!"
Before I could process the warning, Lauretta had already lunged at me, the blade in her hand finding its mark in my side. An agonizing pain coursed through my body, and I dropped to my knees, my vision fading, consciousness slipping away.
But just before I succumbed to darkness, I witnessed a swift figure come between us with lightning speed intervened, knocking Lauretta out
As consciousness gradually returned to me, I found myself surrounded by indistinct chatter. Blurred figures moved around, their voices a distant murmur. I blinked my eyes open, adjusting to the dim light, and soon recognized the concerned faces of my siblings and the golden haired girl
Elrik, sighed with relief as he noticed me stirring. "Elara, took you long enough "
My voice was raspy as I asked, "How long have I been out?"
Elissa, answered, "Not too long, about 5 hours ."
"Five hours wasn't so bad" I exclaimed, trying to push myself up.
"What happened?" I inquired, still groggy but desperate for answers.
Elaine chimes in , "You were stabbed."
"By Lauretta"Elissa continued "But you're fine now"
The Healer, a quiet figure had appeared out of nowhere, stepped forward. "Yes you are fine now,the blade wasn't poisoned"
Relief washed over me as I processed the words.
"You took the blade like a champ"Elrik said ruffling my hair.Coming to have a seat by my bed side Elissa whispered "I put a veil around your room,it'll keep the sound in so you don't have to worry about anyone knowing about your night terrors" and her gave a small smile
"Excuse me" a smooth timbre voice said by the door grabbing my attention instantly
"What are you doing here Larsen"Elissa said as she looked at the man standing in front of her
He stared back with disgust as he looked over each of us "The whole family is here...Good but I won't repeat myself Elissa" he called out her name in a way that would make one flinch
She stared him down before she gave my hand a little squeeze before she,Elaine and Elrik left
"How are you feeling, Draconis?" he inquired, his voice emotionless
"Good" was all I was able to say before he nodded
"Lauretta is being taken care of," he said, his voice dark
"She's not dead?" I asked hesitantly, unsure of what to make of his statement.
Rhys shook his head. "No, not yet,"
That was all he said before he walked out
Elaine came few hours later to pick me up and take me to the dorm
"Your sister said to tell you he should be avoided " was all she said as she helped me in bed "Thank you" I called out as she was leaving my room giving her a small smile which she returned
I knew two things as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling.One was Lauretta would kill me if given the opportunity and the second.....avoiding the commander wasn't something i would do.Let's see exactly how much he hates my father