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After Master Ashley vanished in a flicker of firelight, silence settled over the chamber.
I stood slowly, muscles still sore from the trial, but a calm warmth hummed through my core. It wasn't the kind of fire that raged out of control—it was steady now. Centered. Like it finally knew where it belonged.
I walked out of the temple, the cool evening air brushing against my skin. The academy grounds were quieter than usual. Most students were either in class or winding down for the night. I kept my head down, my steps light as I headed back toward the dorms.
That peace didn't last long.
A shadow stepped into my path near the central courtyard.
"Kingston" the voice said coldly. "Took you long enough to show your face."
I didn't have to look up to know who it was.
That arrogant voice it could only be him, my once living nightmare
Jaden.
He stood with his arms folded, his posture perfect, chin slightly raised like he thought the stars owed him tribute. Two of his cronies stood behind him, wearing the same smug expressions they always did—like they knew they had backup.
I kept walking, unbothered.
"Hey!" he barked. "I'm talking to you."
I paused. Turned. Met his eyes.
"I heard you the first time," I said calmly.
His eyebrows rose, clearly not expecting me to speak so evenly. "You've changed," he muttered, stepping closer. "Got taller. Hair's different. New attitude too. You think a glow-up makes you a threat?"
I didn't answer right away. Just watched him.
"You done?" I asked finally.
That caught him off guard. A muscle in his jaw twitched.
"You think you can humiliate my sister and get away with it?" he snarled, stepping closer.
I met his gaze. "She humiliated herself. I just responded honestly."
"You weren't even worth her time before," he hissed. "You were just a rat scurrying through this academy—barely surviving."
"Then why are you so bothered now?" I said, calm and sharp.
His eye twitched.
That's when I saw it—not just anger.
Jealousy.
He hated what I'd become.
I was taller. Stronger. Radiating power. My presence alone drew attention now.
I reminded him of everything he wasn't.
"I should've let that Wolion finish you," he growled. "Remember that? Locked you in the east wing's beast pit. You screamed for help for hours."
I clenched my fists.
I remembered.
The snarling creature. The Wolion's claws slashing through the dark. The hopelessness. The fear. The pain.
But I also remembered surviving.
Barely.
Because I refused to die.
"You did that," I said, voice low. "And yet, here I am—standing. While you're still here playing schoolyard tyrant."
"Last time we fought, I had you on the floor choking on your pride," he said, eyes narrowing. "Don't think I won't do it again."
I smiled slightly. "Then why haven't you?"
The words hung in the air like a challenge. Not shouted. Not barked. Stated.
Something shifted in his expression.
He wasn't used to this version of me. The one who didn't flinch. Who didn't rise to the bait. I could see the doubt behind his eyes now. Just a flicker—but it was there.
Jaden's aura flared, but mine answered without permission—a shimmering heat rising around me like steam off a volcano.
He felt it. He stepped back.
Just a step.
"You're scared," I said quietly. "You'd never admit it, but you feel it now. I'm not the prey anymore."
Jaden's glare narrowed. "We'll see in the tournament."
"I'm counting on it."
He stood there, fuming, jaw clenched tight—then turned and stormed off without another word.
And as he disappeared into the darkeness , I stood still, breathing slow.
The Wolion. The humiliation. All of it had been fuel.
Now?
I was the fire.
And soon, they'd all burn in it.
Calmly I kept on walking back to my Damien.
" Guess your new appearance really is eye shocking" Damien said chuckling.
" Yeah I guess " picking up the pace the night air did nothing to calm the raging storm inside the competition is in a Month and the selection begins in 2 weeks .
The academy grounds were quieter now. Sunset bled across the sky, bathing the walkways in hues of dying fire. My footsteps echoed softly as I made my way toward the dorms, the heat in my veins slowly cooling, though my body still thrummed with energy.
I passed a few students. Some turned to stare—whispering, wide-eyed. My name hung on their lips like legend, half-believed. Some stepped aside instinctively. Others just watched, unsure whether to salute me or run the other way.
But I ignored all of them.
I was tired.
Not just physically—but to my soul.
Reaching the dorm entrance, I keyed in my ID crystal, the door sliding open with a soft chime. I climbed the stairs two at a time, muscle memory guiding me through dim halls, until I reached my door.
I pushed it open, stepped inside—and let it close behind me with a quiet click.
Silence.
Sanctuary.
No wraiths. No flames. No spirits yelling in my head.
Just me.
I dropped my jacket on the chair. Toed off my shoes.
And collapsed on the bed.
The mattress groaned beneath me, but it felt like falling into clouds.
I stared up at the ceiling, watching the fan rotate in slow circles. My mind, for the first time in hours, began to slow.
What a day.
First the transformation—white light, power surging like a storm.
Then meeting Ashley, who revealed himself not just as a master, my master —but as the Fire God.
The training. The pain. The victory against the Flame Wraiths.
Then the encounter with Joan. Her flirtation. My rejection. The stunned silence of everyone around her.
And Jaden.
The way his pride cracked when he saw me.
The threat in his eyes.
The memory of the Wolion… and the darkness I crawled out of alone.
My fists clenched softly against the mattress.
I'd come far.
But this was just the beginning.
Damian stirred faintly in my mind, quiet for once. Even he seemed to understand this moment wasn't for words.
I exhaled slowly, sinking deeper into the sheets. My muscles ached, my skin still warm with ember traces from the divine flame.
I didn't know what tomorrow would bring—more training, more enemies, more pressure—but for now?
I let it all go.
Closed my eyes.
And slept like a warrior who had finally earned his rest.
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