The cold wind howled through the academy grounds as the first traces of dawn crept over the horizon. Eren stood in the courtyard, his hands clenched into fists as he struggled to calm his racing thoughts. The confrontation with Marcus was still fresh in his mind, but it was the murmurs he heard afterward that troubled him the most.
They were calling him a threat.
He had thought keeping a low profile would be enough, but it seemed the academy was far from forgiving to those who didn't fit neatly into their world of hierarchies and expectations.
"Eren."
The voice pulled him from his thoughts. Selene stood nearby, her silver hair catching the faint light. She looked at him with an expression he couldn't quite decipher—part curiosity, part concern.
"You're up early," she said, stepping closer.
"So are you," he replied, his tone guarded.
Selene shrugged. "Couldn't sleep. Too much excitement yesterday."
Eren didn't respond, his eyes scanning the courtyard. It was empty, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
---
The day's lessons passed in a blur, Eren barely paying attention to the professors' droning voices. His mind was elsewhere, focused on the puzzle pieces falling into place around him.
During lunch, he overheard snippets of conversations among the other students.
"Did you see him yesterday? He didn't even break a sweat."
"He's hiding something. No one's that strong without a reason."
"They say he's dangerous. Maybe even… cursed."
The last word sent a shiver down Eren's spine. They were getting too close to the truth.
---
That evening, Eren found himself in the library, poring over ancient texts about magic and curses. The grimoire sat on the table beside him, its dark cover almost pulsing with an unseen energy. He hadn't opened it since the duel, afraid of what it might reveal—or demand—from him.
"What are you looking for?"
Eren glanced up to see Selene standing across the table, a book in her hands.
"Answers," he said simply.
Selene raised an eyebrow, setting her book down. "To what?"
"Everything," Eren replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "The magic, the rumors, the council's warnings… It feels like I'm walking blindfolded through a battlefield."
Selene sat down, her expression softening. "Welcome to the academy," she said with a wry smile.
Eren shook his head. "It's different for me. They're not just watching me—they're waiting for me to fail."
"And you're going to prove them wrong," Selene said firmly.
Eren looked at her, surprised by the conviction in her voice. "Why do you care?"
Selene leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant. "Because I've been where you are. The outcast, the one everyone whispers about. Trust me, it doesn't get easier. But you learn to use it. Their fear, their doubt—it can be your greatest weapon."
Eren considered her words, a flicker of understanding passing between them.
---
As the clock struck midnight, Eren returned to his dormitory, exhaustion weighing heavily on him. But sleep didn't come easily.
His dreams were a chaotic swirl of shadows and whispers, the grimoire's voice calling to him from the depths of his mind.
"Power comes at a price, Eren."
"What are you willing to sacrifice?"
He woke with a start, sweat soaking his shirt. The room was silent, but the grimoire's presence felt stronger than ever.
---
The next morning, Eren was summoned to the council's chamber. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with tension. The council members sat in a semicircle, their faces stern.
"Eren," the head councilor began, his voice echoing in the chamber. "We've received reports of your… abilities."
Eren stood tall, his expression neutral. "And?"
The head councilor's eyes narrowed. "You've displayed a level of skill and power that raises questions. Questions about your intentions, your loyalty, and the source of your strength."
"I've done nothing wrong," Eren said calmly.
"Perhaps not yet," another councilor interjected. "But power unchecked is a danger to us all. We cannot afford to ignore the potential threat you pose."
Eren felt a surge of anger but kept his composure. "What do you want from me?"
The head councilor leaned forward. "Prove to us that you are not a threat. There is a task we require assistance with—one that will test your loyalty to the academy and the kingdom."
Eren's jaw tightened. "What kind of task?"
"A reconnaissance mission," the councilor explained. "There have been reports of disturbances in the northern woods—sightings of creatures that shouldn't exist. We need someone to investigate and report back."
Eren's mind raced. It was a dangerous assignment, but refusing would only deepen their suspicions.
"Fine," he said finally. "I'll do it."
The councilor nodded. "You leave at dawn. Be prepared."
---
As Eren left the chamber, Selene was waiting for him outside.
"They're sending you on a mission already?" she asked, her tone a mix of disbelief and concern.
Eren nodded. "Seems like they're testing me."
Selene frowned. "Be careful. The northern woods aren't just dangerous—they're cursed. If you're not ready…"
"I'll be fine," Eren said, though his voice lacked conviction.
Selene placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression serious. "If you need help, don't hesitate to ask. You don't have to face this alone."
Eren offered a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Selene."
---
As dawn broke, Eren stood at the edge of the academy grounds, his pack slung over his shoulder. The path ahead was shrouded in mist, the northern woods looming like a shadowy specter in the distance.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, determined to face whatever lay ahead.
The gathering storm was upon him, and Eren knew there was no turning back.