The heavy wooden doors of the chamber shut behind Elian with a deep thud.
Two guards escorted him back through the long stone halls. Their steps echoed, sharp and deliberate, but neither spoke. He walked in silence, his chest still tight from the cracked Veilstone and the whisper that lingered in his ears.
When they finally returned him to the academy's dormitory wing, the guards left with a curt warning:
"Remain within academy grounds. Any attempt to leave without approval will be treated as an offense against the Council."
Elian stood there for a long moment, staring at the closed doors before finally dragging himself inside.
The whispers began the very next morning.
Walking through the dining hall, he could feel them pressing against his back. Students huddled at tables, voices hushed but sharp.
"Did you hear? The Council had him in the chamber all night."
"They say the orb cracked because of him. That's not normal magic."
"What if he's cursed?"
"No… what if he's not even human?"
Elian clenched his jaw and walked faster, tray in hand. But no matter where he sat, he felt the weight of a hundred eyes.
Only two ignored the whispers entirely.
"Sit here," Kael called, waving him over with a grin that looked forced but determined. Lyra sat beside him, her violet eyes calm but unyielding, like she dared anyone to whisper louder.
Elian hesitated, then sat. He pushed food around his plate without eating.
Kael leaned forward. "Don't listen to them. They're just scared because you did what they couldn't. You saved them."
Elian shook his head. "No… they're scared because I don't even know what I am. And after last night…" His hand drifted to his chest unconsciously. "That power—it didn't feel like mine. It felt… alive."
Lyra's gaze softened. She reached out, her fingers brushing the edge of his sleeve. "That doesn't make you a monster, Elian. Power is power. It's what you choose to do with it that matters."
Kael smirked. "Exactly. And hey, if you go all shadow-beast one day, at least you'll give me a chance to finally beat you in training."
Elian blinked, startled, then let out the faintest laugh. The tension eased, if only for a moment.
But it didn't last.
Later that day, as they walked toward their next lecture, three older students blocked the corridor. Their uniforms marked them as upperclassmen—nobles, judging by the polished crests pinned to their cloaks.
"Well, well," the tallest sneered, arms folded. "The Council's little mystery boy."
Elian stiffened.
The noble smirked. "Enjoying the attention? You must think you're special now. Closing Rifts, cracking Council artifacts… maybe you think you belong above the rest of us."
Kael stepped forward, eyes blazing. "Back off."
But the noble only chuckled. "Careful, farm boy. You don't know who you're standing against."
The group moved closer, circling Elian. The hall grew tense, other students stopping to watch.
Elian raised his chin, trying to hold steady. But before it could escalate further, a new voice cut through the crowd.
"That's enough."
Everyone turned.
A girl stepped forward, her steps precise and elegant. Her uniform was the same as theirs, but her bearing was different—commanding. Long silver hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes glowed like frost under moonlight.
"Elira Veylon," someone whispered. "The Duke's daughter."
The noble students paled slightly. "We were only—"
"Intimidating someone weaker to make yourselves feel stronger," Elira said coolly. "Pathetic."
Her gaze flicked to Elian briefly, unreadable, before she turned back to the nobles. "Move."
Reluctantly, they obeyed, muttering as they slunk away.
The crowd dispersed, murmurs following in their wake.
Elian exhaled slowly, tension draining from his shoulders. He glanced at Elira, ready to thank her, but her cold eyes locked onto him first.
"Don't misunderstand," she said softly, voice low enough for only him to hear. "I didn't save you. I don't trust you. But…" Her gaze lingered on his chest, where the seal lay hidden. "…I want to know what you are."
With that, she walked away, leaving Elian rooted to the spot, a new unease gnawing at him.
Lyra frowned as she watched her go. "She's trouble."
Kael muttered, "Yeah, and nobles like her never get involved without a reason."
Elian said nothing. The whisper in his chest returned, faint but chilling.
"Eyes are watching. Some with fear… some with hunger."