Chapter 8: Realm Theory
Arthur woke with a start as sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of his dormitory room. His eyes darted to the clock—6:30 AM. Perfect. He had plenty of time to prepare for his first day of classes at the Academy.
The throbbing ache in his chest reminded him of what made him different from most of the other people. Being a Chosen came with its price, and the formation of his core was that price. Each pulse sent waves of dull pain throughout his body.
Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, Arthur winced slightly.
The shower's warm water helped soothe his aching muscles. As the water cascaded down his back, Arthur contemplated what lay ahead. He never imagined he'd be here—at the prestigious Academy for the Chosen, preparing to fight creatures from other realms. His life had taken a dramatic turn after the incident, one he was still coming to terms with.
After toweling off, Arthur meticulously brushed his teeth and fixed his dark hair. After that he dressed himself in a clean school uniform.
Before leaving the bathroom, Arthur reached for the small pill bottle Alicia had given him at the hospital. "Take one each morning," she had instructed with a kind but firm voice. "It will significantly reduce the pain flare-ups as your core continues to form."
He swallowed one of the small blue pills dry, grimacing at the bitter aftertaste. A necessary evil, he supposed.
...
The cafeteria buzzed with activity as students gathered for the morning meal. Arthur and Luke found a quiet corner table and settled in with trays of eggs, toast, and fresh fruit.
"Nervous about classes?" Luke asked between bites of toast.
Arthur shrugged, pushing his scrambled eggs around with his fork. "A little. Realm Theory first thing in the morning sounds intense."