News of Lysander's transfer to advanced classes spread through the Academy like wildfire. By midday, whispers followed him through corridors. Students who had previously ignored the "failed prince" now watched him with renewed interest—some curious, others wary, a few openly hostile.
"Is it true you're joining the third-year combat class?" Marcus asked as they shared a quick lunch in the courtyard.
"Apparently my Arcanum placement warrants specialized instruction," Lysander replied, repeating the cover story Thorne had crafted.
Marcus frowned. "That's unprecedented for a first-year student."
"So was an imperial prince being sent to the Academy as a regular student," Lysander countered with a wry smile. "I seem to be collecting unprecedented experiences."
Before Marcus could respond, three Arcanum students approached their table—Elara Silverwind, flanked by two others Lysander recognized as potential allies from his previous life: Julian Valerian, a distant cousin to House Valerian known for his diplomatic skills, and Sera Nightshade, a commoner admitted to the Academy for extraordinary magical aptitude.
"Prince Lysander," Elara greeted formally. "May we join you?"
Lysander gestured to the empty seats. "Of course."
Marcus shifted uncomfortably, clearly feeling out of place among Arcanum members. "I should go prepare for Practical Terra—"
"Stay," Lysander said firmly. "My roommate's input is always valuable."
The surprise on Marcus's face was quickly masked, but the gesture accomplished what Lysander intended—establishing that despite his rising status, he maintained loyalty to his connections.
"We've come with a proposition," Julian began once they were settled. His aristocratic features remained composed, but excitement glimmered in his pale blue eyes. "Arcanum tradition allows members to form study circles—small groups focusing on specialized magical applications."
"Most circles include only third or fourth-year students," Sera added, her common accent contrasting with Julian's refined tones. "But given your... accelerated placement, we thought you might be interested."
Lysander considered them carefully. In his previous life, he hadn't been invited to join any study circles until his second year, after his abilities had become more widely known. This early opportunity represented another deviation—a chance to build alliances sooner.
"What specific applications would this circle study?" he asked.
"Theoretical integration of diverse magical disciplines," Elara answered. "Julian specializes in diplomatic applications of Lumina. Sera has unprecedented Umbra control for someone without noble lineage. And I've developed methods to enhance magical output through technological means."
"An unusual combination," Lysander observed.
"Which would benefit from your emerging Anima talents," Julian said smoothly. "The rarest affinity, with applications across all magical disciplines."
So they knew about his Anima abilities—not surprising given Elara's monitoring. The question was how much else they knew or suspected.
"An intriguing proposition," Lysander said. "Though I wonder why you'd want someone still struggling with basic control."
Sera laughed, a sharp sound without humor. "Let's not pretend, Your Highness. The blocks on your magic are being systematically removed. Your power signature has changed twice in two weeks. Whatever game is being played, it's transforming you into something the Academy hasn't seen in generations."
Lysander glanced at Marcus, who appeared confused but remained silent. "You're remarkably well-informed."
"Information is currency at the Academy," Julian replied with a shrug. "Those who gather it effectively tend to advance."
"And your group seeks advancement?" Lysander probed.
"We seek understanding," Elara corrected. "The magical landscape of Valterra is changing. The Awakening incidents are increasing. Power structures that have stood for centuries are beginning to shift." She leaned forward. "We believe these changes are connected to whatever is happening with your abilities."
It was a dangerous conversation to have in public, even speaking in carefully coded terms. Lysander made a quick decision.
"I accept your invitation," he said. "On one condition—Marcus joins as well."
Everyone turned to Marcus, whose eyes widened in shock. "Me? But I'm in Terravian, not Arcanum. And my abilities are just standard Terra magic—"
"Are they?" Lysander interrupted gently. "Or is there more beneath the surface, waiting to be recognized?"
The question hung in the air, loaded with meaning. Marcus paled slightly as he realized the implication—Lysander knew about his hidden Drakos heritage.
"Terravian members are not typically included in Arcanum circles," Julian noted with a frown.
"Then this will be another unprecedented event in my growing collection," Lysander replied smoothly. "Marcus has insights that will prove valuable. His participation is non-negotiable."
After a moment of silent communication between the three Arcanum students, Elara nodded. "Very well. The circle meets tomorrow night in the East Tower's seventh-floor study room. Eight o'clock."
Once they departed, Marcus turned to Lysander, his expression a mix of confusion and wariness. "What was that about? Why include me in something clearly designed for exceptional talents?"
"Because exceptional talent takes many forms," Lysander answered. "Some obvious, some hidden beneath years of misdirection and suppression." He met Marcus's gaze directly. "Like the Ignis affinity you've been concealing beneath Terra training."
Marcus froze. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes, you do." Lysander's voice softened. "Your secret is safe with me, Marcus. Just as I hope mine is with you."
"How long have you known?"
"Long enough to recognize a potential ally when I see one." Lysander leaned closer. "The Academy is preparing us for a world that's rapidly changing. Old bloodlines, hidden talents, suppressed abilities—all of it matters less than what we choose to do with the power we have."
Marcus studied him for a long moment before speaking. "House Drakos would destroy my mother's family if they discovered I've been raised as a Thornwood."
"And the imperial family would react similarly if they knew the extent of what's happening to my magic," Lysander countered. "Which is why we both need allies who understand the value of discretion—and the power of shared secrets."
The first bell rang, signaling afternoon classes. Lysander gathered his books, feeling Marcus's considering gaze.
"Tomorrow night, then?" Marcus finally asked.
Lysander smiled. "Tomorrow night."
As he headed to his advanced Practical Combat class, Lysander mentally reviewed the rapidly evolving situation. A study circle with three influential students. Marcus cautiously accepting his invitation. Professor Thorne accelerating his magical education while Headmistress Vail tacitly approved.
Pieces were assembling faster than in his previous life, creating new opportunities and new risks. The magical fail-safes embedded in his blockage represented a danger he hadn't known about before—lethal measures placed by his mother and an unknown accomplice.
Yet even these revelations fed into his strategy. With each new alliance, each new discovery about his suppressed powers, he moved closer to becoming something his siblings couldn't predict or control—the wild piece on the board that would ultimately change the game entirely.
First, though, he needed to survive his first combat class with students three years his senior. Based on the hostile glances from Cassius Drakos's associates as he entered the training hall, that might prove challenging. But then, Lysander had never expected the path to power would be without obstacles.
He stepped onto the practice floor, ready to face whatever came next.