Chapter 45: Divine Talents
As the final few children were called up and approached the Awakening Stone, the excitement that had built up began to fade away. One by one, the remaining candidates stepped up, most revealing ordinary roots, Indigo, Blue and the occasional Green. A few cried in disappointment, while some left in silence. Others forced a smile, trying to wear hope on their faces even when it didn’t reach their eyes.
The priest remained composed throughout, though from outside, his voice grew gentler with each result. But the ceremony had already crowned its star, Arthur.
Eventually, the priest clasped his hands, signalling the conclusion of the ceremony.
"You have all done well," he said, for the final time. "Your path begins now. Whether you awakened brilliance or not, it is what you do next that will shape your fate."
The children, some eager and others crestfallen, began filing out, guided by robed clerics toward their families or awaiting carriages.
Astrael stayed back for a moment, gazing at the Awakening Stone.
It was dim again now, still, as if nothing had happened.
He exhaled slowly and turned away, letting the crowd carry him forward. As he walked past the other children, they gave him space, like he were something foreign.
Outside, the sun was beginning to dip past the hills, casting a warm golden light over the countryside. The path leading from the Awakening Hall was lined with trimmed hedges and stone lanterns that would soon glow with magical light.
Waiting at the end of the path was a black carriage, bearing the Ravenastra family crest, a silver winged blade against a shield.
Elara stood nearby, holding the door open.
Without wasting any time, Astrael stepped into the carriage. Elara, who had been quietly watching him, let out a soft sigh before following him inside. The carriage started to move with the steady sound of hooves and wheels.