5: The First Trial

The instructor's voice cut through the murmuring crowd, his expression as rigid as stone.

"There will be three stages to the physical exam," he announced. "One per day. The first test will assess your endurance and stamina. The second will measure your reflexes. The third and final test will determine the top ten."

His gaze swept over them, sharp and unreadable.

"That is all you need to know for now. Set your belongings aside and meet outside the front gates."

There was a moment of hesitation before the students moved, murmurs of speculation rippling through them. Blaire grabbed her bag and set it down in the designated area before following the others outside.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the pristine streets in front of Silvercrest Academy. A single road stretched ahead of them, vanishing into the horizon. In the far distance, a banner marked the finish line.

Blaire's stomach twisted.

This is going to be a running test.

The instructor waited until they had all gathered before speaking again. "Your first test is a simple one." His voice carried effortlessly over the crowd. "A long-distance run."

Some students sighed in relief, while others tensed, waiting for the catch.

"You must complete this course within four hours. If you fail to finish, you will be eliminated."

Blaire's brows furrowed. Something felt off.

Then the instructor delivered the final blow.

"The course is twenty-six miles—a full marathon. No breaks, no preparation."

A ripple of shock ran through the group.

A full marathon? Without training?

Blaire's breath hitched. She was athletic, but this was insane. Even professional runners trained for weeks before attempting something like this. She glanced around, noting the nervous shifting of some students, while others—particularly those from elite schools—remained eerily calm.

"Ready?" The instructor didn't wait for an answer.

A sharp whistle pierced the air.

"Go!"

Chaos erupted as students surged forward. Some sprinted ahead, their confidence blinding. Others paced themselves, knowing endurance was key.

Blaire started strong, her body fueled by adrenaline. The first few miles were easy, her training carrying her through. But by the halfway mark, the burn in her legs was undeniable. Every step became a battle, her breath coming in harsh gasps.

More than once, she saw students stumble and collapse. Some were helped off the course, their dreams shattered before they even truly began.

Yet, she kept going.

Her vision blurred, but she forced herself forward.

One mile at a time.

One step at a time.

When the finish line finally came into view, relief nearly brought her to her knees. Only five minutes left on the clock.

Blaire pushed herself forward, her entire body screaming in protest. She crossed the line, barely managing to stay upright.

Panting, she glanced around. More students had passed than she expected—around seventy.

So, this is the competition.

She wiped the sweat from her brow, her gaze drifting toward the raven-haired and golden-haired men she had noticed earlier.

They weren't just standing idly by.

They were watching.

The golden-haired one, in particular, seemed entertained, his amber eyes lighting up whenever a female runner passed.

Blaire scoffed under her breath. Figures.

Finally, after what felt like forever, the instructor called for them to head to the cafeteria for dinner.

Blaire's legs felt like lead as she dragged herself to the cafeteria. Her exhaustion was so complete that even hunger felt like an afterthought. She grabbed a tray, piling on light, easy-to-eat foods—nothing too heavy, just enough to regain her strength.

Finding a seat, she settled next to a girl with glossy black hair, an innocent face, and curves that stood out even in the plain uniforms they were given.

"Hey," Blaire greeted, offering a tired smile. "I'm Blaire."

The girl looked up, her dark eyes bright with warmth. "Hi! I'm Lydia."

They chatted for a bit, and Blaire learned that Lydia was from a district not far from hers.

It was the first pleasant conversation she'd had since arriving.

Then, the moment shattered.

A shadow loomed over the table.

A rich, velvet voice cut through their conversation.

"Tell me, Lydia… does your heart always beat this fast, or is it just because I'm standing so close?"

Blaire didn't even have to look up to know who it was.It was the handsome golden hair, amber eyes guy.

Lydia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her breath caught as he leaned closer, his presence overwhelming her with an intoxicating mix of heat and magnetism. He didn't just stand above her—he towered, each step he took seeming to draw her closer to him, like a gravitational pull she couldn't escape.

"I couldn't help but notice you," he murmured, his voice low and smooth as honey. His eyes burned with intensity, locking onto hers. "There's something about you… something I can't quite put my finger on, but it's pulling me in."

Lydia's mouth parted, but no words came. She simply stared, captivated by the deep, almost predatory pull in his gaze. His fingers brushed against her shoulder, so light, yet sending a shock of heat through her body. The touch was deliberate, lingering just long enough to send shivers down her spine.

"I'm Orion" his lips curled into a knowing, dangerous smile.

"You're enthralling, Lydia," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me, what do you want more than anything? I might be able to make it happen."

Lydia's breath faltered, and for a moment, it seemed as if she forgot everything around her. Blaire watched, a small part of her almost feeling pity for the girl. She was so completely lost in Orion's gaze that it was like watching a moth drawn into the flame.

"You— you are…" Lydia stammered, blinking rapidly as though trying to break free from some kind of trance.

Orion smiled, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I'm exactly who you think I am," he purred, stepping even closer, until his breath was warm against her ear. "And more. But, for now, I'll leave you with this…"

With a fluid, deliberate movement, he reached down, cupping Lydia's chin gently. His thumb traced her lower lip, just barely grazing it, making her pulse race.

"You'll see me again. And next time, maybe you'll tell me what you really want."

Before Lydia could respond, he pulled away, leaving her breathless and unsteady in her seat.

He didn't glance at Blaire. He didn't need to.

Orion was too much. Too captivating, too dangerous. And even as he walked away, it was clear he had left Lydia—and a piece of her sanity—behind.

Lydia exhaled shakily, her face flushed with both awe and something more. She couldn't speak at first, only blinking as she tried to regain her composure.

"Do you… Do you think he really likes me?" Lydia whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Blaire gave her a blank stare, struggling to hide the disgust that flared up. "Oh, I'm sure he does," Blaire said, her tone flat, though her insides churned. "Just... watch out. People like that don't just want something—they take it."

Lydia didn't hear the warning. She was too busy floating in the afterglow of Orion's perfect smile.

After dinner, Blaire trudged to her designated dorm room, silently praying that Tiffany wasn't her roommate.

The room was small but comfortable, with two single beds and a private bathroom.

The exhaustion in her limbs was overwhelming, but she forced herself to shower. By the time she emerged, towel-drying her hair, the door creaked open.

Blaire tensed.

Then, Lydia twirled into the room, grinning like a love-struck fool.

"Oh my God, Blaire!" she gushed, practically spinning in circles. "You will not believe what just happened!"

Blaire gave her a knowing look. "Let me guess. Orion?"

Lydia squealed, collapsing onto her bed. "He's amazing. He's charming, he's gorgeous, and—get this—he's a shapeshifter!"

Blaire froze mid-motion.

"He's from Aetheris Academy," Lydia continued, completely oblivious to Blaire's shock. "I still can't believe it! He even kissed my hand before we parted. What do you think? Do you think he's interested in me?"

Blaire blinked, processing the information.

Orion wasn't just any student.

He was from Aetheris Academy.

Which meant…

Her mind immediately flickered to the raven-haired man. The way he carried himself, the sheer presence he exuded—it made sense now.

Was he also from Aetheris?

Blaire's thoughts swirled.

She had always wondered what it would be like to meet a shapeshifter.

Now, they were right in front of her.