The atmosphere in Celestial Hall is thick with anticipation as the first-year students gather, awaiting their turn at the Sortation Stone. Banners representing the four houses—Phoenix, Dragon, Griffin, and Unicorn—hang proudly above the hall. Senior students from the second to seventh years line the edges, watching with welcoming smiles and curious eyes.
A senior prefect steps forward, raising his hand to get everyone's attention. "First years, please gather in the center of the hall. You will be greeted by your seniors from the second to seventh years. After that, the Sortation Ceremony will begin."
The first-year students, including Aric, shuffle to the center of the hall. The senior students cheer and clap, making the newcomers feel both excited and nervous. Above them, the four house banners sway gently, illuminated by the enchanted candles floating in the air.
Professor Elara Moonshade steps up to the majestic pedestal where the Sortation Stone rests. She raises her hand, and the room falls silent. "Welcome, first years, to the Sortation Ceremony. The Sortation Stone will determine which house you belong to based on your qualities and potential. When your name is called, please step forward and place your hand on the stone."
One by one, names are called, and students step forward to be sorted. The stone glows different colors as it places each student into their house. The hall is filled with anticipation and excitement, each announcement followed by cheers and applause from the respective house tables.
Finally, it's Aric's turn. "Aric Moonshadow," Professor Moonshade calls.
Aric takes a deep breath and steps forward, his heart pounding in his chest. As he approaches the Sortation Stone, something unusual happens. The stone begins to shimmer and react to the locket he wears around his neck, a family heirloom passed down through generations. The entire hall seems to hold its breath as a new energy fills the air.
Suddenly, the four banners above create space in the middle, and a new banner starts to materialize. At first, it's blank, causing whispers and curious glances among the crowd. Aric, too nervous to notice, walks slowly to the stone and places his hand on it.
The stone shimmers into darkness and then glitters like the night sky filled with stars. Only Aric hears a soft, ancient voice from the stone. "Welcome, young Starweaver. Your house is waiting for you... HOUSE OF THE WOLF."
Gasps and murmurs ripple through the hall. The teachers, students, and even the great Elara Moonshade look on in shock and awe. The fifth house, thought to be a legend, actually exists. The empty banner turns black, and starry glitters begin to appear. A majestic wolf materializes as the house's emblem, its eyes seemingly glowing with wisdom and power.
Aric turns back to face the crowd, his eyes wide with wonder. Above him, the new banner of the House of the Wolf hangs proudly, illuminated by the enchanted light. The entire crowd focuses on Aric Moonshadow, the first member of the newly revealed house.
Professor Moonshade steps forward, her expression a mix of surprise and pride. "It seems ..... we have witnessed a rare and extraordinary event. The House of the Wolf has re-emerged. Welcome, Aric Moonshadow, to your new house. Let this be the beginning of a new chapter at Starshade Academy."
The hall erupts in applause, the sound echoing off the ancient walls. Aric feels a mix of pride, confusion, and excitement. He walks towards the newly formed table for the House of the Wolf, where a few senior students from the other houses, who appear just as surprised as everyone else, quickly gather to welcome him and sit with him.
As he takes his seat, Aric can't help but feel a sense of destiny unfolding. The mystery of the House of the Wolf and his own unique place within it fill him with a renewed determination. This is just the beginning of his journey at Starshade Academy, and he is ready to embrace whatever challenges and adventures lie ahead.