Kael followed Lysandra through the castle halls, feeling the weight of the oppressive atmosphere. The black stone walls reflected the blue light of the torches, and an eerie silence accompanied him. He tried to calm his mind, reviewing everything he knew about the Ashborne Duchy. The Duke was his father, a cold and calculating man who, in the game, was both an ally and a threat.
When they reached the office, Lysandra opened the door and stepped aside. Kael entered, attempting to hide his nervousness. The office was a spacious room, with a large, cold fireplace and shelves filled with old books. Behind a dark wooden desk sat Duke Edrian Ashborne, a middle-aged man with dark hair and eyes as penetrating as those of a predator.
"Kael," the Duke said, not looking up from the papers he was reviewing. "Take a seat."
Kael obeyed, feeling like a child before the imposing presence of the man.
"Tomorrow will be an important day for you," Edrian continued, finally fixing his gaze on him. "The Awakening Ceremony will mark your transition to adulthood and determine your place in the family and the duchy."
Kael nodded, remembering the event in the game. The Awakening Ceremony was a magical rite in which 15-year-olds awakened their "Inner Essence," a manifestation of their power that varied according to each individual's affinity: physical strength, elemental control, or rarer abilities like spiritual manipulation or summoning. In the game, Kael gained a unique power, but his awakening was tied to tragic events.
"Do you understand what this means, Kael?" the Duke asked, his tone grave.
"Yes, Father," Kael replied, forcing himself to sound confident.
"Good. Remember that the Ashbornes have a legacy to uphold. Our bloodline has always produced exceptional individuals, and I will accept nothing less from you. During the ceremony, you will not only awaken your power, but you will also be evaluated by the Duchy's council. Everything you've learned so far will be put to the test."
Kael nodded again, feeling a knot form in his stomach.
"You may leave," Edrian said after a pause. "Prepare yourself."
Kael stood up and gave a slight bow, as the real Kael would have, before leaving the office. Once outside, he took a deep breath.
"This is real," he thought as he walked back to his room. The Awakening Ceremony was tomorrow, and his future depended on how he handled this situation.