The Ravedawn family was one of the most respectable families that had affluence and authority including power. The were among the big wigs of Litzen city. Sofia's father Hale Ravedawn was the head of the Ravedawn family. He had helped his family achieve success and progress over the year, and he intended to keep it that way no matter the cost.
Sofia had just arrived home. Her house spoke about the wealth her family had attained over the years. The Ravedawn mansion was situated in the thrush district. They had iron bars which served as electric fence surrounding the mansion.
The blue gate towered over the fences had an exquisite design. On both sides of the gate were Insignia of birds like ravens. Inside the gate were interlocked grounds that covered most of the surface. In front of the mansion was a water fountain on top was a symbol of a raven bird, the same symbol that was on the gate.
Sofia walked down the hallway heading for her father's study room. She wanted to inform him of her summoned beast. The large hallway that led to her father's store room was lined with maids and servants on both sides.
She ignored the bows and greetings from them her mind filled with excitement, she thought of how her father would react when she told him of her summoned beast. A griffin, one of a rare breed.
She knocked softly on the door of the study room afraid that she might infuriate him. Her father had a temper.
"Come in " Mr. Hale said calmly on the other side of the door.
Pushing the door handle downwards, Sofia entered the room closing the door behind her.
Mr. Hale had a short blonde haircut that he kept neat and clean. His sharp eyes were focused on the book in front of him. He seemed not to be bothered by Sofia's sudden entry.
"What do you want?" He asked, his gaze was still in the book he was reading. His tone with a hint of irritability.
Sofia took off her eyes from the room that never seized to amaze her. Her father's study room was similar to a mini library. There were different types of books that tells about classes and nature of summoned beast. Each of the books were arranged neatly on different shelves. She wondered why her father had placed a chandelier inside the study. The room was already illuminated with different light bulbs.
She shifted her gaze to her father's calm face. Something was odd about her father, she thought. Her face never displayed any other type of facial expression other than stoic and calm. Most times it was hard for her to tell if he was angry based on his expression.
"I finally summoned my beast In school today, father." She said trying to keep a straight face as her father had taught her.
In response, Mr. Hale raised one of his brow as if to say 'is that all?'
Sofia got the message and added. "It was a griffin sir." she said confidently sticking out her chest.
"So?" Mr. Hale said not fazed by what his daughter told him. There were others who had awakened beast that were better than her's.
Sofia was surprised, her father's
Her father's reaction surprised her, she thought her father would be happy, but the attitude he gave off showed his displeasure.
The confidence she had a while ago was snuffed out by a single word. She was speechless and quickly bent her head.
Unexpectedly, her father closed the book he was reading and placed it gently on the glass table beside him. He sat one leg crossed over the other and faced his daughter.
"A griffin."
Sofia wasn't sure if it was a statement or a question, she only nodded her head.
"You're not satisfied with that, are you?" His words seemed to be piercing the very core of Sofia's being.
"No Father"
"Good, because I don't expect you to."
In an instant her father was in front of her, the only noticeable trace of his movement were the papers that were floating in the air. He was beyond, what Sofia could comprehend as human.
She felt a soft grip on her chin as it raised her head up to meet her father's gaze. He removed strands of her hair that covered part of her face and caressed her cheeks.
"The tournament is coming up. Among the students I want you to represent your school and also the Ravedawn family."
Sofia thought she heard wrong, the tournament her father was talking about was between different schools from all over the globe. It was held once every two years. Students who were summoners would stand up to represent their school. Her father had predicted the date for the event and wanted to use it to his advantage. With her participating using her family name would greatly increase her family's prosperity.
"Are you up to the task or not ready?"
"I am, father" She replied quickly.
Mr. Hale let go of his daughter's chin and held her face in his hands. His action was in contrast to his expression which was stoic.
"You're now a full grown woman, I have high hopes for you."He dropped his hands and placed them backwards.
"I want you to become an ascender, those useless academics would only dull your talents"
Sofia was amazed. Ascenders were summoners who usually go to other dimensions that are linked to different worlds. Most people usually refer to those dimensions as dungeons.
The dungeons were so dangerous that only quite a few made it during every ascent. Her father was once an ascender.
Moreover, those who went to those dungeons do come back out strong. It serves as a training ground for summoners.
Seeing the possibility of her getting stronger at the dungeons, a smile crept up her face which she failed to hide. After seeing Chris Frizewood who had a lot more potential than her, she felt a drive for power, to surpass others, she refused to settle for anything less.
"Yes father."