CHAPTER 6: SHADOWS AND SECRETS

Tim lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, exhaustion heavy in his limbs. The ache from the day's training had settled into his muscles, but it was his mind that wouldn't stop racing. He kept replaying the Unity Trial, especially the part where he'd nearly been mauled by that summoned beast. Brandon had called him reckless—again.

The door creaked open, and Brandon stepped inside, looking worn but satisfied. Noticing Tim was still awake, Brandon let out a short sigh.

"Thinking about your latest blunders?" he asked, dropping into his bed.

Tim scoffed, pushing himself up. "You're hilarious, you know that? Look, just because you're some supernatural prince or whatever doesn't mean I'm dying to hear your advice."

Brandon glanced over, his expression softening just slightly. "Believe it or not, I'm not here to lecture you, Tim. I just… I get why you might feel out of place. It's a lot to take in. But this isn't like the human realm. Here, failure has consequences."

"Gee, thanks, Dad." Tim leaned back, arms crossed. But he felt the weight behind Brandon's words. "What would you know about it anyway? You probably had your powers spoon-fed to you."

Brandon let out a low chuckle. "Spoon-fed? If only." His tone grew serious. "I didn't ask for this responsibility, Tim. But I don't have a choice. So yeah, maybe I push hard, but that's what it takes to survive here."

A pause settled between them, a strange understanding filling the space. "Anyway," Brandon said finally, his voice lightening, "get some rest. You'll need it if you're planning on keeping up."

The next morning, Tim took a walk around the academy grounds, hoping the fresh air would clear his head. As he strolled into the garden, he spotted Anika, leaning against a tree with a book in her hand.

"Didn't peg you as the reading type," Tim called out, his usual sarcasm slipping into his voice.

Anika looked up, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Tim." She motioned for him to sit beside her on the bench, and, to his own surprise, he did.

They sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the academy filling the air around them. Tim finally broke the quiet. "I feel like everyone here knows something I don't. Like there's this huge, invisible target on my back."

Anika nodded slowly. "It's true. The supernatural realm doesn't welcome newcomers easily, especially those who haven't grown up here." She paused, her gaze flickering to the horizon. "But, Tim, the academy isn't just a school—it's a training ground for something much bigger. Just… be careful who you trust."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. Tim frowned, trying to read the expression on her face. "What do you mean by that?"

She shook her head, offering him a tight smile. "You'll figure it out. Eventually."

After their conversation, Tim made his way to a training area tucked away from the main grounds, still thinking over Anika's warning. He wanted—needed—to get control over his powers, to prove to himself that he wasn't out of his depth here.

Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand, focusing on the energy that stirred inside him. He felt a gust of air begin to swirl, gathering strength. With a surge of effort, he directed it forward, pushing hard. This time, the blast hit its mark, sending a small pile of leaves scattering across the yard.

A surge of pride welled up inside him. He hadn't realized he was grinning until he caught his reflection in a window across the yard.

Just as he was about to try again, he heard footsteps approaching. His grin faded as he looked up, catching the serious expression of an instructor watching him closely.

"You've got potential, Tim," the instructor said, folding his arms. "But don't get cocky. In this realm, power isn't everything—control is."

Tim nodded, the instructor's words sinking in. He wasn't just a street kid anymore, relying on tricks and instinct. If he was going to make it here, he'd have to learn patience, strategy, and control.

Back in his dorm that night, Tim lay awake, reflecting on Anika's words, his progress with his powers, and the academy's mysterious atmosphere. Something big was happening here—he could feel it.

And he wasn't about to be left in the dark.