Chapter 38: Need For Balance
The reprimand which Lyra received for sleeping over in the male dormitory had burdened her so much and kept her away from her clique at night, but it only deepened their commitment to the Sanctum’s discipline.
The Obsidian Division was a crucible, and the trio’s triumphs in the Proving Grounds had raised the stakes and respect for them. The Inner Sanctum’s shadow loomed larger and its next challenge was a whisper in the air, urging them to push harder.
Kelvin woke up before dawn to glance through his book, the dorm was quiet safe for the soft clink of Rhoam’s armored plates as the panther shifted in sleep and the faint hum of Xerion’s breathing, the End-Tyrant’s obsidian scales which was reflecting the pre-dawn glow.
Kelvin’s gauntlet, etched with Xerion’s sigil as it pulsed faintly on his wrist as a constant reminder of their bond’s strength.
He sat on his cot, reviewing his notes from Master Sylva’s seminar on beast synergy, his mind raced to connect the concepts to their battles in the Veil and Crucible.
The Sanctum demanded mastery in every facet—knowledge, skill, and heart—and Kelvin felt the weight of it, but it fueled and encouraged him.
Darius woke up, yawning as he tossed his soulstone into the air and catched it with a lazy grin as he asked Kelvin. "Up already? You are worse than Torren, man, please allow me to sleep."
Kelvin smirked, tossing his quill at Darius, who dodged it and startled Rhoam awake. The panther growled with his plates clinking.
"We are only permitted to sleep when we are legends," Kelvin said. "We have got Veyne’s lecture on soulstream resonance at sunrise, then Caelum’s rune practical, please no slacking is needed."
Darius groaned but swung his legs off the cot. "Fine, but if Veyne’s serpent hisses at me again, I will blam you for it."
A soft tap at the window signaled them of Lyra’s arrival—not in person, but through a note which is delivered by Avian Salaris, her sleek raptor glided in with a scroll tied to her talon.