The Elementiels

Ch. 41: THE ELEMENTIELS

"My name... is Jack. Jack Griffith."

He closed his eyes for a moment and opened them back, revealing pale, green mixed with blue eyes.

A hush fell over the throne room.

Murmurs spread like wildfire through the gathered nobles, knights, and civilians.

"A Griffith? Did he say Griffith?"

"Those eyes... only belong to the bloodline," Counselor Charles said.

Anna's eyes widened. "He's... a Griffith?!"

The king, however, remained calm. Slowly, a knowing smile formed on his face.

"Well... what an honor it is to have a Griffith among us. Please forgive the commotion. Everyone's simply surprised."

Jack gave a respectful bow. "It's no problem at all, Your Majesty." He then turned and walked back.

In the crowd, Mike leaned toward Ben. "That's an actual Griffith? Crazy."

Ben, arms crossed, muttered, "I've met him before, but I didn't realize... those glowing green eyes distracted me. Griffiths are known to have a unique eye color."

A group of female knights huddled together, cheeks flushed as they stared at Jack. "Oh my... he's so handsome."

One of them nudged Beatrix. "Isn't he?"

Beatrix's eyes lingered on Jack before she turned away, coughing into her fist as she fixed her hair. "I suppose... he is."

The king's gaze shifted to Jason. "And finally. Come forth, Jason Marquoid."

Jason hesitated for a brief moment before stepping forward.

With a warm smile, the king placed the medal around his neck, then held Jason's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Jason. Seeing how far you've come puts a smile on my face."

Jason's heart swelled at the words, but before he could respond, the king continued.

"How would you like... to lead this team?

Jason tensed. His fingers curled slightly as he looked back at his friends. Anna and Connor gave him reassuring nods.

Taking a deep breath, Jason faced the king once more. "Thank you, Your Majesty. But..." He clenched his fist. "I can't."

A hush fell over the room. All eyes were now on him.

Jason took a step forward. "That explosion during the battle? Dreagon didn't cause it. I did."

Commander Elijah's gaze sharpened as Jason continued. "Your Majesty, I'm simply not ready yet. I still have so much to learn. But luckily..." He turned, looking at Anna, Connor, and Jack. A small, confident smile crossed his lips. "I have friends and family who will help guide me until I am."

Anna beamed at him.

Jason turned back to the king. "Until then, I believe Jack should lead us."

Jack blinked, taken aback. "Me?"

Jason nodded. "He's more skilled and experienced than all of us. If anyone should lead, it's him."

Princess Emily watched Jason with newfound admiration, her cheeks faintly pink.

The king chuckled, nodding. "Perhaps I jumped to conclusions too soon. You're right."

He turned to Jack. "Well then, do you accept, Jack Griffith?"

Jack let out a slow breath before answering. "I'll do my best, Your Majesty."

The king grinned. "Then it is settled." He spread his arms wide. "Camelot! I present to you once more... THE ELEMENTIELS!"