Under His Wings

Chapter 2: New Grounds

Bitter. That was the perfect word to describe how Tyler felt as he stood in the Elders' office, his nails already digging into his palms in an effort to stay calm before they had even uttered a single word.

"Tyler... You know why you're here, right?" One of the Elders -an almost fragile looking man named Hadrian but from whom Tyler knew he was anything but- asked while he sat up lazily in his armchair and reached for his cup of tea on the side table beside him.

Of course Tyler knew; and they knew he knew already as well; what was this useless question for, then? He stayed silent, not dignifying the people in front of him with an answer, just glaring at them.

"I guess it won't come as a shocking surprise to you then when I tell you that you failed the test once again. And that, consequently, you aren't allowed to leave the island yet."

No, it wasn't a surprise for Tyler, shocking or otherwise. The only thing that bugged him was that they'd made him come down here to give him those news that weren't news; both had been perfectly clear to him the second his body had given in during the test. He still made sure none of his thoughts showed on the outside, keeping his rigid and silent stance.

"Now, we are under the impression that you aren't really making an effort to pass this test. Lately more so than before..."

Tyler's rigid stance almost wavered as his jaw threatened to drop and rage boiled up inside him.

He wasn't making an effort?! There was nothing he wanted more in life than to get off this godforsaken island; and he knew he would only be allowed to do so if he passed the stupid test! He was working his ass off to pass and finally be free!! He had no words for the outrageousness that were the Elder's words, but it was probably for the better, anyway. It wouldn't matter what he had to say, they wouldn't believe him anyway, and it would certainly not make any difference.

"Don't you have anything to say regarding that?" Hadrian prompted, and despite knowing it wasn't wise to unclench his teeth for an answer, Tyler did so anyway.

"No, Sir. You already have your opinion about me; nothing I could say would change your mind anyway. Now, why am I here?"

A threatening growl sounded from the darkest corner of the room, where Tyler knew the third of the Elders liked to keep to the shadows, but it had been a long time since he'd last been intimidated by that. Disregarding that threat was probably not the wisest thing to do, either, but Tyler had never claimed to be wise, anyway.

"There is actually quite a list of reasons that we have to talk to you about, young Tyler..." The woman sat in the other visible armchair, Kaylein, spoke up for the first time.

She, too, succeeded in getting under Tyler's skin with the way she referred to him in that way that was supposed to make him feel inferior and remind him of his place here. But this time, Tyler managed to keep his mouth shut, even though he feared his teeth might start to crack under the pressure with which he clenched them.

"Your behaviour around here has never been one of the best, but what has come to our knowledge about you recently is unacceptable!"

Tyler could only just hold back from snorting humorlessly at the statement as he waited for her to continue.

"Disrespecting teachers and residents, harassing other Youngs and straight out bullying the Hatchlings! We can absolutely not condone that sort of behaviour! Everyone here is supposed to be able to feel they are in a safe and friendly environment where they can expect help with their struggles and not be punished or ridiculed for them!"