Ashes of the Elite

The stone hallways of Castle Ravenstone stretch endlessly before us, dimly lit by torches flickering in their sconces. Cain walks a step behind Count Ashland, his usual easygoing demeanor nowhere to be found. I trail beside him, silent, thoughts churning in frustration.

This is bullshit.

I can't believe I've been roped into a duel with some noble's kid. Worse still, I can't even control my powers. This Howard Vincent, whoever he is, has likely been training since the moment he awakened, pampered by tutors and knights, learning to wield his abilities, and I highly doubt his trigger is as damn egregious as mine is.

Count Ashland's voice breaks through my bitter thoughts.

"You'll love Howard," he says, his tone thick with pride. Truly a remarkable young man. I always knew my son would be a better man than me. Hah! But to become an elite It's beyond my expectations; my family tree has had so few awakened I could count them on two hands. When the Inquisitors confirmed it, I could hardly contain myself. A father's dream realized."

Cain nods, his expression carefully blank. "Yes, it's quite the accomplishment," he says evenly.

The count chuckles, either not noticing or choosing to ignore Cain's tone. "Indeed! He's been training rigorously under the finest warriors Lont has to offer. Doing everything in our power to make him prepared for the academy in Lusa. That's why I'm requesting your assistance, Cain; even if I could only secure you for a month, who better than you to train my boy?"

I barely stop myself from rolling my eyes.

We descend a grand staircase, the air growing crisper as we near the lower levels of the castle. The sound of clashing metal drifts through an arched doorway, and as we step through, the sight of the training grounds sprawls before us. A massive courtyard, enclosed by towering stone walls, the ground packed dirt rather than grass. Several groups of soldiers practice their drills with each other.