KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK… "GO AWAY"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK...."I SAID GO AWAY"
"Young master Kyle are you forgetting what today is?
"Today is Selection Day," I said, yawning as I turned. Suddenly, it hit me: "TODAY IS SELECTION DAY, MY LAST CHANCE, AND HERE I AM STILL IN BED?"
I leaped out of bed, the adrenaline coursing through me as I shouted out in frustration. My heart raced as I dashed towards the bathroom, the cool tiles greeting my bare feet. "I don't even know when I fell asleep," I muttered under my breath, the remnants of my brother's words echoing in my mind. It felt as if they had woven their way into my dreams, pulling me under when I should have been awake. As I stepped into the shower, the water cascaded over me, washing away the lingering fatigue. I grabbed a towel, feeling the softness against my skin, and continued to reflect on the conversation that had clearly impacted me more than I realized.
After stepping out of the shower, I found my room tidy and noticed that the maid had left. She's truly exceptional. Anyone who might have entered my room while I was hurriedly applying lotion and getting dressed would have only seen a blur—that's how rushed I was.
As I glanced at the clock, disbelief washed over me. "25 minutes? I can't believe I'm already this late!" I exclaimed, frustration bubbling as I hurried out of my room. Channeling my abilities, I propelled myself through the grand hall, the opulence of the surroundings blurring into a vibrant streak. In just 10 seconds, I found myself skidding to a halt at the dining room door.
Stepping inside, I was met with the sight of my brother, Mom, and Dad gathered around the table, their plates nearly empty. The smell of breakfast lingered in the air—wafts of crispy bacon and freshly brewed coffee tantalized my senses. My gaze landed on my brother, and I raised an eyebrow at him, silently questioning why he hadn't woken me earlier. From what I overheard from the maid earlier, he had gotten up much earlier than usual. His nonchalant demeanor only heightened my curiosity, making me wonder what had changed this morning.
"You really are quite the late sleeper, son. I guess you inherited that from me, but waking up late? That's from your uncle. But don't worry—sit down and eat before you head out.
They seem really happy this morning," I said, eyeing everything suspiciously.
My dad shot me an impatient look. "Son, will you start eating, or have you forgotten you have somewhere to be? Or did you see your sister here?"
He's right, I thought to myself as I took a seat.
"Ah, how could I forget?" I finally realized what was making them so cheerful. They'll be attending the ceremony too.
"Okay, time to go," my dad announced once we finished eating. Just then, a lady in a red dress appeared behind him. She had white hair and cat-like eyes. Her name is Lydia, and she's my father's sister—a half-blood, half-human and half-vampire."
"What are you doing here, Lydia? I hope you're not here to trouble me," my dad asked, a worried expression on his face.
I couldn't help but wonder how she always managed to make him look so anxious.
She laughed at his bewilderment. "Relax, brother. Not everything is about you. I'm just here for little Kyle after all. Today is his big day!"
"You could have just gone ahead, you know," my dad replied.
"Oh, I did, but he wasn't there, so I came here. So, are you guys ready?"
"Yes, Aunt Lydia!" I exclaimed, both happy and anxious.
She waved her hand, and a portal opened before us. "Get in, y'all."
My dad looked at her and shook his head in defeat. As we walked in, I realized I could never get used to this feeling, and neither could my dad. He was a man of few words, but his expression said it all.
When we arrived in front of the academy, my mom thanked my aunt. Their conversation continued since they were both best friends, as my dad always said.
As we walked in, I secretly searched for Blake but couldn't find him. Soon, my dad got separated from us, and as I looked around, I spotted him sitting in one of the seats reserved for the thirteen elders and two of the four Royal Knights.
While my mom and brother took their seats, I went ahead and sat with the other participants.
When the headmaster of the academy appeared, I noticed he was a very old vampire whose age had clearly caught up to him. Rumor had it that he was older than the current vampire king, but according to my dad, he was one of the strongest vampires on the entire continent and a personal teacher to the king.
"Welcome, everyone. We are here to witness the future of our history being carried forth by the younger generation, who will shine brightly and ensure a new era of future leaders. Remember, it isn't a big deal if you aren't chosen by a familiar; there will always be another opportunity. For those who are chosen, don't let your familiar's Star rank define you. Many powerful individuals on the vampire continent have succeeded without one. Always remember that the only thing that defines you is your hard work and dedication. I wish you all the best of luck."
As soon as he finished, the thunderous applause that followed was incredible; his speech eased my nerves.
"Okay, let's begin."