The grand hall was buzzing with chatter. Students from all races—vampires, witches, and werewolves—filled their designated sections. The energy in the room was electric, everyone hyped but also nervous about the big announcement.
On the stage, Vice Principal Saville stood tall, rocking his usual smug smile. The guy oozed a weird mix of charm and sneakiness, like someone you wouldn't trust but couldn't call out either. Behind him sat the principal, Dr. Adrian Blackwood, looking calm but intense. The dude didn't need to say a word to command respect. Most students didn't know much about him, except that he was crazy powerful—a grand magus. But if they knew he was hiding from some shady past? Yeah, that would definitely change how they saw him.
Saville cleared his throat, and the room went silent like magic. "Welcome to this year's Inter-Race Tournament announcement," he began, his voice smooth and kind of fake, like a politician. "This isn't just a school event. It's your chance to step into the spotlight, to gain recognition not just here, but beyond these walls."
The room practically buzzed at those words. Recognition beyond the school? That wasn't something anyone took lightly. Damian leaned lazily against a pillar near the back, perked up at this part. He'd spent most of his life trying to stay under the radar, but now he was wondering if stepping into the light might actually be worth it.
Saville's sharp gaze swept across the room, like he was sizing everyone up. "Each year will hold their own trials to select their top three champions. These nine will then face off in the finals, where one victor will claim the ultimate prize—a wish granted by the supernatural council."
The hall erupted into excited whispers. A council-granted wish? That was huge. People were already imagining what they'd ask for.
Saville raised a hand to quiet everyone, his tone turning serious. "This isn't for the faint-hearted. You'll be tested—your strength, your mind, your loyalty to your kind. This is your chance to prove yourself, to show you belong among the supernatural elite."
Damian kept his face neutral, but his mind was spinning. The competition sounded like a trap, especially with Saville hyping it so much. There was always more to these things than they let on. And then there was Principal Blackwood, sitting there silently, like he was watching a chessboard no one else could see.
From his seat in the vampire section, Cassius leaned toward Nadia with his usual smirk. "You'll be cheering for me in the trials, right?" he said, low enough that no one else could hear.
Nadia didn't even look at him. "Cheering for you? I didn't realize I cared that much."
Cassius chuckled, but there was an edge to it. "Come on, Nadia. You know I'm a lock for one of the spots. You should be proud to have me on your side."
Finally, she turned to him, her green eyes sharp enough to cut. "Your side? Don't flatter yourself, Cassius. If you think I'm just going to sit back and play cheerleader, you're more clueless than I thought."
Cassius's smile faltered, and his jaw tightened. Around them, a few students were starting to notice the tension. Damian, from his spot at the back, smirked to himself. Watching Cassius squirm was always entertaining.
As the announcement wrapped up, students started spilling out of the hall, their excitement palpable. Emma and Oliver caught up with Damian as he headed for the door.
"So, are you gonna try out?" Emma asked, practically bouncing with energy.
"I don't know," Damian said with a shrug, even though his brain was already working overtime.
"You should," Oliver said, adjusting his glasses. "The trials are designed to test weaknesses. Winning could give you more than just the prize—it could give you leverage."
Damian raised an eyebrow. "Leverage, huh? What about you? Joining the witches' trials?"
Oliver shook his head. "Not my style. But I'll be watching. Competitions like this always reveal things about people."
Emma nudged Damian. "Come on, you'd kill it! It'd be fun."
"Fun," Damian repeated, deadpan. But honestly? The idea wasn't terrible. If anything, it might be a good way to figure out what Saville was really up to.
Meanwhile, back near the stage, Dr. Blackwood stayed seated, watching the students leave. His expression didn't change, but his thoughts were racing. Saville was playing a dangerous game, dropping hints about power and recognition. Blackwood could see the strings being pulled, and he didn't like it.
"This isn't just about the students," he muttered under his breath. "It's about control. And Saville's right in the middle of it."
With the trials just a week away, the entire school was about to become a pressure cooker. And for Damian, this was more than just a competition—it was a chance to figure out what the Silent Blades was really planning. 🕵️