Word spread quickly.
By evening, the Academy halls buzzed with rumors. Students stared at Elias as he passed, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled hostility.
He kept his head down.
The hunger gnawed at him, stronger than before. The arena had awakened something — something that wanted more.
He slipped into a quiet courtyard, hoping for a moment of peace.
He didn't get it.
A tall figure stepped from the shadows, cloaked in emerald robes. His eyes were slitted, reptilian.
"Elias Thorn," he said smoothly. "I represent the Emerald Basilisk House. We wish to speak with you."
Elias stiffened. "Why?"
"Your display today was… intriguing. Serpent bloodlines are rare. Evolving ones are rarer still."
He stepped closer, voice dropping.
"And those touched by the abyss are rarer than legends."
Elias's blood ran cold. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The man smiled, revealing sharp teeth.
"You will."
Before Elias could respond, another voice cut through the courtyard.
"Back away from him."
Seraphine Vex approached, golden eyes blazing. Her aura flared — radiant, oppressive, unmistakably dominant.
The Basilisk emissary hissed softly. "The Vex family meddles where it shouldn't."
Seraphine stepped between them. "He's under my House's observation."
Elias blinked. "Your… House?"
Seraphine didn't look at him. "Go. Now."
Elias hesitated, then slipped away as the two serpent‑blooded nobles stared each other down.
He didn't know what frightened him more:
The Basilisk emissary's interest.
Or Seraphine's protection.