It was late in the afternoon when Kalen was finally brought back to the dorm. He was exhausted from the interrogations, the stares, the back-handed compliments, and most importantly, from his father leaving without saying a word. No "proud of you," no "hold on," not even the usual "be careful." Just a brief "deal with it" over his shoulder.
Kallen threw his bag into a corner, collapsed on the bed, and stared at the ceiling.
"Here comes the academy. Fun, my ass…"
At that moment, the door clicked.
He tensed immediately and looked up. The same figure with scarlet eyes was standing on the threshold. Reyna. She was wearing a dark shirt and a loose vest, her hair was loose, and her eyes... seemed to glow from within.
"Well, welcome back, hero," she chuckled, closing the door behind her. "You look like you've been buried a couple of times."
"Almost," Kalen muttered. "The Academy decided that I was the weakest."
"They're right about a lot of things," Reina chuckled. "But not this."
He glanced at her.
"You know, you always talk so calmly. Like you're not afraid at all. Who are you, anyway?"
She was silent for a moment. Then she went to her desk, sat down, and took off her gloves. And Kalen finally saw it.
Around her eyes were etched rings: light and dark intertwined like sigils, like a mark that couldn't be hidden. They didn't glow, but it was impossible to look away from them.
He sat up slowly.
"What the...?"
"You asked me who I am." Reina spoke calmly, as if discussing the weather. "I am a hybrid. A Light Eater."
— What?"
— Shadow and Light. Two elements that must kill each other. Together, they create a void. A sphere where there is nothing. No sound, no vision. People lose their minds in it. Forever.
Kalen was silent.
Reyna turned to the window.
"I'm a loser, even by the academy's standards. But..." She turned around slowly. "But when you're a mistake that can kill, you're not thrown away. You're kept in a cage. Or used."
He felt a chill run down his back.
"And now?"
"Now you know." She bowed her head. "Welcome to the monster room."
"…Well, fuck me. — Kallen swallowed. — And that's my neighbor."
***
The sun was shining through the window with such enthusiasm that it was trying to burn out Kallen's eyes.
He groaned, turned away, and then groaned again when a voice spoke from behind him.
"Get up. Lessons in fifteen minutes."
Reina stood by her closet, already in uniform: a dark shirt, a red vest with the academy's emblem on the chest—a shining spear piercing a ring. Her hair was in a ponytail, her eyes cold, focused. No trace of yesterday's sneer.
"Did you really get up before me?"
"I'm not sleeping like a dead corpse," she replied. "Hurry up. We have first-year theory."
Kallen muttered something incoherent under his breath, but he got up anyway. He dressed quickly: a simple white shirt, a vest, and dark trousers. Everything fit perfectly, aristocratic shit, but comfortable.
He looked out the window.
The Academy of Noxpear was blooming in the morning light. The towers and spires were catching the sun, and the marble paths between the buildings were shining after the night dew. There were students everywhere, some with books, some with fear in their eyes, and some with faces like they were on their way to an execution. It was a typical scene.
"The weather is nice, unfortunately," he muttered. "And my head feels like someone lit a fire inside it."
"That's normal." Reina was already at the door. "It often hurts beginners after scanning and magical activation. Some even turn gray. Your brakes in your head are overheating."
"Thank you, doctor," he chuckled, and followed her out.
The corridors were wide and almost empty—most people were already in class. The Academy didn't tolerate tardiness. Especially for people like him.
"Do you even know where the office is?" he asked as they turned the third corner.
"I've been here for years," she said. "So, yes. And you better stay close. If you get lost, no one will look for you."
"Touching," Kalen replied, speeding up his pace. "You can be caring when you want to be."
"I don't want to. I just don't want you crying into your pillow and keeping me awake."
Kalen rolled his eyes.
Soon they were in front of a massive door with a brass plaque:
"Theory of First-Level Magic. Teacher: Archmage Lokhray."
There were already a crowd of students nearby. Most of them were strangers. Some were from noble houses, judging by their hairstyles and demeanor. Others, on the other hand, were in wrinkled uniforms and had bags under their eyes.
"We have a fun zoo here," Kalen muttered. "Dragon eggs, nobles, and, of course, me, the fucking embarrassment."
Reina just chuckled and stood next to him.
The door swung open.
"Please enter. No noise." The voice was dry and cold as ice. The teacher stood at the podium, tall and thin, wearing a blue cloak adorned with golden runes. His hair was ash-colored, tied in a ponytail, and his eyes were gray as steel.
"Trennis," Reina whispered. "One of the oldest archmages here. You don't want to anger him. Or interrupt him. Or even breathe loudly."
"Perfect," Kalen said with a forced smile. "My new life is getting better and better."
They entered the classroom.
And here it is - the first real occupation. Magic, theory, blood, fate and a lot of people, each of whom can be an enemy, a friend... or something worse.
Kalen sat down, folded his hands on the desk, and exhaled.
"Consider yourself lucky."