In the grip of Elements

Chapter 7

The first rays of dawn slipped through the cracks in the shutters, coaxing me awake. Today felt different—a strange mixture of excitement and unease simmered beneath the surface, nudging me to get up early. Glancing over at my still-sleeping roommates, I tiptoed outside, where the cool morning breeze swirled through Elerest.

As I wandered around, I heard hushed voices behind a thicket of trees. Curious, I moved closer, careful to stay hidden.

"...more frequent than usual, and they're not supposed to question their elements," one voice said—a voice that sounded oddly familiar. I strained to listen.

The second voice replied, "And the alterations... No one should have such access to their abilities. It messes with the Order."

My pulse quickened. Alterations? my mind raced, recalling how unnatural my test had felt, how it seemed to break from the rigid routine everyone else experienced. Who were they talking about? And what did they mean by alterations?

A sudden rustling interrupted my thoughts. I ducked behind a tree as two figures emerged from the shadows. Recognizing one as a high-ranking official, my heart pounded—there was no mistaking it now. This was a conversation about The System, and it was far more than I'd imagined.

My curiosity was interrupted by a quiet, firm voice. "What are you doing here?"

I whipped around to find Orion's piercing gaze on me. My heart jumped, but I took a breath and motioned for him to follow her away from the voices. Once we were a safe distance away, I started explaining in hurried whispers, sharing everything I'd overheard.

Orion's expression was unreadable, but I could sense the tension in his posture. "I've been suspicious of The System for a while," he murmured, his voice low. "They tightly control which element we're given, what powers we're trained to use... It's about more than just order. It's about control."

"What do you mean?" my voice quivered, a mix of fear and indignation rising within me.

"The System has ways of modifying abilities. Adjusting them, even blocking some from manifesting fully," he explained, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "But they're also hiding something bigger. The existence of the Outcasts, for one. The rumors are real."

My eyes widened. "The Outcasts? So they really exist?"

"Not only do they exist, but they've seen through The System's lies. That's why they were cast out," he said quietly, a heavy sadness in his eyes. "The leaders here keep tight control, but the Outcasts refuse to stay hidden any longer. Aella, I should've told you this when we first discovered it, but you're one of them too."

The weight of his words settled over me. "I'm.. I'm what?."

Orion's gaze softened as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "The main thing about the Outcasts is that they're able to use all elements. Just like you."

"Why didn't you tell me!" I asked, taking a small step away from him.

"I thought it would be safer," he explained, his face full of regret. "They hunt them Aella. They're forced to live in the shadows, away from everyone else. Over the years, they've tried to bring The System down. Using every chance they get. I didn't want you getting involved in something so dangerous."

"How do you know all of this? You've only just became an instructor, there is no way they already told you all of this," I asked him, suspision rising in me.

Orion's gaze shifted, his jaw tightening. "Because I've been part of this longer than you think, Aella."

A strange chill settled over me as I watched his expression, a barely-hidden storm brewing behind his eyes. "What do you mean?" My voice was sharp, demanding.