Chapter 6 CHAPTER SIX
AERIS
It wasn’t until Captain Neris returned that the selection truly resumed.
The great hall had grown restless by then…fifty of us standing in uneasy silence, our nerves fraying in the thick air of anticipation. Whispers fluttered through the crowd, half-formed speculations about the Grand Sovereign’s sudden appearance and disappearance.
When Neris appeared again, the room fell silent at once. He moved with the calm precision of someone who never needed to raise his voice to command obedience. He leaned toward Captain Nyra, murmuring something too low for anyone else to catch. Her expression tightened..hesitant and conflicted but after a heartbeat, she gave a reluctant nod and stepped back.
Captain Neris turned to face us, his silver-lined cloak brushing the marble floor as he spoke.
“Welcome,” he began, his tone measured, cool, and echoing through the hall, “to Aetherian Academy.”
His gaze swept over us like a blade, sharp and assessing.
“The purpose of this Academy is simple…but vital. We are the guardians of Virelia. The first line of defense between this realm and the forces that wish to see it burn. Every knight trained here carries a duty that outweighs their life. Your magic, your will, your body,these are not yours alone. They belong to the realm.”
He paused, letting the words sink in.
“You will be tested by your captains,” he continued. “Guided only by your instincts and your strength. This place will demand everything from you and then more.”
A faint, grim smile curved his mouth. “If you think you’ve already survived the worst, think again. You’ve only crossed the Veil. The true trial begins now.”
A ripple of unease passed through the recruits.
I swallowed hard, keeping my expression neutral.
“From this moment forward,” Neris said, “you will be divided into squads. Each squad will be led by one of the five captains…your mentors, your commanders, and, when needed, your executioners. Listen to them. Learn fast. Adapt faster.”
He started down the dais steps, his boots striking clean, deliberate echoes.
“And one last piece of advice—” His voice dropped lower, colder. “Do not make friends. Attachment is a luxury you cannot afford here. And most importantly—”
He stopped, glancing over his shoulder.
“Try not to die.”
A few nervous laughs rippled through the hall. No one smiled for long.
With that, Captain Neris gave a short nod to Captain Nyra and strode toward the end of the hall, his cloak trailing like a spill of silver mist.
Captain Nyra stepped forward again, her tone brisk and commanding.
“Each of you will belong to one of five divisions within the Aetherian Order,” she announced. “Your squads will be your lifelines, your families. You will fight beside them, bleed beside them, and if fate wills it,die beside them.”
Her gaze swept over us, pausing briefly on me before sliding away.
“The first division…The Golden Lynx,” she continued, her tone softening slightly.
She was their captain,of course she was.
Names began to echo through the hall, each one followed by a murmur of reaction. Some students looked ready to faint with excitement, others with dread.
It wasn’t surprising when I heard Kaelia’s name among the first.
My sister stepped forward, her posture flawless, chin tilted just high enough to catch the light. Her golden insignia shimmered as it formed against her sleeve…a mark of excellence before she’d even taken her first command.
Of course it was her. It was always her.
The selection continued. Names called. Students stepping out. Each squad forming their lines..The Silver Hounds, The Iron Fangs,The Shadow Foxes. One by one, they were chosen.
Until only one squad remained.
“The final division,” Nyra announced, her tone cooling into something almost reverent, “The Storm Owls…guided by Captain Neris himself”
I braced myself as the parchment in her hand glowed once more.
Names rolled through the hall.
One after another.
Then—
“Aeris Thalorian.”
The sound of my name snapped through the air. For a heartbeat, I froze. My pulse stuttered against my ribs, but I forced myself to step forward.
I joined the forming line of Storm Owls, trying to ignore the way Kaelia’s gaze followed me…curious, unreadable, maybe even amused.
A few more names followed mine…stronger students, more confident, their auras humming faintly with power. And then—
“Rhea Valen.”
My head lifted before I could stop it.
There she was. The girl from the Veil. Her silver hair caught the light as she stepped forward, her expression calm but familiar. Relief tugged quietly in my chest before I could stop it.
She turned when I approached, recognition flickering in her eyes before her lips curved into a small smile.
“Hey,” she said softly. “Guess fate likes pairing us up.”
“Guess so,” I replied, my voice quieter than I meant it to be.
“Thanks, by the way,” she added. “For what you did back there… during the crossing.”
I shrugged, heat crawling up my neck. “You are welcome. I'm glad we survived”
“Yes.” Her grin tilted, playful. “But I owe you one.”
Before I could respond, Captain Neris’ voice cut through the hall again.
“Storm Owl..follow the attendant to your quarters. You begin orientation at dawn. Do not be late.”
We fell into step behind one of the academy attendants…a woman draped in navy robes lined with faint runic light.
The corridors of Aetherian Academy stretched endlessly, walls carved from pale stone that shimmered faintly with enchantments. I caught glimpses of moving portraits, floating crystals, and sigils pulsing in time with unseen magic.
When we reached our assigned wing, the attendant stopped before a long corridor lined with arched doorways.
“Two per room,” she said curtly. “Your names are inscribed on the seals. Unpack. Rest. Training begins at first light.”
And with that, she vanished in a flicker of runelight.
Rhea nudged me lightly with her elbow. “Roommates?”
I glanced at the seal on the nearest door…our names etched in glowing script.
Aeris Thalorian. Rhea Valen.
I nodded, pressing my palm to the glowing seal. The door shimmered and opened with a quiet sigh of magic, revealing a wide chamber lined with two bunks, trunks, and a single large window overlooking the storm-lit mountains beyond.
“Looks like it,” I said, managing a small smile.
“Good,” she said, pushing the door open. “Because if we’re going to die here, I’d rather do it next to someone who doesn’t look completely unhinged.”
I almost laughed.
Almost.
Instead, I followed her in, closing the door softly behind us as the sounds of the hall faded away.
For the first time since crossing the Veil, I allowed myself to breathe.
But even then, deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the storm was only just beginning.