Heart of Elaria

chapter 4

It was five in the morning when my eyes snapped open to the sound of a horn being blown. For a moment I had forgotten where I was. I thought maybe it had all been a dream and I was going to wake up back in Ashen Kin. But reality set in, I wasn't in Ashen Kin anymore, and today is the day we begin the trials that will decide our fate.

I meet with the others in the mess hall for breakfast. The room buzzes with the sound of clattering dishes and hushed conversations as prospects from every faction fill the space, wering a mix of exhaustion and anticipation on their faces. As we eat, Fiora nudges my arm, pulling my attention away from my thoughts.

"Ready for today?" she says in a voice that is way to cheerful this early in the morning, her hazel eyes glinting with a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I murmured as if trying to convince myself. I force a smile on my face trying not to show the nerves. If I stay confident, they will too.

Across the table Jace laughs, the sound a little too forced. "I've read enough about these trials to know nothing can really prepare you for them." His amber eyes flicker with doubt, but he tries to keep up his confident facade for my sake.

Gideon, ever the practical one, leans back in his chair and crosses his arms. "No use overthinking it. We do our best, stick together, and we'll come out fine."

Malik raises his mug in a mock toat, his grin mischievous. " Or we crash and burn in a spectacular fashion, but at least we'll go out in style."

We all laugh at his words, but the weight of the day ahead presses down on me.

The room goes silent as Commander Valen approaches the podium. "Good Morning prospects, I hope all of you settled in and had a good night's rest because that is the last time you will ever be doing so. Your groups for today will be temporary until we make our final determinations. You will know by dinner tonight what your teams will be for the upcoming trials. For now these teams will be your companions through the trials, so you better learn to work together."

A group of instructors, dressed in matching black and gold uniforms, emerged from behind the stage, each holding a list. I swallowed hard, my heart thumping in my chest. Team assignments? I had hoped it would just be the five of us — me, Jace, Fiora, Gideon, and Malik. We were a unit, familiar with each other's strengths and weaknesses. The thought of being split up sent a wave of anxiety crashing over me.

One by one, names were called, and prospects were grouped together. Finally the stern woman from registration stood in front of us. Her eyes locked on to mine and there again was the strange sense of familiarity in those eyes. "Liora Vale, Ashen Kin; Iris Lane, Nocturne Guild; Sylas Woods, Verdant Expanse; and Kaelan Blackwood, Shadowborne," She announced.

We all stepped forward "these people are your new team, work together, trust each other, or don't; makes no difference to me. Now, please step aside so I can call the next group."

I.Was. Terrified. Jace must have seen it in my eyes because as I went to move, he grabbed my hand and squeezed. "You'll be fine. Show them what Ashen Kin are made of."

I nodded, taking a deep breath, though my mind raced. I glanced up and caught Kaelan looking at Jaces' hand locked in mine, his gaze drifting up my body, there was a flicker of recognition, as if he knew something I didnt't. but as his eyes met mine and he quickly looked away, expression unreadable. I stepped to the side with my new group and waited for everyone else to receive their assignments.

The woman continued on, "Gideon Forge, and Malik Brooks from Ashen Kin, you will be with Serephine Moore from Nocturne Guild, Thorne Knight from Nocturne Guild." They all stepped forward to form their new group and I could've sworn I saw Serephine check out Gideon.

"Fiora Chase and Jace Turner, Ashen Kin, you will be with Elysia Green from Verdant Expanse and Lirael Voss from Shadowborne. And finally, Rowan Archer, Verdant Expanse; Nox Reid, Shadowborne; Lyra Hart, Eldrin Wells, Kieran Black from Aetherium Circle.

I glanced down at the pendant resting on my chest, its warmth steady against my skin. I had no idea what lay ahead, but I could feel the weight of destiny settling in. Whatever trials awaited us, one thing was certain: my journey was just beginning.

As the last group was called, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Excitement mingled with apprehension, a palpable tension hanging in the air. I scanned the faces of my new teammates— each one a stranger, each one holding their own secrets and motives.

Commandr Valen stepped back up to the podium, his presence commanding immediate attention. "You have all been assigned to your teams for a reason," he began, his voice resonating through the hall. "These trials will test not only your individual skills but your ability to cooperate and trust one another. You may find your strengths complement one another in ways you never expected."

His words washed over me, a blend of reassurance and anxiety. Trust? How could I trust Kaelan, especially after the way he looked at me? His demeanor radiated danger, a stark reminder of the reputation of the Shadowborne faction— known for manipulation and dark magic. My thoughts were interrupted as the commander continued, "You will be taken to the arena shortly. There, you will face a series of challenges designed to assess your abilities, both mental, physical and elemental. Pay attention, adapt, and remember that the bond you forge here will be crucial in the trials ahead; for if you cannot bond with your own species, how do you expect to be able to bond with a dragon?"

The instructors began to usher us out of the mess hall, and I felt a rush of adrenaline. The weight of the pendant around my neck seemed to grow heavier with every step, as if it were urging me to embrace whatever fate awaited.

Outside, the sun was just rising, casting golden rays over the sprawling grounds of the academy. I caught a glimpse of the arena in the distance, its towering walls looming like a sentinel. As we approached, my heart raced at the sight of fellow competitors already preparing for their challenges.

I fell into step beside Iris, who was beaming with enthusiasm. "This is it! We're going t show them what we're made of!" she declared, her confidence infectious.

I forced a smile, but the knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. "Right," I replied, unsure if my own courage would hold up when it truly mattered.

As we reached the arena entrance, a loud horn echoed, signaling the start of the trials. Commander Valen stood before us, the fierce determination in his eyes igniting a spark of resolve within me.

"Welcome to the trials of the Dragon Rider Academy!" he bellowed, his voice booming. "Today, you will face your first challenge: the Obstacle Course of Elements. Prepare to navigate through fire, water, earth, and air. Your teamwork will determine your success."

I glanced at my new team, each of them wearing expressions of concentration and excitement. Kaelan's eyes were sharp, focused, betraying none of the thoughts swirling in my own mind. The way he had looked at Jace's hand in mine still echoed in my mind. Did he see me as a target or a rival? That flicker of recognition in his gaze stirred a deep seated fear within me. Could I trust him when everything I knew about his faction screamed deceit?

As the gates of the arena swung open, revealing the vibrant but daunting course ahead, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay beyond. This was my chance to prove myself— not just to the academy, but to my new teammates and, most importantly, to myself.

With a nod from Commander Valen, we stepped into the arena, ready to face the trials that would shape our destinies.