The library grew quieter than a graveyard at midnight, every ear hanging on the old man's words as his voice echoed faintly around the room. Each word he spoke seemed heavy, as if it carried the weight of countless stories, many too dark to be shared. The students shifted uneasily, glancing around and then back at the old man.
He cleared his throat, his voice deep and crackling with age. "Today is… an important day for many of you."
William felt his heart race, his blood pounding in his ears. The ability ceremony. Today would be his chance to step up, to gain power, to finally stand on par with everyone else—to finally feel as capable as his friends, as Gavin, as everyone.
The old man continued, "…today, you'll have your first opportunity to get your ability."
