Page 30 of Tempest Awakening

"Be alert, blend in, and call you if anything feels off," Kali finished, the ghost of a smile touching her lips. "I know, Mason. I'll be fine."

I nodded, trying to ignore the knot of worry in my gut. As Kali headed off to catch her bus to Drakehaven, I turned towards the Dragonne Library, steeling myself for another day of training. The path to becoming a Dragon Rider was grueling, but if it meant a better future for Kali, I'd face any challenge head-on.

???

As I approached the main path, I spotted Kane waiting at our usual meeting spot. His white hair stood out against the lush greenery, and his posture was as rigid as ever. Despite his aloof demeanor, Kane was one of the few people I trusted in this place.

"Morning," I grunted, falling into step beside him. My mind was already racing ahead to the day's training, calculating how to maximize every moment.

Kane nodded in acknowledgment. "Kali get off to school alright?"

"Yeah," I replied, grateful for his subtle way of showing he cared. Our conversation was cut short as we rounded a corner and came upon a group of other applicants heading to class. I straightened my shoulders, reminding myself that every interaction was a potential assessment. I couldn't afford to show weakness.

I thought of the prestige that came with the title “Dragon Rider,” the way it could elevate not just me, but Kali too. We'd no longer be vulnerable outcasts, but respected members of the supernatural community. The political influence alone could ensure Kali's safety in ways I'd never been able to before. With that kind of power, I could make sure no one ever threatened us again.

It wasn't just about flying on a dragon's back; it was about securing a future where Kali could thrive, where we could both finally stop looking over our shoulders. That's why every moment, every interaction mattered. I couldn't let anything stand in the way of achieving that goal.

Selena Nightshade's laughter rang out, interrupting my thoughts. The Shadow Fae was holding court with her usual clique, her blue eyes glinting with malice. As we approached, her gaze locked onto us, her smile turning venomous.

"Well, if it isn't the mute giant and his royal handler," she called out, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

I felt Kane tense beside me but kept my own face impassive. Rising to Selena's bait would only waste valuable time and energy I needed for training.

"Shouldn't you be more focused on your studies, Nightshade?" Kane's cool voice cut through the tension. "Or are you planning to ride your sister's coattails to become a Rider?"

Selena's eyes narrowed, her perfect features twisting into a scowl. Before she could retort, a new voice joined the fray.

"Now, now, children. Play nice."

Valen Beaumont sauntered up, his pale skin practically glowing in the morning light. The vampire's red eyes swept over our group, a smirk playing on his lips.

"After all," he continued, "we're all friends here, aren't we?"

The sarcasm in his tone was palpable. I suppressed a shudder, remembering the rumors of Valen's sadistic tendencies.

"Friendship is earned, Beaumont," I found myself saying, surprising even myself with the words. I rarely engaged, but I couldn't let him think I was an easy target. Any perceived weakness could be exploited later in our training.

Valen's eyebrows shot up, his smirk widening. "It speaks! And here I thought you were just Kane's oversized shadow."

I felt a low growl building in my chest but swallowed it down. Getting into a confrontation now would only cause problems and potentially jeopardize my standing in the program. I couldn't risk that, not when Kali's future depended on my success.

As we continued our walk, I noticed Zara and Finn approaching. I'd only met them a month ago when I started the application process, but they seemed decent enough. Kane hadn't warned me away from them, which was a good sign – he usually had a keen sense for which Supes to avoid.

Zara, with her short blonde hair and quick wit, fell into step beside me. Finn, tall and lanky with an easy smile, joined on her other side. While I wouldn't call us close friends, their presence was a welcome buffer against Valen's hostility.

Their chatter about the rumored new training exercise caught my attention. Every piece of information could be crucial in my preparation.

"Did you guys hear about the new training exercise they're implementing next week?" Finn asked, his eyes alight with excitement. "Apparently, it's supposed to test our ability to think on our feet in high-pressure situations."

I felt my muscles tense involuntarily. Every new challenge brought us closer to the ultimate goal, but also closer to potential failure. Failure wasn't an option, not for me, not for Kali.

"I heard it involves some kind of magical obstacle course," Zara chimed in. "Rumor has it that it'll change based on each applicant's greatest fears."

Kane's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting. That would certainly separate the wheat from the chaff."

"You think you're ready for something like that, Mason?" Finn asked, glancing up at me.

I grunted noncommittally, not wanting to reveal my thoughts. Every challenge, every test was a stepping stone. I couldn't afford to show uncertainty.

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