wide stone staircase, the walls lined with ancient tapestries whispering tales of dragons and riders long past. The air grew warmer as they climbed, the scent of burning wood and leather thickening around them.
At the top, a long corridor stretched ahead, lined with heavy wooden doors. "This is where we sleep," Mira said, pushing open one to reveal a modest room with two beds, a small table, and a window overlooking the courtyard below.
Seraphina's room was simple but sturdy — no luxury, but solid enough for a warrior in training. She dropped her pack on one of the beds, her mind still swirling with the day's events.
"We don't have much time," Mira said, pulling her along. "Lunch is in the common hall. You'll want to eat before the trials start."
The common hall buzzed with energy. Long tables crowded with recruits filled the space, voices rising in a mixture of excitement and nerves. The aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced stew filled the air.
Seraphina scanned the room, spotting familiar faces — Mira chatting animatedly with a group of Stormcallers, Talen quietly eating near the Stonewardens, and even Eira Moonshade sitting alone in a shadowed corner.
Kaelen Stormfire sat at the head table, surrounded by his clan. His sharp gaze caught Seraphina's for a moment, a silent challenge passing between them.
Mira grabbed a tray piled high and handed one to Seraphina. "Eat up. You're going to need your strength."
As Seraphina took her first bite, a strange mix of fear and determination settled in her chest. The trials were coming, and with them, the chance to prove who she really was.
The clatter of dishes and chatter filled the common hall, but Seraphina felt a strange bubble of silence around her as she tried to steady her nerves. Mira sat beside her, relaxed and smiling, as if this was just another day.
"You've got the look," Mira said softly. "First day jitters?"
Seraphina nodded. "It's… a lot. I didn't expect so many people."
Mira laughed lightly. "Ember Academy's never quiet. And the Drakesworn? They don't do quiet either."
Across the room, Kaelen's eyes flicked toward them again. He was talking with his clan but always scanning the room, as if looking for weakness or strength.
"Don't let him get to you," Mira whispered. "He thinks showing strength means crushing everyone else. But he's not the only one with power."
Seraphina took a bite of the roasted meat, savoring the warmth. "What about Lorian? He seems… different."
Mira nodded. "Nightshade is more calculating, less flashy. But don't mistake quiet for weakness. Lorian's smart — and dangerous."
Before Seraphina could reply, a loud laugh rang out nearby.
"Hey, Vale! You really think you can hang with us?" A tall recruit with a sneer swaggered over, flanked by a few others.
Mira's hand tightened on Seraphina's arm, but Seraphina squared her shoulders.
"I'm here to prove it," she said quietly.
The recruit's eyes flicked over her once more, surprise flashing before he shrugged and laughed.
"We'll see if you survive the trials first."
As he walked away, Mira gave Seraphina a nod. "That's just the start. You're going to need friends. And you're going to need fire."
Seraphina swallowed hard but smiled back. "Then I'll make sure they remember my name."