Orion’s POV

The roar of the crowd was deafening.

Banners of blue and silver hung from every wall, the sigil of Thornveil glinting under the sunlight.

Mirabel stood at the highest point of the arena, the Obsidian Balcony, her voice carrying through the open grounds as she addressed the thousands gathered below.

“Today marks the beginning of Thornveil’s Alpha Trials,” she announced. “Strength, will, and loyalty shall be tested, and from this trial, the one worthy to stand beside ...