The next few weeks passed in a haze of secrecy and tension. Raine had done everything in his power to keep the Drakonid hidden, only venturing into the deep woods late at night to tend to it. Each time, he felt the weight of the creature's untapped potential pressing down on him. The bond had deepened, but there were still mysteries surrounding it—mysteries he couldn't afford to investigate too quickly.
His work with the gryphion had also taken a more serious turn. Now, more than ever, Raine realized that the academy was watching him. His success in the tournament had turned heads, especially with the gryphion's abilities being showcased. The whispers of his talent were becoming louder, and many within the academy were starting to pay attention to the seemingly ordinary Beast Taming student who had done the impossible.
But Raine wasn't content with simply being noticed. He had a long-term goal in mind, and every step he took was calculated toward that singular vision: to rebuild the reputation of Beast Taming magic, and to position himself as the foremost expert in the field.
And that meant managing his growing collection of creatures with care. The Drakonid, though hidden, was now a secret he would safeguard with his life. He couldn't afford to let any of the wrong people find out about it.
It was early morning when Raine received the first significant signal that things were starting to change. He had just finished his training for the day and was heading back to his dorm room when a messenger approached him, bearing an official-looking letter sealed with the royal insignia.
The messenger handed it to him wordlessly, and Raine broke the seal with a quiet efficiency. The contents were short but precise.
To Raine Virelli,
You are hereby invited to present yourself at the Royal Palace for a meeting with the Crown Prince.
The meeting will take place at the beginning of next week. Your attendance is mandatory.
Respectfully,
Royal Chamberlain
Raine's eyes narrowed as he read the letter. The Crown Prince? What could this mean? He had been preparing for some kind of royal attention ever since his success in the tournament, but this was far more significant than just a casual visit. The Crown Prince himself wanted to meet with him. The implications were unclear, but Raine had a sinking feeling in his gut.
"This changes everything," he muttered under his breath.
The letter, though vague, was an unmistakable sign that he was being watched more closely than he had imagined. And yet, there was a strange thrill in the uncertainty. This was an opportunity, one that could open doors—or perhaps close them forever, depending on how he played his cards.
Raine knew that attending this meeting would be crucial, but he also knew that it would come with risks. The more attention he drew, the more dangerous things would become. His secret—both the gryphion and the newly acquired Drakonid—had to remain concealed, at all costs.
The next several days were spent in preparation, both mentally and physically. Raine kept his daily routine intact, ensuring that his studies and training continued without interruption. But the looming meeting with the Crown Prince was always in the back of his mind.
During this time, Raine found himself once again in the Beast Taming Tower, working with the gryphion in secret. It had been growing faster than he expected, its powers becoming more refined with each passing day.
Raine had tried to teach it more advanced techniques, but the gryphion was proving to be an enigma in itself. It was more than just a creature of brute strength—it was intelligent, far beyond what any beast of its kind should be. The connection between them deepened, and Raine began to sense the emotions of the gryphion more vividly. There was a bond there, yes, but there was also a sense of something more: an untapped potential, a dormant power waiting to be unlocked.
Raine couldn't help but wonder if the same thing might be true for the Drakonid. Could it evolve in ways that no one had anticipated? Was it truly a creature of myth, waiting for the right tamer to unlock its full power?
But that was a thought for another time. For now, Raine's focus had to remain on the upcoming royal meeting.
When the day finally came, Raine set out early, his mind a whirl of strategies and possibilities. The royal palace loomed before him as he passed through the gates, its towering spires casting long shadows over the courtyard. A sense of awe washed over him, but it was quickly replaced by a cold resolve. This was no time for hesitation.
He had a goal. He had power, and he would use it. The question was, would the Crown Prince recognize it? Or would he see Raine as nothing more than a tool to be used?
Raine was escorted through the palace, past lavish halls and opulent rooms, until they reached a grand chamber. It was there that he saw him—Crown Prince Alistair, seated upon a throne-like chair, his regal presence commanding the space.
The prince was young, not much older than Raine, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. He radiated authority, yet there was something about his gaze that suggested he was more than just a royal figurehead. There was an intensity to him, a hunger for something greater. Raine immediately understood that this meeting was more than just a formality.
"Ah, Raine Virelli," the Crown Prince's voice rang out, smooth yet powerful. "I've heard much about you. It seems you've made quite a name for yourself at the academy."
Raine bowed respectfully, his mind working at lightning speed. "Your Highness," he said evenly, keeping his tone neutral. "I am honored to be in your presence."
The prince studied him for a moment, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "I've been following your progress closely, Raine. You have a rare talent—a talent that could be invaluable to our kingdom. Tell me, what do you want in return for your service?"
Raine's heart skipped a beat. This was the moment. The question was simple, but the answer could shape everything to come. The Crown Prince had given him an opening. But what was Raine's true goal? Did he want power? Wealth? Recognition?
The truth was, Raine wanted more than anything to restore the lost art of Beast Taming. To prove that it was more than just a relic of the past. But could he say that to the Crown Prince? Could he trust him with the truth of his ambitions?
As the prince awaited an answer, Raine knew that every word he spoke would be carefully scrutinized. The path before him was unclear, but one thing was certain: the choices he made today would ripple through the kingdom, for better or worse.
"I seek only the opportunity to show what Beast Taming can truly become, Your Highness," Raine said at last, his voice calm but filled with quiet conviction. "To restore its power, and to prove that it is not a forgotten magic, but one that can shape the future of our kingdom."
The Crown Prince leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. "I see. Very well, Raine. We shall see what you are capable of."
And with those words, Raine knew that his life was about to change forever. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but it was also filled with unimaginable potential. And now, more than ever, he had to be careful—careful with his secrets, careful with his power, and careful with the choices he made.
To be continued…