As soon as Amara and I entered the student council chambers, I felt the sense of nervousness coming from the fellow council members. From the looks of it, they already knew why the emergency meeting was called. Amara and I took our seats, and the meeting began.
"You all know why I called an emergency meeting today," Amara began as she placed a scroll on the table and unraveled it, showing the insignia of our rival school: Mythia Academy of the Elite.
"We've been challenged by none other than our rival school, and I have already chosen the three to represent our school. It will be Ansel, Lyra, and Lumi." As soon as she finished that sentence, an eruption of protests began.
Liora, the treasurer, was the first to speak, her voice filled with concern. "Amara, are you sure about this? They're just first years, they don't have the proper experience and haven't even finished their first semester here!"
Michael Cross, the second-grade representative, followed up. "When it comes down to it, experience plays a factor in the outcome. Sure, they have raw strength, but it's a monumental risk."
The third-year rep, Aiden Harper, also spoke up. "Also, this is our rivals we're talking about. They won't hesitate to exploit any weaknesses, and no offense, guys, but you're quite literally the weakness." He looked at each of us.
Lyra then stood up in frustration. "I am not gonna sit here and let you all automatically think we aren't capable of taking this challenge. I have been working hard just as much as everyone here, and I've been trained by our kingdom's heroes from time to time."
Liora shot back, her tone now more icy. "Experience in a training field and experience in an actual battle are two different things." She then stood up, challenging Lyra. "Just because you've been trained by heroes doesn't make you one yourself."
"How about a mock battle right now then?" Lyra seemed really worked up now, her spear in hand. "We'll see who's really wrong and right."
"Now, now, let's all calm down." Isla spoke up, trying to deescalate the situation. "We're supposed to set an example for the other students. If the student council goes into disarray over something as simple as this, then we have no hope when something serious happens later on."
"She's right," Julian spoke up, his tone as calm as ever. "A team is supposed to be connected with each other. How are we supposed to put these three in battle without knowing if they will?"
The arguments erupted once again, the tension in the room rising as the voices grew louder.
"We need to rethink this," Michael insisted. "We can't just throw them in—"
"I'm not backing down," Lyra shot him down, her voice shaking with frustration. She's really stubborn when it comes to proving herself, especially when people underestimate her. "If you think I'm going to step aside for—"
"We need to focus on strategy, not—" Liora added, but her voice was drowned out by the arguing.
"ENOUGH." Amara slammed her hand on the table, her Mystic Eyes bringing a wave of authority that made everyone stop. Aiden's figurine, which he had been making out of dirt and leaves with a bit of nature magic, broke apart.
Everyone sat back down, realizing what they had been doing.
"I have listened to all of your concerns, but my decision still stands." She then turned to Liora, Aiden, and Michael. "Experience is important, but it is not everything. All three of them have strengths that no one in the school or in this student council can replicate easily. I have watched them in their classes, and it's because of those unique strengths that they have been chosen."
She then turned her gaze to Lyra, who was still tense. "You are a fierce warrior, no one can deny that. But if you can't let go of the need to prove yourself, then you'll become a liability, not a leader."
Lyra opened her mouth to protest, but Amara raised a hand. "Trust the people around you."
She then turned to face the whole student council. "Our kingdom was built and raised due to our patron goddess, Valeria. Valor is not just shown on the battlefield but also in how you support each other. We are NOT meant to tear each other down. Is that clear?"
Everyone nodded, not saying a single word.
"Good. Ansel, Lyra, and Lumi—you have one week to prepare for your challenge. May Valeria and Nythera protect you." She then stood up and began walking toward her desk. "This meeting is adjourned."
Slowly, everyone left one by one, but as usual, I stayed behind. I walked toward Amara as she began looking through documents. The moment the last member left, she collapsed in her chair and let out a big sigh.
"Gods, that was stressful." She leaned so far back in her chair I was afraid she was going to fall over.
"Was the last student council like that?" I asked.
"Hmm, no, not really," she responded. "The previous student council usually had the room trashed at least once a month."
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing," Amara responded quickly. "Have you figured out anything about your cloak?"
"Not yet, no. I've worn it a couple of times. It's capable of taking shape into any type of clothing, but that's about it," I answered.
"A cloak like that is one of a kind. Judging from the frame it had, I'd say it was there even before our kingdom was founded." Amara looked out the window. It was now evening, the night slowly blending with the day sky, creating a beautiful display.
"Looking at the evening sky reminds me of Nythera." She then turned to look at me. "As a descendant of the night, I wouldn't be surprised that you know her."
I nodded. "Of course. My mother would tell me her story almost all the time when I was a kid. Protector of demigods and descendants, right?"
"And goddess of twilight and balance," Amara added. "Her story is one of obscurity. For some strange reason, no one knows her full story, but we know the beginning."
"She was a demigod, if I recall. Her dad was a mortal king, while her mom was Astrea." I began recalling the story my mother used to tell me. "She was the first of the demigods, but she was different since she had immortality."
"Yes, she represented the balance between divinity and mortals, and she was free to roam between either realm. This, of course, wasn't without a price," Amara said.
"She didn't have full immortality; she could be killed just as any mortal could," I responded, "but despite that, she helped mortals raise their kingdoms and protected the mortal world."
"Her story is what inspires me each day. Despite her being fragile, she kept on moving." Amara stood up and walked over to the window, gazing at the blend of twilight. "It's strange, isn't it? Even gods have vulnerabilities, yet they push forward. That's what it means to be a leader, Ansel. You're given power, but it's not invincible. You must balance strength with caution."
I watched her in silence, feeling a strange sense of connection. We had both been chosen to lead in different ways. The pressure felt overwhelming at times, but stories like Nythera's reminded me that leadership was more than just raw power or unshakable authority. It was about knowing when to push forward and when to trust the people beside you.
Amara continued, her voice softer now, almost contemplative. "The cloak you're dealing with, Ansel, it could have a deeper meaning. Nythera was known for helping those who stood between two worlds. Perhaps your cloak is part of that legacy—a tool to help you navigate not just the battlefield, but something greater."
"I've been thinking the same," I admitted. "It's like... I feel there's more to it, but I haven't been able to unlock its full potential."
"You will," Amara said, turning back to me with a knowing smile. "Give it time. But in the meantime, focus on the upcoming challenge. Mythia Academy won't be easy to beat, but with you, Lyra, and Lumi, I believe we stand a real chance."
"Thanks," I said, but the weight of responsibility was still there. "You've given us this chance, but what if we fail? What if I can't lead them the way you expect?"
Amara's eyes gleamed, her Mystic Eyes reflecting the dimming light outside. "Ansel, the best leaders are the ones who have doubts. If you were too confident, I'd be worried. But you have something even more valuable—awareness. That, combined with your abilities and instincts, will carry you through."
I nodded, her words sinking in. The challenge ahead seemed daunting, but maybe it was like the balance Nythera represented—a test of our limits, our strengths, and how we supported each other through the uncertainty.
"Get some rest," Amara said as she returned to her desk, her voice now lighter. "You'll need it."
"Good night," I replied as I headed toward the door, my thoughts still swirling with the weight of our upcoming battle.