BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 39: The Gathering of the Titans (2)

The Assembly Begins

The grand chamber was silent, save for the flickering of torches along the walls. The round table at the center was filled with the strongest first-years, each seated in their designated spots.

This was no ordinary meeting. It was a gathering of those destined to shape the future of the academy—and perhaps, the empire itself.

Kael Veyrin leaned back in his seat, his black-and-crimson uniform marking him as a first-year of House Veyrin. His victory over Leonel Faelthorne had earned him a place at this table, but he knew it wasn't enough. He had to prove himself again.

Seated next to him, Cassian Duskbane smirked, platinum-blonde hair slightly messy, silver eyes filled with amusement. "Big crowd, huh?" he muttered.

Across the table, Lucian Eldoria, the Crown Prince, sat with an air of quiet authority. His white-and-gold uniform was embroidered with intricate dragon patterns, signifying his royal status.

To Kael's right sat Evelyne Grimthorne, dressed in the first-year black-and-gray uniform of House Grimthorne. She was relaxed, but her deep brown eyes carried a competitive glint.

And then there was Selene Duskbane.

Unlike Cassian, she sat further away, her arms crossed, her sharp silver eyes locked on Kael for just a moment before she looked away. Her dark academy robes had a deep midnight-blue tint, symbolizing her family's connection to shadow and foresight.

Kael had always found her hard to read. She never seemed to acknowledge him too much, never openly showed interest—but he often caught her watching him from a distance, only to pretend she wasn't.

Darius Zephyrion, leaning back lazily in his chair, chuckled. "So, are we here to talk, or are we here to fight?"

Elias raised a hand, silencing the murmurs.

"This academy will shape the future rulers, generals, and champions of Eldoria," he said. "The noble houses expect us to lead, to dominate. But as you all know, bloodline alone isn't enough to survive here."

Darius smirked. "Some would disagree."

Elias met his gaze. "Then they'll fall behind. I'm not here to play politics. I want to see who among us is truly strong enough to stand at the top."

Cassian leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. "Sounds fun. But how do we decide that?"

Elias' golden eyes gleamed. "A tournament. Among the strongest first-years. Only those worthy will stand in the top ranks by the end of it."

The room fell silent.

A tournament among the best first-years would decide their early hierarchy. The weak would be crushed. The strong would rise.

Evelyne cracked her knuckles. "Good. I was getting bored."

Kael exchanged a look with Cassian, who grinned.

Magnus Grimthorne, Evelyne's older brother and a third-year, finally spoke from where he stood near the back, arms crossed.

"You first-years better not embarrass yourselves." His sharp gaze landed on Evelyne. "Especially you."

Evelyne rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine, Magnus."

Cassian nudged Kael. "Think you'll win?"

Kael smirked. "I don't plan on losing."

Across the table, Selene scoffed lightly, shifting in her seat. She didn't say anything—but her fingers tapped against the table, a subtle sign that she was paying close attention.

She didn't want to acknowledge him openly, but Kael caught the flicker of something in her silver eyes—a flash of quiet concern.

Before he could think too much about it, Elias spoke again.

"The tournament begins in three days." He stood, his presence commanding. "Prepare yourselves. This will be the first step toward proving who among us is truly worthy."

As the meeting ended, Kael rose from his seat, feeling the weight of expectation settling on his shoulders.

The strongest students in the academy had gathered. Now, it was time to see who truly stood at the top.