The academy grounds buzzed with anticipation the next morning. Students gathered in clusters, their conversations a mix of excitement and nervous speculation about the newly announced Grand Legacy Trials.
Rynhara and Kaelira made their way to their first class, weaving through the throngs of gossiping students.
"Did you hear?" Kaelira asked, leaning in close. "Apparently, the trials are going to include everything—combat, magic, strategy as well as dancing and even social skills!"
Rynhara raised an eyebrow. "Dancing?Social skills? That'll be a bloodbath for some of these nobles."
Kaelira giggled. "You're not wrong. Can you imagine Prince Lucien trying to charm anyone? He's as charismatic as a wet sock."
"I'd pay to see that," Rynhara said with a smirk.
"I'll also pay to our royal highness dancing without destroying anything ".
"Hey! It was only one time!" Rynhara said embarrassed while she chided Kaelira.
Their first class of the day was Advanced Magical Theory. As they settled into their seats, their professor, a wizened elf named Professor Eldrin, entered with an unusually stern expression.
"Before we begin," Eldrin said, his voice cutting through the chatter, "I must address the elephant in the room—the Grand Legacy Trials."
The room fell silent.
"These trials are not merely an academic exercise," he continued. "They are a reflection of your potential to shape the future of our world. Success will bring honor and opportunity; failure... will be remembered."
Rynhara exchanged a glance with Kaelira. The weight of Eldrin's words was palpable.
"Now," Eldrin said, snapping his fingers. A glowing diagram of complex magical runes appeared in the air. "Let us begin. Today's lesson: the intricacies of multi-elemental spell casting."
As the lecture progressed, Rynhara couldn't shake the thought of the trials. The stakes were higher than she had anticipated, and she could feel the pressure mounting.
At lunch, Rynhara and Kaelira joined their usual table, only to find it unusually crowded. Several of their classmates had gathered, their expressions ranging from curious to conspiratorial.
"What's going on?" Rynhara asked, setting her tray down.
"Rumors," said Selene, one of the quieter students in their class. "About the first trial."
"What kind of rumors?" Kaelira asked, leaning forward.
Selene lowered her voice. "They say the first trial will be in a labyrinth... and that it's filled with ancient monsters."
"Labyrinths, huh?" Rynhara said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Sounds like fun."
"Fun?" Kaelira repeated, incredulous. "You're insane."
"Maybe," Rynhara said with a grin. "But I'm also ready to win."
As they left the lunchroom, a figure stepped into their path. It was Lyra, her usual icy demeanor softened by a faint smile.
"Rynhara," Lyra said. "A word?"
Kaelira looked between them, unsure whether to stay or leave. Rynhara nodded at her, and Kaelira reluctantly stepped aside.
"What's up?" Rynhara asked, crossing her arms.
"I wanted to congratulate you," Lyra said, her voice steady. "Your victory was... well-earned."
Rynhara blinked in surprise. "Didn't expect that from you."
Lyra shrugged. "I'm not so petty that I can't acknowledge a worthy opponent. But don't get comfortable. Next time, I'll win."
Rynhara smirked. "Looking forward to it."
That evening, Rynhara was summoned to a private meeting with the headmaster. She entered his office to find not only him but also several of the academy's senior staff and a few unfamiliar faces in elegant attire.
"Ah, Lady Drakethorne " the headmaster said, gesturing for her to sit.
"What's this about?" Rynhara asked, her gaze darting between the gathered figures.
"This," the headmaster said, "is an opportunity for you to understand the gravity of your position. The Grand Legacy Trials are not merely a test of your abilities but also a stage where alliances are forged and reputations solidified."
One of the strangers, a woman with piercing green eyes, stepped forward. "Your performance in the tournament has already drawn international attention. The trials will magnify that tenfold. Every move you make will be scrutinized."
"No pressure, then," Rynhara said dryly.
The headmaster chuckled. "Indeed. Now, Lady Tiamorane, I suggest you rest well tonight. The first trial begins in three days."
Back in Rynhara's room, Kaelira was already half asleep when a knock at the door startled Rynhara. She opened it to find her mother standing there, her expression unreadable.
"Mother," Rynhara said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk," Tiamora said, stepping inside.
They sat across from each other, and Tiamora's usually playful demeanor turned serious. "These trials are not just about you. They're about me, about us. Our name, our legacy."
"I know," Rynhara said.
"Do you?" Tiamora leaned forward. "Because if you fail, the world will not just see it as your failure but mine. And I do not take kindly to failure."
Rynhara met her mother's gaze, determination burning in her eyes. "I won't fail."
Tiamora's lips curved into a smile. "Good. Then show them what it means to be a Drakethorne."
The countdown to the Grand Legacy Trials had begun, and with it, the weight of expectations grew heavier. But Rynhara was ready.
Or so she hoped.