Chapter 11: Unveiling Truths
Wardell stood in the grand hall of his family’s estate, his fiery red hair ablaze in the dim light as he waited impatiently for his uncle, Pyros, and his mother, Ember, to appear. The summon had been sudden, and he knew it was serious. His mother rarely called him for a meeting, and his uncle—King of the Magic Realm—was even more elusive. He felt the weight of the moment but couldn’t shake his irritation.
Moments later, Pyros appeared first, his regal presence filling the room. His crimson robes trailed behind him as he strode forward, his eyes sharp and unreadable. Despite his kingly aura, there was something undeniably calculating about him. Ember followed, her own presence more restrained but no less commanding.
“Wardell,” Pyros said, his voice low and authoritative. “We need to discuss your recent behavior.”
Wardell folded his arms, his brow furrowing. “What behavior?”
Ember stepped forward, her eyes hard. “Your treatment of the half-human students. It’s becoming a problem.”
“They don’t belong here,” Wardell spat. “They’re not like us. Why are we even allowing them in the Council’s school?”
Pyros raised a hand, silencing his nephew. “That is precisely why I’ve called you here. You need to understand why they are here in the first place. There is a greater reason, one that you’ve been too blinded by your prejudice to see.”
Wardell’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t care about the Council’s reasons. They’re a threat to our traditions.”
Ember sighed but remained silent, letting Pyros continue.
“Listen carefully,” Pyros said, his voice dropping to a near-whisper, laden with authority. “The half-humans are here for a reason. They are more connected to the human world, yes, but that connection is not a weakness—it is a strength. The old witch stirring in the shadows knows something about them, something we need to uncover before she makes her move.”
Wardell scoffed. “So you’re saying we’re keeping them here to use them as bait?”
Pyros’ eyes flashed with annoyance. “No. We are protecting them because they may hold the key to something far more powerful than you can imagine. Their very existence is part of a larger plan, one that could change the balance between our world and the human one.”
Ember finally spoke. “Pyros is right. As much as I despise the idea of mingling our world with the human one, we cannot deny that there are forces at play here we don’t fully understand. We need them, Wardell, even if we don’t like it.”
Wardell clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath his skin. “So what? You expect me to just let them walk all over us, treating this place like it’s theirs?”
Pyros shook his head. “No. I expect you to stop your reckless behavior and act like the future leader you’re supposed to be. If you don’t, higher discipline will be enforced. If you’re not careful, you’ll lose everything. I’ve tolerated your tantrums long enough.”
Wardell stared at his uncle, feeling a mix of anger and confusion. Pyros wasn’t often one for reprimanding him, but there was a different intensity in his words today. For a moment, Wardell considered fighting back, but something in his uncle’s gaze made him think twice.
“I don’t care what your plans are,” Wardell muttered through gritted teeth. “I still don’t trust them.”
Ember stepped forward, her tone icy. “Trust is not the issue here, Wardell. Discipline is. If you cannot control yourself, I will be forced to take action. You are my son, but you are not above consequences.”
