The Council's Call

The next few days passed in a blur of preparations. Raine spent every free moment meticulously reviewing his progress and the beasts under his command. The invitation to the council meeting weighed heavily on his mind, a reminder that the academy had begun to take a keen interest in him—more than he had anticipated. It was both a blessing and a curse.

Lucinda's warnings lingered in his thoughts, but Raine had long ago learned to trust his instincts over the advice of others. Still, there was no denying that the stakes were higher now. The presence of the serpent, the recent tournament victory, and his growing influence were enough to draw attention from the highest echelons of the academy. But what exactly did they want from him?

On the evening before the meeting, Raine stood before the mirror in his dormitory, adjusting his attire—a dark, richly embroidered tunic that matched the colors of his noble house. His reflection seemed almost foreign to him. The boy who had once been a struggling veterinarian, trying to make a name for himself, was no longer the same. He had grown into something else entirely, a tamer of legendary beasts, a figure who had the potential to rewrite the history of Beast Taming magic.

As he finished preparing, a knock sounded at his door. He turned, expecting it to be Lucinda, but instead found a messenger standing there, holding a letter with a wax seal.

"Master Raine, your presence is requested in the council chamber. Please arrive promptly," the messenger said before turning and disappearing down the hallway.

Raine folded the letter, his expression unreadable. He took one last glance at the mirror, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon his shoulders. This was it. The moment when he would step into the heart of the academy's inner workings.

He made his way to the council chamber, navigating the familiar halls of the academy. The academy had always felt large to him, but now it seemed imposing, like a labyrinth of stone and power. His footsteps echoed through the corridors as he approached the grand doors leading into the council chamber.

The guards at the door bowed as he approached, and without a word, they opened the doors for him. Raine stepped into the room.

The chamber was vast, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and magical artifacts. At the center of the room stood a large round table, around which sat several figures, each draped in robes that signified their rank and importance. There were heads of the various towers, prominent researchers, and a few senior members of the royal family. Raine's eyes briefly flicked over them, recognizing many of them as individuals who had shaped the academy's policies and direction over the years.

At the head of the table sat a woman whose presence commanded attention. Lady Eleara Draxan, the head of the Scholars' Tower, and one of the most powerful figures in the academy. Her sharp eyes locked onto Raine as he entered, and she motioned for him to approach.

"Master Raine Evernight Valthorn," she said, her voice like a soft wind, yet carrying undeniable weight. "We have been following your progress closely, and I must say, your accomplishments have exceeded even our expectations."

Raine kept his expression neutral, though inside, a small smirk tugged at his lips. This was exactly the kind of praise he had been waiting for.

Lady Draxan continued, her gaze never leaving his. "But with great power comes great responsibility. And that is why you are here. We wish to make a proposition to you."

The other council members shifted in their seats, and Raine could feel their eyes on him, studying him. He had no intention of letting his guard down, not with so much at stake.

"What kind of proposition?" Raine asked, his voice calm but filled with an undercurrent of suspicion.

Lady Draxan raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips. "You are a rare talent, Raine. Your ability to tame beasts, especially those of higher ranks, is unparalleled. But there is much more that you can offer us."

Raine remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"We have been studying the ancient magic of Beast Taming for centuries," Lady Draxan said, her tone becoming more measured. "And we believe you hold the key to unlocking secrets that have been lost to time. Secrets that could change the future of this academy—and the kingdom itself."

Raine felt a chill run down his spine. This was no longer just about his personal growth or the desire to revive Beast Taming magic. They were asking him to help them uncover something far more dangerous.

"What do you want me to do?" Raine asked, his voice cold.

Lady Draxan's smile widened, but it was not a comforting sight. "We want you to continue your research. We want you to push the boundaries of what you have already achieved. And in return, you will be rewarded handsomely—resources, information, and most importantly, power. You could become the most influential figure in the kingdom, Raine. The potential is limitless."

Raine's mind raced. This was the kind of opportunity he had dreamed of. But it came with a price. A price that was still unclear.

"And what if I refuse?" Raine asked, his voice steady.

Lady Draxan's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing. "Refuse, and you risk more than just your future here. The academy has its ways of ensuring cooperation, Raine. There are forces at play here that you cannot even begin to comprehend. I would suggest you consider your decision very carefully."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Raine could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on him, but he didn't flinch. He had no intention of letting them control his every move.

"I'll think about it," Raine said, turning to leave the chamber. But as he reached the door, he paused, glancing back at Lady Draxan.

"If you want me to push the boundaries of Beast Taming," Raine said, his voice low, "you'll have to show me that you can trust me first."

Without waiting for a response, Raine stepped out of the council chamber, the door closing behind him with a resounding thud.

As he walked down the hall, his thoughts were a whirlwind. He knew he had just been presented with a monumental choice. The academy was offering him everything he had ever dreamed of, but at what cost? He had to tread carefully.

And there was something else gnawing at the back of his mind—the serpent. It had grown stronger with each passing day, and Raine knew that it was only a matter of time before it revealed more of its power. What was its true purpose? And how did it fit into the academy's plans for him?

For now, Raine had no answers. But he knew one thing for sure—he wouldn't be a pawn in their game. He would play by his own rules.

To be continued…