The towering iron gates of the Vale estate – head mention loomed before Orion, adorned with the golden insignia of his house—a proud eagle with its wings outstretched, a symbol of strength and dominance.
For years, this gate had been nothing more than a barrier between him and the father who had never once truly acknowledged him.
And yet, today… it opened for him.
With a deep breath, Orion stepped forward.
The guards, clad in polished silver armour, stiffened at his approach. Their faces remained unreadable, but as he reached them, they bowed slightly in unison.
"Young Master Orion," one of them greeted respectfully. "The Viscount is expecting you."
Orion gave a curt nod, his gaze steady.
The gates groaned open, revealing the vast estate grounds beyond—immaculate gardens, neatly arranged stone paths, and the grand mansion of Head of Vale Family standing tall in the distance.
As he walked the familiar path, the scent of Everflame roses filled the air, mingling with the crisp morning breeze. Yet despite the beauty surrounding him, Orion felt only a cold detachment.
This was never my home.
At the entrance of the mansion, a lone figure stood waiting.
Butler Walton.
The elderly butler had served House Vale for decades. His posture was upright, his uniform flawless, and his sharp grey eyes carried the wisdom of a man who had seen much in his years of service.
As Orion approached, Walton gave a respectful bow.
"Young Master Orion," Walton greeted, bowing slightly. "Welcome to the Viscount's estate."
Orion returned the gesture with a respectful nod. " Thank you, Butler Walton."
The butler straightened; his expression unreadable. "His Lordship is waiting for you in his study. Please, follow me."
Without hesitation, Orion replied, "Lead the way."
The mansion's interior was as imposing as ever—grand chandeliers, towering marble pillars, and endless halls lined with rich tapestries. Every detail screamed wealth and status, yet to Orion, it felt hollow.
There was no warmth here. Only power and prestige.
His footsteps echoed as he followed Walton through the long corridors. The silence was almost suffocating, disturbed only by the rhythmic ticking of an ornate grandfather clock in the distance.
After several turns, they reached a massive oak door—one Orion knew well.
His father's study.
Butler Walton raised a hand and knocked twice. His voice, steady as ever, announced,
"My Lord, Young Master Orion has arrived."
A beat of silence. Then—
"Send him in."
The deep voice from within sent a faint chill through Orion's spine.
With a nod, Walton pushed the heavy doors open and stepped aside, gesturing for Orion to enter.
Orion took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The study was vast and meticulously arranged. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, filled with old books, official records, and scrolls of unknown importance. The air carried the faint scent of aged parchment and ink.
At the centre of the room sat a massive darkwood desk, covered in neatly stacked documents.
And behind it—
Viscount Theo Vale.
A man of sharp features and an even sharper presence. His raven-black hair was combed back, his face unreadable as he continued writing on a parchment, not even sparing Orion a glance.
Orion stood firm, waiting.
Finally, after a long moment, his father lifted his gaze.
"Greetings, Father," Orion said, his voice even.
Viscount Theo studied him before offering a small nod.
"Greetings, third son."
Orion's eyes narrowed slightly.
Third son.
Not Orion, not even his name. Just his position in the family.
He met his father's gaze.
"You summoned me. May I know why, Father?"
The Viscount set down his pen, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"I called you because we have something to discuss," he stated plainly.
Orion didn't respond immediately.
The atmosphere in the room felt heavier than usual. His father's indifference was nothing new, yet there was something different about this meeting.
Finally, the Viscount spoke again.
"You are aware of the cultivation levels of Eldora, I assume?"
Orion straightened slightly. "Yes, Father."
His mind flickered back to the Blessing Ceremony, where Lady Selina had already explained everything. He also knew that noble children were taught about cultivation from a young age.
Viscount Theo gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
"Good."
Then, after a pause, he continued,
"Now that you have received the Blessing of Eldora, you must enroll in a Magic Academy—just like your elder brothers."
Orion had expected this. Yet, a strange sense of unease settled in his heart.
His father had never taken an interest in his affairs before. Why now?
"Which Magic Academy do you intend to join?" his father asked, his tone cool and composed.
Orion hesitated.
"I… I haven't decided yet, Father," he admitted.
The Viscount remained unfazed.
"Every Academy and Magic School in Eldora will open enrollment in one month," he stated. "I will give you two weeks to decide. If you fail to do so, I will choose one for you."
The weight behind his words left no room for negotiation.
Orion nodded. "I understand. I will think about it, Father."
"Good." His father leaned back slightly. "That is all. You may leave."
Orion turned toward the door, but just as he reached it—
He stopped.
Something inside him urged him to speak. And before he could second-guess himself, the words left his lips.
"Father…"
The Viscount lifted his gaze once more.
"What is it?"
Orion clenched his fists slightly before voicing his request.
"I… I want to know if Elara can also attend a Magic Academy like me."
A brief pause.
The Viscount studied him for a long moment before replying in a composed tone.
"Yes. If she wishes, she may enroll as well."
Orion released a small breath of relief and nodded. "Thank you, Father."
He turned to leave—
"Orion."
His father's voice stopped him once more.
He glanced back.
"Your elder brothers will be returning in less than a week or a week for their vacation," the Viscount stated. "They will be bringing an important guest, along with some of their friends. Inform your mother Sera and mother Celia and ensure proper accommodations are prepared for them."
Orion's stomach tightened slightly.
Edric and Arin are returning?
He hadn't seen his elder brothers in months. And truthfully—he had no desire to.
They had always looked down on him, treating him as a disgrace to the family. Even at his Awakening Ceremony, they hadn't bothered to attend.
So why now?
"...I understand, Father," Orion finally said.
Viscount Theo gave a slight nod and returned to his documents.
The conversation was over.
----------
As Orion walked back to his manor, his mind was clouded with thoughts.
Why now?
A sense of uncertainty settled in his chest.
And its gut warns him for Something is coming. And he just doesn't know what.
And he would be ready for it.