It's been three years since I began training with Larina. My father, my mother, Larina—everyone is aware of my power and strength. Or at least, the parts I've allowed them to see. Each morning, I wake up to the feel of the cold floor beneath my feet. It's a familiar sensation that keeps me grounded.
These years have changed me. When I step toward the mirror, the transformation is clear. My once frail limbs are now lined with muscle, a testament to Larina's relentless training. My face has sharpened, losing its toddler softness. The eyes staring back at me now are steely, a far cry from the wide-eyed fear of the boy who first stumbled into this world. I'm not the same Aiden anymore.
On the small table beside the mirror sits a log. Lirein places it there every morning before I wake up. It's part of my daily ritual. Why? Simple. I've trained to control wind with such precision that I can slice through almost anything: stone, steel, wood—you name it. The log is my warm-up. I stand before it each morning, focusing on my control. The air vibrates around the log before it splits cleanly in two. It's not about testing my strength; it's a reminder of the restraint needed to wield it. Power without control is useless.
But today, my focus is off. Something feels... different. There's a tension in the air that I can't quite place. I go through my morning routine mechanically, my mind elsewhere.
I join my parents for breakfast in the grand dining hall. Despite its grandeur, it's just the three of us. My father, Xedeth, sits at the head of the table. For all his reputation as the fearsome King of Demons, he's surprisingly warm around us. My mother, with her silver-white hair and serene smile, sits beside him, sipping tea elegantly. We don't usually have breakfast together—my father is often busy with state affairs, and my mother... I don't know, state talks I guess.
We exchange pleasantries. My father asks about my training, and I give my usual vague responses. He knows I'm holding back, but he doesn't push. It's how we are—a mutual understanding that some things are left unsaid until the time is right. My mother watches us with that knowing look, as if she's already guessed every thought running through my mind.
"So," my father begins, setting his fork down deliberately, "your mother and I have been talking."
I glance up, sensing the weight of his words. This is it—the source of the morning's tension. Whatever this is, it's important.
"We've decided it's time for you to experience life beyond the castle," he continues. "You're going to the most prestigious school in all of the demon Kingdom.: Blackstone"
His words hit me like a gust of wind. The Academy of Magic, Strategy and etiquette — Blackstone, a place for young nobles to hone their powers, learn politics, and grow into leaders.
"I... I'm going?" I stammer, caught between shock and excitement. Part of me is thrilled. The school promises new challenges, new experiences, and a chance to push my limits further. But there's also a shadow—something far less appealing.
"Yes, and you'll be joining your sister," my mother adds with a small smile.
Aurora. My excitement dims a bit at the thought of her. How do I put this delicately? She's a brocon. Not just any brocon, though. She sees me as her world—the sun, the moon, the stars. When we were younger, she shadowed me everywhere, never more than a few feet away, as if losing sight of me would end the world.
It didn't stop there. Aurora has a habit of collecting things—my things. Clothes, trinkets, even strands of my hair that she claims fell off naturally. I once caught her sneaking into my room to "borrow" a shirt I hadn't even worn yet. She looks at me like I'm some rare, fragile creature in constant need of protection, even though I'm clearly stronger. But in her eyes, I'm her "precious little brother" who needs her constant vigilance.
The academy is going to be... interesting, to say the least. I can already picture her reaction when I arrive—overjoyed, undoubtedly smothering me with one of her suffocating hugs. The other students won't stand a chance against her possessiveness.
"Yes, Aurora is looking forward to your arrival," my mother says, amusement flickering in her eyes. She knows how I feel about my sister's attention, but there's little anyone can do. Aurora is... Aurora.
Breakfast continues in a lighter mood as my parents discuss the details of my departure—what to prepare and what to expect at the academy. I nod along, only half-listening.
After breakfast, I excuse myself and head to the training grounds where Larina waits. The grassy field has been our battleground for years. As I approach, I see her standing there, arms crossed, her gaze as stern as ever.
"Morning, Aiden," she greets, her voice carrying that familiar edge of discipline. Larina has been more than just a trainer; she's been my guide through the chaos of my powers. She's grown used to the dynamics of this family—the bubbly king, the serene queen, and the overly affectionate sister.
"Morning," I reply, still processing the news. "Looks like our training days are numbered."
She raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "What do you mean?"
"I'm going to the academy," I say, unable to keep the swirl of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and a bit of dread about... someone.
Larina studies me for a moment, her expression softening. "I see. Well, it was bound to happen eventually."
"Yeah," I murmur, glancing back at the castle. This...
This was the start of a new chapter.