Two months later, in the Mandell household, Sarah and her parents sat down for dinner. The house had been eerily quiet since John left. He and their mother, Clara, had always brought energy and laughter into the home, which had now split into two distinct moods: Clara worked hard to keep up a cheerful front, but Sarah's gloomy silence often overshadowed her efforts.
Despite being spirited, Sarah had never been on good terms with her father, Michael. Unlike John, who was a perfect representation of their father's expectations, Sarah was a stark contrast—quiet, stubborn, and independent.
As the clinking of plates echoed through the room, Michael broke the silence. "I've decided you'll be going to the Industrial Lands as your destination," he announced.
"What?!" Sarah exclaimed, nearly choking on her food.
Clara quickly sensed the brewing storm and tried to intervene, but it was too late. Sarah slammed her hand on the table and shot back, "You can't choose my destination for me!"
"I can and I will," Michael replied firmly. "You're turning eighteen soon, and since you haven't made up your mind, I've decided for you. It's final."
Sarah turned to her mother, desperation flashing in her eyes. "Can you please talk to him?" she pleaded.
Clara responded with a strained smile, masking her worry. "Sarah, your father's ancestors have a strong presence in the Industrial Lands. Carrying the Mandell name will make your journey smoother and safer. The fiend there are less aggressive."
Sarah clenched her fists under the table, holding back her growing frustration.
Later that evening, Sarah could no longer contain her anger. She confronted her father, her voice trembling but resolute. "I can't believe this. You're treating me like a child!"
Michael folded his arms and stared her down. "Then tell me—what destination do you want to choose, Sarah? Go ahead, enlighten me."
"The Iron Base," Sarah answered, her eyes locking with his, a defiant fire burning within them.
The room fell silent. Clara gasped audibly, while Michael raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "The Iron Base? You think this is a joke, don't you? That's one of the harshest paths anyone could take. Do you even understand the risks?"
"I understand everything," Sarah interrupted. "I can handle it."
"Oh, so you think just because you're at the top of your academy, you're invincible? You have no idea what's out there, Sarah," Michael shot back.
After a tense, thirty-second stare-down, Clara tried to mediate, her voice calm but strained. "Please, let's not fight—"
Sarah cut her off, her hands pressing firmly on the table. "I won't let anyone decide my future for me. I've already registered for the Iron Base."
Michael's eyes widened in shock. "You did what?"
"I've registered," she repeated firmly. "The principal helped me with the paperwork. I'm ready to face it on my own."
Michael slammed his hand on the table. "You're my only daughter! I won't let you walk into danger just to prove yourself!"
"I'm not asking for your permission!" Sarah shouted, her voice breaking slightly as she turned and stormed out of the room. Clara called after her, but Sarah didn't look back. She walked outside into the night, staring at the sky until bedtime.