The morning sun had barely risen when a messenger arrived at the Hxavion estate, delivering a gilded invitation. Lady Seraphina, elegant and poised, took the invitation and read it aloud at breakfast. The family gathered around the table, eyes fixed on her.
"We have been invited to a grand gathering hosted by Alistair Drake," she announced. Her tone was neutral, but the significance was clear to everyone present.
Lord Cedric's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "This is our chance to showcase our power, especially Elesila's talents," he said, glancing proudly at his daughter.
Elesila smiled confidently, while Luth felt a mix of dread and determination. He knew his father's expectations would weigh heavily on him during the event, even if he wasn't the center of attention.
The days leading up to the event were filled with meticulous preparations. Lady Seraphina oversaw every detail, from the family's attire to their etiquette.
"Luth, you must make sure your appearance is impeccable," she reminded him as she adjusted his collar. "We cannot afford any mistakes."
"Yes, Mother," Luth replied, trying to hide his apprehension.
Elesila, meanwhile, practiced her spells with unwavering confidence. She conjured flames, manipulated water, and performed complex enchantments effortlessly. Luth watched her from a distance, quietly studying his runes, hoping to avoid any attention.
Brynna, the loyal servant, noticed Luth's unease. She approached him with a warm smile. "Remember, Luth, your worth isn't measured by public displays of magic. You have your own unique strengths."
"Thank you, Brynna," Luth said, feeling a bit more at ease. Her words were a small but significant comfort.
The day of the gathering arrived, and the Hxavion family traveled to Alistair Drake's estate. The grand mansion stood tall and imposing, surrounded by lush gardens and filled with the buzz of nobility.
As they arrived, Alistair Drake himself greeted them. He was a tall, imposing figure with a sharp gaze that seemed to pierce through anyone he looked at.
"Lord Cedric, Lady Seraphina, welcome," Alistair said, his tone polite but edged with rivalry. "And young Elesila, I've heard much about your talents."
Elesila smiled confidently. "Thank you, Lord Drake. I look forward to the evening."
Luth felt out of place but tried to remain composed, keeping his focus on the hidden power of his runes. The estate was lavishly decorated, with nobles from various regions mingling and showcasing their magical talents.
The evening progressed with various nobles displaying their magical prowess. Elesila was the center of attention, performing impressive spells that captivated the audience and earned her praise.
Lord Cedric beamed with pride, while Luth remained in the background, feeling the weight of his father's expectations. Alistair Drake observed with a critical eye, occasionally glancing at Luth with subtle disdain.
"So, young Hxavion, no magic to show?" Alistair said, his tone mocking but veiled in politeness.
Luth clenched his fists, his determination burning stronger. "I prefer to focus on my studies," he replied, keeping his voice steady.
Alistair's smile was cold. "Ah, the quiet scholar. How noble."
Feeling overwhelmed, Luth wandered the halls of the estate. As he passed by a secluded alcove, he overheard a group of scholars deep in conversation.
"These ancient magics, particularly the forgotten runes, hold untapped potential," one of them said.
"Indeed, their historical significance is immense. Few understand their true power," another added.
Luth's heart raced. He realized that his runes might hold significant historical importance. This revelation strengthened his resolve to continue his studies in secret, away from his family's critical eyes.
As he continued to explore, Luth was approached by a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. The figure's presence was both intimidating and intriguing.
"I see you've taken an interest in the ancient runes," the figure said in a low, gravelly voice.
"Who are you?" Luth asked, trying to hide his surprise.
"That is not important. What matters is your pursuit of knowledge beyond the confines of your family's expectations."
The figure handed Luth a small, ornate box. "Inside, you will find something that may aid your journey. Seek knowledge, young Hxavion. There is more to magic than what your family believes."
Before Luth could ask more, the figure disappeared into the crowd, leaving him with a sense of curiosity and urgency. He opened the box to find a small, ancient book filled with cryptic symbols and notes.
The Hxavion family left the gathering, with Lord Cedric praising Elesila's performance and barely acknowledging Luth. His mind raced with thoughts of the conversation he overheard and the mysterious figure's message.
As they returned home, Luth kept the box and book hidden. That night, he sat by his window, the book open on his desk. The cryptic symbols and notes seemed to call out to him, urging him to explore their secrets.
With renewed determination, Luth decided to delve deeper into the mysteries of the runes and the magic pen. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but he felt ready to face it.
Luth carefully recorded his latest discovery, a symbol for healing that had shown promising results. As he wrote, he felt a sense of purpose and power that he had never known before.
"I will master this," he whispered to himself, the pen's glow reflecting in his eyes. "I will prove my worth as a mage."
But with the pen as his guide, he would carve his own path in the world of magic.