Page 5 of Tempest Rising

He underscored the responsibility that came with magical abilities, urging mages to use their powers wisely—fire mages to prevent wildfires, water mages to avoid disrupting ecosystems, and plant manipulators to conserve resources. "Nature is a delicate balance to respect, not exploit," he reminded us, his tone firm. "Magic is a tool, not a crutch. Your actions must leave minimal trace, even in survival's gravest moments."

As the lecture portion neared its end, Aelar paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Now," he said, his voice taking on a challenging edge, "we put theory into practice. On Wednesday you will be expected to put everything you've absorbed here into practice."

I tensed beside Tess, my instincts already telling me we weren't going to like what came next. Even Draven, with his casual stance, shifted slightly as if sensing the impending challenge. Kane's jaw tightened, his sharp blue-violet eyes gleaming with interest, always ready for a test of wits and strategy.

"You will report here at 0600," Aelar continued, pacing slowly in front of the bench semicircle, "fully prepared for a survival exercise that will last from Wednesday morning through Friday morning."

A low murmur spread through the group, but a heavy silence followed almost immediately when Aelar raised his hand.

"You will be excused from your other classes during this time," he said, his gaze locking onto a few students who had started whispering amongst themselves. "This is not optional. Complaining about it will not change the fact that you will be out there for two full days… with no outside aid."

Tess swallowed beside me, and I instinctively brushed the back of my hand against hers—a fleeting touch, but enough to ground myself in the fact that I'd be there with her, no matter what we faced.

"You’ll be grouped into teams of four," Aelar continued. "Team assignments will be randomized, and each team will be dropped off at separate locations some distance away from the Guild. Your objective is to survive and make your way back here by Friday morning, 0800." His lips curled into a thin, almost cruel smile. "With as few injuries as possible."

I could sense Tess’s resolve, even as the tension radiated off her like heat from sunlit stone. Her breaths were measured, her gaze fixed forward, and while a flicker of doubt lingered in her posture, it wasn’t fear that I saw—it was readiness. Tess didn’t back down, not from this, not from anything. She was too damned strong for that, too damned stubborn.

I leaned in slightly and whispered, low enough for only her to hear, "We’ve got this."

She met my eyes, her brow tightening just a fraction before she nodded, her jaw set in quiet determination. Tess might not have spoken her mind, but the fire in her eyes made it clear—she wasn’t just standing here to prove something. She was ready to rise to the challenge.

Aelar's voice cut through my thoughts. "You will have your basic supplies—water skins, knives, etc.—and nothing more. You’ll need to forage for food, build your shelters, and navigate back to the Guild." His eyes flicked to the mages scattered among us, as if daring anyone to call him out. "You will be allowed to use your abilitiessparingly—for survival purposes only. But every use of magic will have consequences."

Next to me, Tess’s fingers twitched. I wanted to reach out, wanted to pull her into the safety of my arms and promise her that nothing would happen, but I knew better than to cross that line right here, right now.

Aelar gave us all a long, measuring stare before adding, "The wilderness is unpredictable. And so is this exercise. Stay prepared. Stay alert. And remember… not all hazards come from the elements."

With that, he turned and began walking toward the exit. The other "guests" followed. None of us moved for a moment, a thick silence hanging over the group.

Kane was the first to speak, breaking the tension with a low chuckle. “Looks like we’re in for a fun little trip.”

I let out a slow breath, glancing around the crowd of applicants as they started murmuring amongst themselves. My eyes naturally scanned the faces, cataloging who I trusted, and more importantly, who I didn’t.

A few feet away, Valen was grinning like a predator who’d just found his next meal. His fangs glimmered under the sunlight, and I had to fight the urge to crack my knuckles. Selena stood nearby, her eyes gleaming with that same cruel amusement she always wore around Tess. They’d already bullied Tess—what would they do if they were alone in the wilderness with her?

I could feel the stone beneath my skin pulse, a familiar sensation of readiness to shift, to protect. I didn't know what I'd do if I wasn't able to keep her safe.

Chapter 3

Kane

"Survival Challenge," Mason said, his deep voice rumbling as he knelt to adjust the strap on his boots. "They’re making it sound like it’s going to be a bloodbath."

Tess tilted her head, a faint crease forming between her brows. "Define ‘bloodbath.’ You’re not just talking about magic combat simulations, are you?"

Mason flashed her one of his rare smiles. "Trust me, Tess. It's not that kind of bloodbath. But they’re definitely looking to push us hard. Fewer candidates, fewer risks."

My voice slid in before Mason could elaborate further. "The Survival Challenge is meant to sort the capable from the expendable. It’s designed to test improvisation, resilience, and teamwork. If you can’t adapt, you’re a liability in the field."

"Good pep talk," Tess quipped, brushing an errant strand of hair behind her ear. Her sarcasm was a fragile shield, and though it amused me, I understood its purpose. She was processing the weight of what was to come. Always thinking, always finding a way to shape her apprehension into resolve. "So, basically, don’t die and try not to screw over your team. Got it."

I inclined my head. "That would be a good start."

Her smirk faltered, her expression softening to something thoughtful. She opened her mouth to speak, but then her gaze drifted, faraway and unfocused, the familiar look of someone in communication with their dragon.

"Thalon wants to train," Tess said finally, her voice rich with a quiet awe that she couldn’t quite keep out. Her dragon had that effect on people. On her, it was transformative. The faint glow in her golden-brown eyes as she said his name was something others noticed. Something that made her stand apart.

"I’ll come with you to the Annex," Mason said instantly, brushing his hands on his pants as he rose. His tone was casual, but there was no mistaking the protective edge underlining his words. Tess threw him a smile, one of those rare ones that lit up her whole face, and nodded.

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