Voiceless Bird

Chapter 15

|| Day 3 Introductions ||

What I Was Thinking About?

~*~*~

"Protect her- that is your only mission." The soft voice whispered.

"What? Who are you?"

"Honour the Verner name, guard her with your life." It continued on, seemingly oblivious to the questions.

"Guard whose life? Answer me!"

"Do whatever it takes to ensure her safety..." The voice faded away, leaving nothing but silence behind.

~*~*~

I woke up the next day in a familiar bed but with very unfamiliar aches throbbing in my—well— everywhere. I blinked the sleep out of my eyes and almost groaned in pain when I scrambled out of bed, legs protesting against the strain.

Just how hard had Alistair pushed me yesterday? After trying, and failing, to dodge his attacks and getting bruises—that were 'perfectly harmless' according to him—Alistair had made me run multiple laps around the gigantic training grounds; claiming that I was 'out of shape' and had to be faster.

I wanted to bury myself under my blankets when I realised that I would have to deal with Alistair's 'training' again today. It was unfair that only I had to deal with him; the rest of the year opting to practice their powers instead—powers that I didn't have.

It was Day Three... I vaguely remember getting briefed on the events today, but the exhaustion from last night had rendered me unable to take in any information. I suppose I just had to ask Meraella about our schedule for today.

I got ready slowly and put on my normal uniform, contemplating whether or not to wear my sports uniform instead as training continued this afternoon. But if I was in my school uniform which was unsuitable for physical activity, maybe—just maybe—he might let me me off. Then again, if he hadn't let me off yesterday; wouldn't today.

A soft knock sounded, causing me to look questioningly at the door. I treaded over and swung it open. I was met with Meraella; looking like she had just stepped out of a fairy tale- again.

She was wearing the outfit that we used for formal events; a flowing white dress that brushed the top of her knees and a silver sash around her waist.

I had definitely missed something.

Meraella giggled, "Did you forget about what we have today?"

I stared blankly at her. My mind tried to recall our brief on today—but try as I might, I couldn't remember a thing.

"The Introductions are today," Meraella looked down at my casual uniform, "we're supposed to wear our formal uniforms."

Oh.

Now I remembered. The Introductions were a chance to meet and rub elbows with the Royals- the people—if we graduated—that we would one day work alongside. It was a bit like the Aureas Ball but slightly more casual and only for Royals and students. The Ball was more of a traditional celebration for the Aureas Tournaments where almost everyone was invited, while the Introductions was an event to talk to different Royals and leave a lasting impression.

A strange bell rung and Meraella looked at me sharply, "Oh no, you better hurry—that was the bell to get down to the Hall to begin the Introductions." She looked at me, then at the stairs; clearly unsure of whether to wait or go.