The training grounds were alive with movement and noise. Students darted between sparring dummies and floating targets, spells streaking through the air in flashes of light and color. I adjusted the straps on my armor, feeling its light, flexible fit hug my frame. The repaired pendant rested against my chest, warm to the touch, a quiet anchor for my nerves.
I took a deep breath, letting the calm Valeir had taught me settle my thoughts. My magic, once unpredictable, now responded steadily to my will, controlled enough to guide my actions with precision. Still, a faint restlessness lingered beneath the surface, reminding me I wasn't entirely like the others.
Across the courtyard, Julius scanned the grounds, his eyes flicking subtly toward me. I felt it — the slightest prickle of suspicion. He'd probably tampered with something along the course to give himself an edge.
A sharp whistle cut through the chaos. The first trial began — obstacle and magic navigation. I crouched low, letting my armor aid my movement.
Floating orbs hovered along the path, each resisting basic spells. I focused, guiding my magic toward the nearest orb. One wobbled unnaturally — a faint interference that made my stomach tighten. Julius.
I caught it immediately, adjusting my spell, and the orb steadied perfectly. My heart hammered, but I forced myself to stay calm. Valeir's voice echoed in my mind: "A still mind guides a steady hand." I continued through the obstacles, stabilizing each orb and floating target with precision. Each pulse of magic flowed cleanly, guided by my will.
The timer ticked down. Last year, I'd finished at thirty-five seconds. This year, I completed the course at 29.5 seconds, nearly perfect, half a second to spare. I glanced at Julius. His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. I'd adapted, overcome his interference, and taken the first challenge.
⸻
The second trial was hand-to-hand combat. Names were drawn from a hat to determine opponents. My hand shook slightly as I drew mine — expecting someone easier, someone I could test my focus against. But no. Julius had pulled strings, and I was facing him.
The first bout began. Anger bubbled inside me the moment I saw him. I attacked aggressively, magic simmering beneath my skin, but my rage made me sloppy. He dodged effortlessly, laughing as I overextended and fell out of bounds. One point down.
I stumbled back, chest heaving, and noticed Valeir standing nearby, cane in hand, watching me with those calm, steady eyes.
"Patience, Sa'ha," he said, voice firm but gentle. "A storm can rage outside, but your mind must remain a still pond. Only then will your magic obey."
"Right!" I said, forcing myself to breathe evenly. His quiet confidence grounded me.
By the second match, I could feel the difference. My movements were measured, my magic restrained and deliberate. I wasn't letting anger dictate my actions. Julius could cheat, could manipulate, but I had control of myself — and that would be my edge.
The second match was worse. Julius, cheating subtly with a small enhancement charm tucked under his collar, anticipated my moves and manipulated the fight. He threw me out of the ring again. I clenched my fists, but I said nothing — his family's influence ran deep, and I had to be careful. Two points down.
By the third bout, I had steadied myself completely. The match was neck and neck, blow for blow. The timer ran out with no clear victor.
The announcer's voice rang through the courtyard. "Remaining contestants, anyone willing to vouch for this participant may do so. Keep in mind: you must lose two points from your own score to grant a single point."
I held my breath. My score was perilously low — without a vouch, I would be disqualified from further trials.
Elara stepped forward, her emerald eyes bright and steady. She had won her first match easily and had the confidence to spare a point. "I'll vouch for her," she said, raising her hand. I felt a flicker of relief as the announcer nodded and adjusted the scores — I gained a single point, thanks to her support.
It was enough. I had secured my place in the trial, my first victory in the hand-to-hand round. Even with everything against me, fairness and allies could tip the balance.
Julius scowled, stepping toward me, his voice low and venomous. "Weak. No wonder your mother abandoned you. Your father never cared enough to show up."
Something snapped. Magic surged uncontrollably the moment I threw a punch — raw, unrestrained, and volatile. The strike exploded with force, sending him 30 feet into the stands, where he hit with a loud crash. Students froze, murmuring in shock, and my armor hummed faintly as my power settled back under my control.
The announcer stepped forward quickly, voice firm. "Sa'ha Liadon, that outburst is noted. If you act out in this manner again, you will be disqualified from the trials."
I swallowed, chest still heaving, and nodded. I wouldn't risk it again — not now, not when I was this close.
We were given a brief break. The crowd murmured as judges and instructors discussed the next challenge: the third and final trial — The Veil Run, an infiltration and escape challenge designed to test stealth, cunning, and magical control.