The Fall

The morning sun barely crested the horizon when Steven awoke, the remnants of his nightmare lingering like shadows in the corners of his mind. He felt the chill of the morning air against his sweat-drenched skin, but the cold did nothing to dissipate the unease gripping his heart. 

He had to steel himself. Today was his entrance test for the Knight Academy, a pivotal moment in his life, and failure was not an option. Steven quickly dressed in the uniform laid out for him, its crisp lines and shining insignia a stark contrast to his disheveled state. 

A sharp knock on the door made him jump. "Enter," he called out, his voice steadier than he felt.

Mr. Hudson stepped in, his face a mask of professional concern. "Good morning, Master Steven. It's time to head down for breakfast."

Steven nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Mr. Hudson. I'll be right there."

In the dining hall, his parents and younger brother Adrian were already seated. The usual array of breakfast foods was spread out on the table, but the atmosphere was far from typical. His father, Duke Robert, sat at the head of the table, his stern gaze fixed on Steven as he took his seat. Lady Eliza's icy demeanor made the room feel even colder, while Adrian, oblivious to the tension, greeted Steven with a cheerful smile.

"Good morning, Steven! Are you ready for your big day?" Adrian's enthusiasm was infectious, but Steven could only muster a faint smile in response.

"Good morning, Adrian. I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

Duke Robert's piercing gaze never wavered. "You need to do more than your best today, Steven. You need to succeed. Our family's reputation depends on it."

Steven's stomach churned. "Yes, Father," he said quietly, reaching for a piece of bread he had no intention of eating.

The carriage ride to the Knight Academy was silent, the weight of his family's expectations pressing down on Steven like a physical force. The Academy loomed ahead, its towering walls and grand architecture intimidating in their magnificence. The grounds were bustling with activity, other prospective students milling about with their families, the air thick with anticipation.

As they disembarked, Duke Robert pulled Steven aside. "Remember what I said. Do not disappoint us."

Steven nodded, his throat too tight to speak. He joined the other candidates in the testing area, the enormity of the moment sinking in. This was his chance to prove himself, to finally earn his family's approval.

The tests were grueling, each one designed to push the candidates to their limits. Steven gave everything he had, his determination fueled by the fear of failure. The physical challenges were brutal, the academic questions complex, and the combat trials relentless. Steven fought through it all, his muscles screaming in protest, his mind teetering on the edge of exhaustion.

Finally, the tests were over. Steven stood among the other candidates, his body trembling with fatigue, his heart pounding in his chest. The examiners conferred for what felt like an eternity before stepping forward to announce the results.

"Steven Thorne," one of them called out, his voice echoing in the silent courtyard. Steven stepped forward, his breath held. "You have failed to meet the required standards for admission to the Knight Academy."

The words hit him like a physical blow. He stood there, stunned, as the other candidates were called up to receive their results. Some passed, others failed, but all Steven could hear was the sound of his own failure reverberating in his mind.

His family approached, their expressions unreadable. Duke Robert's face was a mask of controlled fury, Lady Eliza's eyes cold and distant. Adrian looked at Steven with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"Let's go," Duke Robert said curtly, turning on his heel. Steven followed in silence, his heart heavy with shame.

The ride back to the castle was even more oppressive than the journey there. No one spoke, the air thick with disappointment. When they arrived, Duke Robert led the way into his study, motioning for Steven to follow.

"Sit," the Duke commanded, and Steven obeyed, sinking into the chair opposite his father's desk.

"You have brought shame upon this family," Duke Robert began, his voice low and dangerous. "You were given every opportunity, every advantage, and yet you failed."

Steven swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I'm sorry, Father. I tried my best."

"Your best was not good enough," Lady Eliza interjected, her voice sharp as a blade. "We cannot afford to have a failure in our family."

Steven felt the sting of her words, each one like a dagger to his heart. "What will happen to me now?"

Duke Robert leaned forward, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "You will leave this house. You are no longer a Thorne."

The words took a moment to sink in. Steven felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under him. "But... where will I go?"

"That is not our concern," Lady Eliza said, her tone final. "You are no longer our son."

Steven looked at Adrian, hoping for some sign of support, but his brother's eyes were downcast, unable to meet his gaze. The realization hit him with brutal clarity: he was truly alone.

He stood up, his legs shaking. "I'll leave immediately."

Duke Robert nodded. "Mr. Hudson will have your things packed. You are to be gone by nightfall."

Steven left the study, the finality of his banishment sinking in. He moved through the halls of the castle he had called home, each step heavy with sorrow. Mr. Hudson met him at his room, his usual stoic demeanor softened with a hint of pity.

"Master Steven, I... I'm sorry," the butler said quietly.

Steven managed a small, sad smile. "Thank you, Mr. Hudson. You've always been kind to me."

With his few belongings packed, Steven stood at the gates of the castle, the setting sun casting long shadows across the grounds. He looked back one last time, taking in the place that had been his home and prison. Then, with a deep breath, he turned and walked away, the weight of his family's rejection heavy on his shoulders.

As he made his way down the road, Steven felt a strange mix of despair and liberation. He had failed, yes, but he was also free. Free from the expectations, the disdain, and the suffocating pressure. The world stretched out before him, vast and uncertain.

The nightmare's words echoed in his mind once more: "The time is at hand; the Lords are to rise. Beware." Steven didn't know what the future held, but he knew he couldn't run from it. He had to face it head-on, alone but determined.

The journey ahead would be difficult, but Steven Thorne was no stranger to hardship. He would find his path, and maybe, just maybe, he would discover his true purpose along the way.