Sunbeams filtered through the curtains and fell directly onto Lucien's face.
He scowled, tilted his head a bit and then sighed deeply.
"Already…?" he whispered.
For an instant he remained motionless gazing up at the ceiling. The light seemed nearly tender but something about it unsettled him. Perhaps it was because this morning wasn't, like any other.
He. Combed his fingers through his hair. It was untidy—, as always. Lengthy locks draped over his shoulders a few touching his collarbone. Lucien. Got to his feet heading toward the compact mirror by the window.
His mirror image gazed back, at him.
Distinctive features still in the process of firming up. A visage that retained remnants of youth yet the contours were gradually becoming more defined as time passed. He gazed at his hair a moment more, than normal.
He grabbed the thin dark thread lying next, to the mirror and started fastening the rear part of his hair arranging it tidily while keeping the front and sides free. Despite his efforts some persistent hairs still slipped onto his forehead.
"Tckkk… typical " he grumbled.
While he was tweaking the thread a notion quietly entered his mind.
If freedom is taken away… does order become beautiful?
His bound hair appeared tidier. Neat. Polished.
However if all constraints were too restrictive… it would merely feel stifling.
Unexpectedly a different name emerged in his mind.
Cael Ashfall.
Lucien jerked his head decisively.
"What is making me think about that now…?"
He breathed out moved away, from the mirror and went down the stairs.
The dining table had been prepared already.
That alone was strange.
Lyana sat upright in her chair gently swinging her legs her eyes gleaming with anticipation. She was habitually tardy—, behind schedule.
Lucien lifted an eyebrow. "You're ahead of schedule. Has the world come to an end?"
Lyana gave him a look. "Hilarious. Now just eat."
Their mother remained silent her hands clasped gently around her teacup. Her smile lingered,. Lucien perceived the strain in her shoulders. Faint. Nearly imperceptible. Nearly.
Their dad, Roven conversely appeared totally at ease eating his meal as if it were a day.
Lucien took a seat. Grabbed a slice of bread.
"Mom " he remarked nonchalantly "you seem concerned."
She hesitated for a moment.
Then her smile grew broader. "Anxious? About what?"
Lucien shrugged his shoulders. "I simply wanted to."
She looked at him briefly exhaled. "You pay attention to too many things."
She coughed lightly. "So—Lucien have you tidied your room?"
Lucien stood still.
"Ummm... maybe?"
Lyana suddenly laughed aloud. "He didn't."
Their mother tutted. "Lucien. Once you attend the academy you'll be staying in a dormitory. Are you intending to maintain that habit there as well?"
Lucien tilted his head down a bit. "I'll clean it. After breakfast."
"Good."
He quickly completed his meal. Headed upstairs.
His room wasn't dirty.
Just… unorganized.
While smoothing his attire and returning his books to their spots his eyes drifted.
He considered it a private chamber.
Beyond children his age likely lacked one. Some didn't even possess beds. Their dads couldn't manage the cost. Perhaps they toiled endlessly just to provide meals.
Lucien hesitated.
We're commoners as well—but since Dad assisted the academy whenever required we enjoyed a life better than most people, like us typically did.
"I ought to feel thankful " he whispered.
Once he finished he donned the academy outfit. It sat perfectly. Excessively so. As if it were determining his role ahead of him.
He descended the stairs more.
At the scheduled moment the noise of wheels resonated outdoors.
A coach had come.
The door swung open allowing a soft breeze to drift inside. Lucien's untied hair danced lightly as he glanced upward.
A towering gentleman emerged.
Golden hair, carefully pulled back. Bright red eyes piercing enough to become unnerving if gazed upon for long.
Professor Archon.
Their eyes locked for a moment.
An unspoken exchange occurred between them—silent inscrutable.
Archon returned a smile. "You must be Lucien."
Lucien nodded. "....Yes, sir."
Archon gave a tilt of his head. "Intriguing."
Before Lucien had a chance to inquire what Lyana sprang ahead. "You're the professor Dad spoke about!"
"Yes " Archon answered serenely. "I will be going with you."
The ride was quiet. Too quiet.
Archon posed inquiries. Roven responded nonchalantly. Lyana gazed through the window. Lucien paid attention.
And thought.
As the academy eventually appeared on the horizon Lucien sensed it.
Pressure.
The doors were enormous. Timeworn. As if they had observed countless generations emerge and decline with indifference.
A person was already standing by the entrance.
A tall and collected young man moved ahead.
"Took you long enough" he said.
Lyana's expression brightened. "Big brother!"
She moved ahead. Tapped him gently with a punch.
"Oii!" Cassian chuckled. "Is that really how you welcome your brother after such a time?"
Cassian was older than Lucien by two years. Taller. His eyes more piercing. He carried an air of steadiness—like a person who had already found his role, in life.
Lucien grinned. "morning."
Their elder brother gave a nod. "Father mentioned you would be coming today."
They had a conversation. Everyday topics. Cautions. Suggestions.
Afterward the bells tolled.
The admission exam had started.
The examination room was enormous crowded with pupils and their guardians. Whispers resonated from around.
Several judges were standing at the center. Behind them crystals hovered, emitting a hum.
Students approached one at a time.
Not just attributes.
They were requested to show.
Fire molded into flames. Water gathered into edges. Wind compacted into spinning orbs.
Lyana advanced with assurance.
Her magic flared—clean, stable, strong.
The judges agreed with a nod.
"She succeeds."
Lyana. Returned, feeling proud yet humble.
Afterwards the hall changed.
Rumors circulated.
A girl entered.
Frozen demeanor. A weighty aura that stills the space.
"Princess Iryss " the judge spoke cautiously. "There's no reason, for—"
Lucien moved ahead.
"I object."
Silence.
"This is an institution " Lucien proceeded steadily. "Not a playground. If we are on the level here then she must undergo the same assessments, as the others."
"I'm going to take the exam " Iryss stated plainly.
Iryss rotated gently.
Their gazes locked.
Her gaze was sharp. Irritated.
The judges paused… then agreed with a nod.
The examination started.
Lucien observed.
There was something, about her magic that seemed… held.
Controlled.
Cold.
When it concluded the crystal emitted a glow.
She succeeded.
She avoided glancing at Lucien more.
Then—
"Lucien Valecrest"
He moved ahead.
The crystal was activated.
For an instant… no event occurred.
Then—
CRACK!!
The glass broke into pieces.
The hall was engulfed in silence.
Before anyone had a chance to say a word—
-----
You think you're reading this.
That's the first lie this story taught you.