Chapter 21: World Geography.
Zephyr lay on his bed, unmoving, staring blankly at the ornate ceiling of his chamber. The ceiling was painted with faded murals of past Demios champions—men and women wreathed in black flame, holding the banners of a legacy he had never been allowed to claim.
He blinked once. Then again.
The room was quiet except for the slow ticking of the ancient aetherclock on the wall. His fingers were curled slightly over the edge of the covers. No thoughts. Just weight—mental and emotional—hanging over him like storm clouds waiting to burst.
The door clicked softly.
Serena entered with her usual grace, her black and red uniform pressed neatly. She gave a polite bow, her face unreadable. "Young Master Zephyr," she said, "your bath is drawn."
He nodded silently.
The bath was hot. Steam coiled around the blackstone tiles, and the scent of cold herbs floated through the air—mint, frostblossom, and a hint of ironwood resin. He slid into the water slowly, letting the heat thaw the tension in his muscles, though the tightness in his chest remained.
After drying and dressing, he returned to the small wooden table near his bedside. The acceptance letter to the Academy of Elden Vow still lay where he'd left it last night—its crimson wax seal broken, its parchment edges lined with silver thread.
He picked it up and opened the seal with care. Reading it for the 59th time since two days ago, the News of his Awakening has spread and the servants has begun to look at him with respect, he haven't met the rest of the clans men. How could he, he haven't left his room for the past two days, opting to stay in his room and have breakfast there. With his enhanced eyesight that had recovered when he awaken he went through the letter for the 59th time.
Inside was a single page, crisp and formal—
To _____________ of House Demios,