Chapter: Awakening Shadows
I stared at Master Asriel, my eyes wide with curiosity. How could he know so much about the history of the Diviner's Council? Did this mean he was once a part of it?
"So, you were a Diviner's Councilor?" I asked, a smirk tugging at my lips as I studied his retreating figure.
"You figured it out," he replied without looking back, his voice calm but tinged with something deeper. He continued moving through the woods, his steps deliberate.
"All I'm saying is that you need more members," he added. "And those present here? They've already heard too much. Whether they like it or not, they're now part of your council if you so wish." His voice trailed off as he disappeared into the dense forest. The crunch of dried leaves beneath his feet slowly faded, leaving an eerie silence.
I turned to face the group, their gazes locked onto me. Shock, curiosity, and even disgust painted their faces. Zoey's glare, however, was particularly sharp, her expression dripping with disdain.
"So, Alisha," I said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. "Why were you so surprised earlier when Fenric mentioned his surname?"
Alisha folded her arms, her posture rigid. "You're not from the Clan of Elementals, so it's no surprise you've never heard of the Ashcroft family," she said with a hint of superiority.
"What she means," Fenric interjected with a grin, "is that the Ashcrofts are one of the wealthiest families in this clan. Their wealth and influence span generations."
"Impressive," I replied, though I didn't have much else to say.
Fenric chuckled. "But here's the kicker—Alisha's family is just as wealthy. In fact, everyone trained by Master Asriel comes from one of the top ten richest families."
His words hung in the air, and I noticed Zoey's lips curl into a sneer. "Except for you," she spat, her voice filled with venom. "Still trying to figure out how someone like you is the Diviner."
Her hostility hit harder than I cared to admit. What had I done to deserve her disdain? Was it because of our earlier confrontation, or did she simply detest me on sight?
"Relax, Zoey," Fenric said, walking off with a smirk. "It's not like you could beat him in a fight."
Zoey scoffed, flipping her hair. "Whatever. I could take him easily." She followed Fenric, her attitude leaving a bitter taste in the air.
"Don't mind her," Veyra said softly as she approached me. Her voice was like a balm, soothing the sting of Zoey's words. "She's always like this—thinking she's better than everyone else."
I nodded, grateful for her reassurance. "Thanks," I murmured, meeting her gaze.
She smiled, her expression shifting to one of curiosity. "So… is your name really Rowan?"
Her question caught me off guard, and I frowned. "Why would you think it isn't?"
Veyra laughed lightly, a sound that warmed the chilly air between us. "Don't give me that look. There are rumors, you know—stories that the Diviner's true face and name are never known because they shapeshift before every battle."
I smirked. "Well, my name and face are real," I said, leaning a little closer to her, "and for the record, I've seen Elder Elowen's true face too."
Her eyes widened, and she let out a surprised gasp. "You have? I thought Lucius killed you when you were a child. What happened? How are you still alive?"
Her genuine curiosity made me hesitate. Something about the way she looked at me made me want to confide in her, but I knew better than to share my story so freely.
"It's a long story," I said finally, my voice low. "Maybe I'll tell you another time."
Veyra's expression softened, her gaze lingering on mine. "I'd like that," she said, her voice almost a whisper.
The moment hung between us, fragile yet electric. I felt my pulse quicken as her lips parted, as if she wanted to say something more, but the moment shattered when I stood abruptly. "I should get going," I muttered, walking away.
---
I woke up the next morning, my body aching from the previous day's fight. Memories of my conversation with Veyra lingered, her voice still echoing in my mind. After cleaning up and discarding my bloodied uniform, I realized I hadn't eaten since lunch the day before. My stomach growled in protest, but dinner was my only option.
By the time I went to bed, exhaustion claimed me. When morning came, I was jolted awake by a senior calling out.
"Hey, boy! Don't be late for the morning exercise!"
"I'll be there in a jiffy," I called back, quickly changing into a singlet and shorts. I needed to move freely, even if my worn clothes threatened to tear with every stretch.
After the exercise, I returned to the hostel for a quick shower and headed to the waiting hall, where our tutors would collect us for lessons.
"Hey," I said, addressing my bunkmate, who sat near me. I hadn't spoken to him before, and now seemed as good a time as any to change that.
"Hey, how's it going?" he replied, offering a friendly smile. But before I could answer, Master Asriel entered the hall. I quickly stood, waving goodbye to my bunkmate as I followed the Master.
"I plan for us to meet Bonavic today," Master Asriel said as we walked.
"Who's Bonavic?"
"She's one of my former students," he explained. "She'll help us recruit candidates for your council."
We passed through the hall of Grade Threes, where Veyra and Zoey joined us. Fenric caught up shortly after, looking pleased with himself.
"Bonavic is perfect for the task," Master Asriel murmured. "She knows how to gather the right people—my former students, specifically."
His voice was steady, but there was a hint of nostalgia as we approached the school's main gate. I glanced at Veyra, her presence a calming anchor amid the day's chaos. Her subtle smile gave me strength as we prepared to step into the unknown.