The sun was slowly setting on the horizon when the end-of-class bell echoed through the academy's hallways. The students scattered in all directions, their laughter ringing through the air while Kael remained still for a moment in his place, still dizzy from everything he had experienced that day. He had never believed that one day, he would walk in a high-level school, wear a clean uniform, be mocked, then defend, and even... meet someone like Declan. He slowly stood up, his head still filled with all the words he had heard, the judging looks and the hurtful whispers, but one thing shone timidly within him: this was not a dream. He now existed in this world.
At the academy's entrance, a luxurious black car awaited them, him and Naelys. The other students cast curious glances as they saw him get inside with the daughter of the great Arkhon. Kael did not dare to meet their gaze. He sat silently in the back seat, his eyes automatically searching for the window. The landscape passed by slowly, the city shimmering with futuristic and elegant buildings revealing itself in all its splendor. Flying vehicles glided through the sky, holographic signs shone, and Kael surprised himself with a slight smile in front of so much beauty. He had never had the chance to admire it except by hiding behind dirty alleys.
Naelys, beside him, kept silent but occasionally glanced discreetly at him. She noticed his reactions, the sparkle in his eyes at every detail he discovered. She said nothing, respecting this simple, almost magical moment for Kael. This silence held more value than a long speech.
They finally arrived at the Aelaris residence. The majestic entrance, guarded by soldiers in shining armor, opened without a word. Kael got out of the vehicle, a little nervous. As soon as they entered, a butler bowed and then guided them toward the grand hall. There, as if he had been waiting for them already, the Arkhon stood tall, imposing in his black coat trimmed with gold, arms crossed behind his back.
"So, Kael, how was your first day?" he asked in a calm but deep voice. His gaze was both piercing and sincere.
Kael hesitated for a moment, then lowered his eyes. "Average..." he murmured. "But... I met someone... who didn't judge me like the others. His name is Declan."
A slight smile appeared at the corner of Naelys' father's lips. He nodded slowly, clearly pleased. "Declan, you say? Interesting... That boy is the son of Thalric Valroth. He is an Arkhon like me, but his family, the Valroth, are even more influential than ours."
Kael raised his eyes, surprised. He didn't quite know how to respond. He wondered why someone so important had decided to speak to him, the street urchin.
"And his mother, Serenya Valroth, is a formidable woman... a master strategist in political affairs. If their son has reached out to you, do not push him away. This kind of friendship can become very valuable, but above all... it means something. Declan is not the type to get attached easily."
Kael nodded gently. He didn't understand everything yet, but these words comforted him a little. Maybe it was the beginning of a real change.
The Arkhon stepped closer and placed a heavy but reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You have passed this first step. That's good. But tomorrow, other challenges await you. At the academy, it's not enough to just be there... "You have to prove your worth. In your case, you will have to fight harder than the others."
He gestured with his hand, and a servant approached. "Take him to his room. Let him rest."
Kael turned one last time toward the Arkhon. He would have liked to ask him a thousand questions, but he simply bowed slightly, then followed the servant through the vast corridors.
On the way, Naelys briefly joined him and gave him a gentle look. "You did well... Tomorrow will be easier. And if you want, I can stay with you a little."
Kael just gave a faint smile. He still didn't know if he belonged here, but deep inside, a strange warmth was growing. As if, for the first time, he could maybe... hope.
Arriving in his room, he collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. But his heart was beating with a new strength. He thought about Declan, about Naelys, about the Arkhon, about all those who had judged him... and those who had accepted him. He was no longer Kael the street rat. He was becoming... something else.