Blade institute: the unseen prophecy

2

2

I wake up the next morning with a throbbing headache, the remnants of last night's memories sticking to my mind like cobwebs. After a quick shower, I slip into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, something simple and comfortable. I decide to curl my hair—a little distraction from the dark circles under my eyes that no amount of foundation can fully conceal. Once I'm somewhat presentable, I grab a juice and a bagel from the kitchen and head to the Institute's meeting room.

Most of the team is already there, with just a few stragglers filtering in. I spot Ethan and Sam sitting together, with an empty chair beside them, and make my way over.

Ethan greets me with a grin that's entirely too chipper for this hour. "Good morning, Sunshine. You sleep off whatever demon was haunting you last night?"

I roll my eyes but can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "Barely. But thanks for the concern, Dr. Phil."

Sam smirks, giving me a once-over. "You do look a little better, but I'd still recommend avoiding mirrors for a bit."

"Gee, thanks," I shoot back, taking the seat beside them. "So, what's the gossip this morning? Anything juicier than my terrible sleep?"

"They say the new recruit just arrived," Ethan whispers, leaning in like he's about to spill the secret of the century. "He should be with the headmaster any minute."

Sam, not one to be left out, chimes in, "And by the way, I may have stayed in Ethan's room last night." She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively, though her tone is mostly playful.

I snort. "Oh really? Guess we're skipping the subtle hints and jumping straight to the good stuff."

Ethan grins, leaning back with an air of exaggerated confidence. "What can I say? I've got the charm."

"Charm?" I quirk an eyebrow, giving Sam a side glance. "Did you hit your head? Should I be concerned for your safety?"

Sam giggles, clearly enjoying the banter. "Let's just say he's still got some work to do."

Ethan's face falls into mock dismay. "Ouch, Sam. Right in the ego. You've wounded me."

"I think your ego can take it," I laugh, nudging him with my elbow. "But you better make your move before someone else does."

Before Ethan can retort, the headmaster strides into the room, his mere presence snapping us all to attention. The room goes quiet, and we all straighten in our seats. There are about twenty of us gathered, the air thick with anticipation. His voice booms as he begins to address the group, his tone sharp and unyielding. He talks about last night, the casualty we suffered, and how we need to be better. His dissatisfaction is palpable, weighing on us like a heavy blanket.

Just as he finishes, the door swings open, and a man steps in. He's striking—black hair, red eyes, and a muscular build that practically exudes strength. He scans the room, avoiding direct eye contact, his presence commanding attention.

The headmaster turns to introduce him. "This is our new recruit. He's been serving the Blade Institute for four years, with a year's break due to personal matters. Please welcome Rian Blackwood."

The name sends a ripple through the room, a murmur of voices rising in disbelief. I'm jolted out of my own thoughts by the sudden uproar. Shouts of protest and surprise ripple through the crowd, voices demanding how we could let him in after what happened with his brother. Confusion twists in my gut—I don't understand what they mean.

I turn to Ethan for answers, and he looks as shocked as I feel. He leans in, his voice low and tense. "It's Liams brother."

My breath catches. Liam—who turned into a demon and slaughtered their parents. And Rian... Rian was there for the whole thing. The weight of that revelation settles heavily, and we all turn to Rian, who stands at the front of the room, his face a mask of calm despite the chaos around him.

The room erupts in chaos, but the headmaster quickly shouts over the noise, "Quiet down!" His voice is commanding, and the room falls silent. He glares at us, making it clear that this isn't up for debate. "It isn't up to any of you," he says firmly. "Rian's here for the right reasons, and that's all that matters."

I can barely focus on his words. My mind drifts back to what I heard a year ago about Rian's brother. He's the reason we have to be so careful with our magic now, the reason we're forbidden from experimenting or pushing our limits. The Institute barely teaches us how to control our powers, keeping us on a short leash. Each of us has a unique magic, marked by the distinct color of our eyes. Mine allows me to bring light, sometimes move from place to place with just a thought, and a few other abilities I haven't practiced in a while.

The headmaster's voice fades into the background as I remember the fear that spread like wildfire after Liam's transformation. It's why we're all so restrained now, why they look at Rian with suspicion and fear.

My thoughts are interrupted as the meeting concludes. Everyone rises, making their way out of the room. As they pass Rian, most don't even look at him; some give a curt nod, but nothing more. He stands there, silent and still, like a storm contained within a calm exterior.

I can't help but wonder what he's thinking—what it must be like to carry that kind of burden. But I don't approach him. Not yet.