The Brave Lions' dormitory felt like a forgotten fortress carved into the mountain's heart.
Warm torchlight flickered along red-marble halls, shadows dancing against walls that seemed to breathe. The air carried the scent of ancient stone and burning cedar. Runes etched in gold glowed softly over every archway, humming faintly as students passed—recognising those who belonged.
Avdhoot entered with the rest of the new Lions.
As he walked deeper into the Den, the runes along the walls brightened for a heartbeat when he passed, then dimmed again. An acknowledgement. Subtle, but undeniable.
A tall third-year Lion stepped forward, bronze insignia gleaming.
"First-years!" she called. "Welcome to the Brave Lions' Den. I'm Priya—House Prefect for first-year coordination."
She led them down corridors lined with crimson banners bearing the names of Lions long past. At the end stood massive carved doors depicting ancient battles, victories frozen in stone. Above them, a glowing Lion crest pulsed—a ward.
"This is the Lions' Common Room," Priya said, pushing the doors open. "Neutral ground. All years. All Lions."
The space beyond stole Avdhoot's breath.
A vast circular chamber stretched before them, its ceiling showing a living night sky—or an illusion so perfect it felt real. A massive fireplace burned without fuel, filling the room with steady warmth. Crimson couches clustered around low tables. Bookshelves towered along one wall. A small kitchen hummed quietly in another corner.
Older Lions studied, practised minor spells, or debated strategy. This wasn't just a room.
It was a heartbeat.
"Dormitories are beyond," Priya continued. "Private. Protected."
She gestured to the glowing Lion crests embedded in the corridor walls.
"Only Lions may enter. Other Houses won't be harmed—they won't pass."
Veer leaned close to Avdhoot, eyes shining. "Our own fortress."
Tara studied the wards thoughtfully. "Military efficiency. Community balanced with privacy."
Meira observed in silence, then met Avdhoot's gaze and nodded once.
⸻
The first-year boys' dormitory was circular, six beds arranged around a glowing central pillar. Trunks rested at the foot of each bed.
Veer immediately claimed space with dramatic flair.
Rohan stretched like he owned the room.
Arjun read quietly.
Kavi adjusted his robes nervously.
Ishaan sat cross-legged, eyes closed, already meditating.
Avdhoot unpacked last.
He placed the crystal shard into a small wooden box beside his bed. Warmth spread through his fingers.
"A keepsake?" Arjun asked softly.
Avdhoot nodded.
⸻
Dinner that night filled the Great Hall with noise and motion.
The four Houses sat in a diamond formation.
Lions laughed and called across the table.
Owls spoke in hushed, thoughtful tones.
Frost Serpents moved with deliberate precision.
Ember Fangs thrived in controlled chaos.
Raivan Duskmoor rose from the Serpents' table and crossed the hall.
"Tomorrow," he said calmly, "combined classes begin."
His gaze settled on Avdhoot.
"I wanted to see who I'd be training alongside."
A respectful nod. Then he was gone.
Veer exhaled. "That was… something."
Avdhoot didn't answer.
Across the hall, Kael Vorstin took his seat beside Raivan. Their exchanged glance held weight—hierarchy unclear, tension unmistakable.
When Kael's eyes found Avdhoot, conflict flickered across his face.
Then he looked away.
⸻
That night, the Academy hummed.
Stone. Air. Bone.
Avdhoot dreamed of fire and memory.
And this time, the fire spoke.
"I remember you, too."
The crystal burned with urgency.
A softer voice followed—older, sadder.
They're watching.
Avdhoot woke as dawn broke over the mountains.
Ash in the blood.
Lightning in the room.
And still—he stood.
For now.
[End of Chapter 5]