Chapter 5: Faces of Power
The aftermath of the duel still clung to the air, the scent of burned magic lingering in the Council chamber. Joy could feel her pulse in her ears, her muscles taut as she waited for the Council’s judgment. After what felt like an eternity of silence, Wardell’s mother stood.
Her presence was unmistakable—tall, with hair that cascaded down her back like molten fire, each strand glowing with an almost ethereal light. She moved with a grace that was both commanding and intimidating, her eyes locked on Joy. Her name was Ember, and just like the element she wielded, her temper was quick to flare but slow to cool.
"Joy," Ember’s voice was steady, though her tone carried the weight of disappointment. "You’ve proven you can stand in the heat. But surviving isn’t the same as mastering your magic."
Joy swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet Ember’s gaze. Beside her, Zephyr stood still as stone, and Ash shifted uneasily, his fiery spirit dimmed by the tension in the room.
Ember continued, her attention shifting toward the rest of the Council. "Each of us," she gestured with an open palm, "holds responsibility over this realm’s future. We don’t have the luxury of half-measures." Her eyes flicked to Wardell, her son, who had retreated to the side of the chamber, glaring daggers at Joy.
Next to Ember, a man who was her mirror in every way stepped forward. His hair blazed the same fiery red as hers, but his expression was more relaxed, though no less intense. He was Pyros, Ember’s twin brother, and though his demeanor was less stern, the power he held was unmistakable. "The Council isn’t just here to test you," Pyros said, his deep voice carrying through the room, "but to guide you. And I, for one, believe in offering a little more patience than my sister." His grin was sharp, but it softened as he spoke to Joy and her friends. "You’ve got fire in you, Joy. Learn to control it, and no one will be able to stand in your way."
Joy felt a surge of hope at his words. Pyros had a reputation for being kinder than his sister, but that didn’t mean he was any less dangerous. She knew he wasn’t one to hand out compliments lightly.
Before Joy could respond, another Council member stood. His skin was darker, with features that hinted at an ancestry from far-off lands—perhaps from the southern reaches of the realm, or even beyond. His hair was thick and black, pulled back into a braid that hung down his back. His robes were decorated with intricate patterns, and when he smiled, it was a warm, genuine smile that immediately set Joy at ease.
"I am Ravi," he said, his voice smooth like a river. "And I must say, watching you three tonight was inspiring." His eyes gleamed as he spoke, and though the Council had an air of formality, Ravi’s presence felt like a comforting warmth in a cold room. "We’re here not just to critique, but to nurture. You’ve come far, and you’ll go farther still. Don’t be discouraged by today." He nodded to Ash, Zephyr, and finally Joy, his smile growing. "I look forward to seeing what you all become."
Ash exhaled deeply beside her, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Ravi had that effect on people.
Joy turned her attention to the remaining members of the Council, wondering what they would say. Another man, tall and gaunt, with cold gray eyes and sharp, angular features, observed them from his seat, but he did not speak. His magic was less about fire or light, and more about the cold shadows of the unknown. Joy had heard rumors about him—how his power came from the deep, untapped recesses of the world. His name was Varin, and though he remained silent, his gaze alone was enough to send a chill through the room.
Next to Varin sat Liora, a woman with a delicate appearance, though Joy knew better than to underestimate her. Liora’s magic was of the earth, the stones and plants that grew beneath their feet. Her auburn hair was braided with vines, and her green eyes watched them with a quiet intensity. She said nothing, only nodding slightly when Joy met her gaze.
