Page 36 of Tempest Rising

"And survive themselves," Kane added, his tone carrying an edge of satisfaction. "The forest isn't exactly forgiving to those who waste energy on vendettas."

"Still," I muttered, "I wouldn't put it past them to—"

The sudden hush that fell over the gathering cut me off. Aelar had arrived.

The Dragon Rider Guild's instructor stood before us, his piercing blue eyes sweeping across the assembled applicants with calculated precision. Even in the dim morning light, his presence commanded attention, and the weight of what we were about to undertake suddenly felt very, very real.

The randomized team assignments were about to begin, and with them, our real test would start. I found myself holding my breath, unconsciously stepping closer to Mason as Aelar raised his hand for silence.

"Applicants," Aelar's voice cut through the morning air, "this challenge will test more than your physical endurance or magical prowess. It will reveal your true nature under pressure.

He continued, “The rules are simple. Your teams will be transported to separate locations within the wilderness. Your objective is to make it back to the Guild by Friday at noon."

Someone shifted nervously in the crowd. I felt Mason's steady presence at my back, grateful for his unwavering support.

"However," Aelar's voice took on a harder edge, "what you may not have known is that failure to return by the deadline as a team will result in immediate elimination from the Dragon Rider program."

The shock rippled through the gathering like a physical wave. My heart stuttered in my chest. Elimination? Everything we'd worked for, gone in an instant if we couldn't make it back in time?

"That's insane," someone's voice growled from somewhere to my left. "What about sabotage? Are we just supposed to let others take us out?"

Aelar's expression remained impassive. "Sabotage is permitted." His words sent another wave of murmurs through the crowd. "However, I would suggest focusing on your own survival instead of worrying about others. Your teams will be dropped in different regions, and hunting down other groups might prove... wasteful."

I caught Kane's slight nod from the corner of my eye. Of course he'd appreciate the strategic implications.

"Each team will receive basic supplies only—water bottles, knives, and a backpack." Aelar held up each item as he listed them. "As for your magic..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "While you may use your abilities, know that every magical act will come with... consequences."

The cryptic warning hung in the air like smoke. I could practically feel the tension radiating from the gathered applicants as they processed this information.

"Now," Aelar produced a scroll from his robes, "for the team assignments."

My fingers found Mason's arm without conscious thought, gripping it tightly. Please, please let us be together...

"Team One: Draven Loto, Anya Ravenspell..."

I squeezed Mason's arm tighter as Aelar continued through the list. Each name called that wasn't ours made my heart race faster.

"Team Three: Selena Nightshade, Valen Beaumont, Jareth..."

The predatory smile that crossed Selena's face made my stomach turn.

"Team Four: Tempest Whittaker..."

I held my breath.

"Mason Sharpe..."

Relief flooded through me so intensely my knees almost buckled.

"Kane Ellesar..."

Well, that was... complicated. But at least with Mason there—

"And Raze Ulrich."

I felt Mason relax slightly beside me at the mention of Raze's name. When I glanced up at him questioningly, he gave me a subtle nod that somehow managed to be reassuring.

"Raze is solid," he murmured, low enough that only I could hear. "Good in a fight, better in the woods."

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