Page 73 of Tempest Awakening

I stepped forward, trying to channel some of that newfound confidence. "It's an honor to meet you, Headmaster," I said, hoping my voice didn't betray my nerves.

"Indeed, Ms. Whittaker," she said, her voice melodious yet commanding. "Welcome. I trust Instructor Blackwell has made you feel at home?"

I glanced at Theron, remembering our heated exchange in the hallway. "He's been... informative," I managed.

A hint of a smile played at Isolde's lips. "I'm sure he has." She gestured to the chairs in front of her desk. "Please, have a seat. We're just waiting on—"

The door burst open, cutting her off. A tall, imposing figure strode in, his very presence seeming to suck the warmth from the room. Lord Protector Silvius Ellesar. His piercing blue eyes swept over us, lingering on me with barely concealed disdain.

"Well, well," he said, his voice dripping with condescension, "our little human experiment has made it through her first day without causing a catastrophe. How... quaint."

I felt my cheeks burn, but before I could respond, Isolde spoke up.

"Lord Protector," she said, her tone respectful but with an undercurrent of steel, "thank you for joining us. We were just about to begin discussing Ms. Whittaker's unique situation."

Silvius waved a hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, the human who somehow bonded with a dragon. Quite the predicament you've landed us in, isn't it, Isolde dear?"

I watched as Isolde's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "It's certainly unprecedented," she agreed, "but also an incredible opportunity. As Moriyana pointed out when she recommended Ms. Whittaker join the applicants—"

"Ah, yes," Silvius interrupted, settling into a chair with regal grace. "The Grand Luminary's... progressive decision. Tell me, child," he turned those icy blue eyes on me, "did you find the big words in class too difficult to understand? Or perhaps you're still trying to grasp the concept of magic altogether?"

I felt a surge of anger, remembering my earlier conversation with Theron. Instead of shrinking away, I met Silvius's gaze. "Actually, Lord Protector," I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice, "I found today's class on Core Magic fascinating, even if I struggled with the practical aspects. As for the ethics, I'm looking forward to those discussions. After all, considering the implications of our actions is crucial in any field, magical or otherwise, don't you think?"

I couldn't believe I'd just said that to the Lord Protector. Where had that come from? But I held my ground, waiting for his response.

Silvius's eyebrows shot up. "Well, well," he drawled, "it seems our little human has some spark after all."

Before I could respond, Headmaster Northfall stepped in. "Indeed, Lord Protector. Ms. Whittaker's unique perspectivecould prove invaluable to our program." Her voice was smooth, diplomatic, but I sensed an undercurrent of steel. "Now, shall we discuss the matter at hand?"

"Yes, let's," Silvius said, leaning back in his chair. "I'm curious to hear how you plan to justify this... unprecedented situation, Isolde dear."

I watched as Headmaster Northfall's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at the patronizing tone. "As you're aware," she began, "Moriyana herself recommended Ms. Whittaker join the applicants after her dragon bonding. It's an extraordinary opportunity—"

"Extraordinary risk, you mean," Silvius cut in. "A human, untrained and unprepared, suddenly thrust into our world? It's reckless at best, dangerous at worst."

I felt Theron shift beside me, and when I glanced at him, I saw a muscle working in his jaw. Was he angry at Silvius's words, or did he agree?

Headmaster Northfall remained calm. "Which is precisely why Ms. Whittaker will undergo the same rigorous training as any other applicant. Her bond with the dragon Thalon is a fact we cannot ignore, Lord Protector."

Silvius's eyes narrowed. "Can't we? I propose we make this... bond conditional on her passing the applicant training. If she fails, the bond is broken."

The room went silent. I felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs. Break my bond with Thalon? The very thought made me feel physically ill.

"That's not possible," Theron spoke up suddenly, his voice tight with barely controlled emotion. "A dragon's choice has always been honored. Always."

Silvius turned his icy gaze on Theron. "Ah yes, Instructor Blackwell. I'd almost forgotten you were here. Tell me, how does it feel to be reduced to babysitting our little experiment here?"

I saw Theron's hands clench into fists at his sides, but his face remained impassive. "I follow the Grand Luminary’s orders, Lord Protector. As we all should."

Headmaster Northfall cleared her throat, drawing attention back to herself. "While I appreciate your concern, Lord Protector, breaking a dragon bond is not only unprecedented but potentially dangerous. However," she added, as Silvius opened his mouth to argue, "I do agree that we must consider the precedent we're setting."

She turned to me, her eyes softening slightly. "Ms. Whittaker, you must understand the gravity of your position. The Guild Trial in October will be crucial. It's designed as the first step in narrowing down our applicants. Only seventy percent of participants move forward in the process."

My mouth went dry. Only seventy percent would move on? That meant thirty percent failed. And I was starting with zero magical experience. The odds weren't exactly in my favor.

Silvius leaned forward, a glint in his eye. "I think I'll oversee the organization of this year's trial. To ensure it's... appropriately challenging for all applicants."

The emphasis he placed on "all" made it clear who he was really targeting. I fought to keep my face neutral, even as my stomach churned with anxiety.

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