Chapter 8: Into the Shadows
I wasn't thrilled about being part of a team. My usual style was solo—fewer people to deal with and fewer chances to be let down. But here I was, following Aric through the dense forest as he barked orders like he was born for it.
"Stay close, and don't slow us down," he snapped at me without so much as a glance back.
I bit back a smirk. "Wouldn't dream of it, boss."
Lyra, the girl with sharp purple hair and equally sharp eyes, shot him a look. "Maybe tone it down a little, Aric. You're not the only one here."
Kieran walked silently next to me, his steady presence a nice contrast to Aric's barking. He hadn't said much since we were paired up, but I could tell he was sizing me up, just like I was with him.
The forest was alive with sounds—branches snapping, leaves rustling, and the occasional growl in the distance. We were supposed to prove ourselves by surviving this trial, but right now, it felt more like a survival of patience.
"Any idea what we're up against?" I asked, mostly to break the silence.
"Beasts, traps, maybe other students," Lyra replied. "Typical academy hazing."
"Great," I muttered. "Nothing like a near-death experience to kick off the semester."
As we moved deeper, a low growl echoed through the trees. Before I could fully process it, a beast lunged at us—a low-tier predator, probably testing its luck.
"Stay back," Aric ordered, stepping forward. "I've got this."
He didn't, not entirely. Lyra's wind magic slowed the beast down, and Kieran delivered the finishing blow with his sword. I hung back, watching, gauging their skills.
"You could've helped," Aric said, glaring at me as he wiped blood off his blade.
"I could've," I agreed. "But you seemed like you had it under control."
He scowled, but Lyra laughed softly, breaking the tension. "Don't let him get to you," she said as we started moving again.
When night fell, we found a small clearing to camp in. Aric insisted on setting up watch rotations, assigning himself the first shift. The rest of us settled down around the fire.
Lyra sat across from me, her wind magic swirling faintly in her hands. "So, Theo, where are you from?"
I leaned back against a tree. "Nowhere interesting."
"That's not an answer."
"Sure it is."
Kieran chuckled softly. "You're good at dodging questions."
I grinned. "It's a talent."
We talked a little more, or rather, they talked while I listened. Lyra shared bits about her family and their long history with wind magic. Kieran mentioned training with his father, a blacksmith who doubled as a warrior.
"What about you, Aric?" Lyra asked, though her tone made it clear she wasn't expecting much.
"Top of my class back home," he said smugly. "This trial is just another step toward proving I'm the best."
I stifled a yawn. "Big aspirations. I respect it."
"Don't mock me," he snapped.
"Who's mocking?" I said innocently.
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