chapter 1.

"Crane!"

The call echoed through the golden-lit meadow, but Crane did not stir. He was lost—adrift in the boundless wonder of the world around him. The wind whispered through the emerald fields, the sun poured its warmth over the land like liquid gold, and the distant song of a lark carried through the autumn air. He had little in life, yet he found himself rich in awe.

"Crane!" The voice came again, sharper now.

Turning, he saw her—Leoneen. She strode toward him, wild as the winds themselves. Her golden hair, untamed and free, framed a face touched by sunlight. Sharp, knowing eyes, glinting with a golden hue, fixed upon him with concern. Her lips—red as the ripest berries of the northern groves—parted as if she meant to chide him, yet she hesitated.

Crane smiled. "What? What is it?"

Leoneen sighed. "You stopped again. You always do that—just standing there, like a statue."

"Ah," Crane murmured, tilting his head, his smile deepening. "The world is just so beautiful, Leoneen."

She groaned, exasperated but amused. "Yes, but you can't just... drift away like that. One day, you'll stop in the middle of the road and get trampled by a passing carriage."

"Perhaps," he mused, "but what a lovely feeling it is."

Leoneen rolled her eyes but took his hand without another word. "Come on, dreamer—we're late as it is."

"And whose fault is that?" Crane teased.

Leoneen ignored him, merely pulling him along, her fingers warm against his. He followed, his gaze lingering upon her. There was something different about her today—though what, he could not say. Perhaps it was the way the golden hour touched her skin, or how the wind played with her hair. Or perhaps... she had always been like this, and he was only now seeing it.

Memories stirred—of another time, another place. A wedding. He had been but a child, no more than five summers old, dragged to his third ceremony that week. The event had been held not in a grand temple but upon an open field, where the autumn leaves danced in the breeze. The music had been sweet, the air thick with the scent of fresh bread and honeyed wine.

But he had not watched the bride.

No, his eyes had been locked upon the flower girl.

She had walked ahead of the bride, a vision in white, her gown flowing like silk upon water. With each step, she cast petals into the air, their colors vibrant against the amber glow of the setting sun. Her hair, golden as the dawn, caught the light and shimmered like spun gold.

Crane, in his child's heart, had thought her the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

The wedding had gone on, but his mind had drifted, his young body weary. By the time the stars claimed the sky, sleep had stolen him away. He barely remembered his mother lifting him into her arms, nor the words he had mumbled in the haze of drowsiness.

"The flower girl is pretty."

And that had been that.

Yet, come morning, he had woken in a bed that was not his own.

Crane's eyes fluttered open. The first thing he saw was soft golden hair sprawled across the pillow beside him.

He blinked slowly, still caught between dreams and waking.

Where was he?

The room was warm, filled with the scent of lavender and something sweet—maybe honey cakes? The sheets felt softer than the ones he had at home.

Then, he heard it.

"Leoneen! Breakfast is ready!"

Crane turned his head and saw her—Leoneen, still curled up under the blankets, her breathing soft and even.

Wait.

Why was she here?

His tiny five-year-old brain struggled to piece things together. He remembered… a wedding. Lights. Music.

A girl in a pretty dress, tossing flower petals.

Leoneen.

Then, something else—something fuzzy in his memory.

"She's pretty."

Had he said that? He must have. His cheeks burned just thinking about it.

The door creaked open.

"Leoneen, are you—"

Leoneen's mother stopped mid-sentence, her eyes landing on the two children nestled together in the bed.

A pause. Then, a small, amused smile.

"Ah," she said softly. "So that's how it is."

Crane froze.

Leoneen, still half-asleep, stirred beside him. She rubbed her eyes, blinking at her mother, then at Crane.

A moment of silence.

Then—

"AAAAAHHHH!"

Leoneen kicked him off the bed.

Crane hit the floor with a thud, blankets tangling around his tiny legs.

"What are you doing here?!" Leoneen demanded, her face turning bright red.

"I—I don't know!" Crane yelled back, flailing like a trapped fish.

Leoneen's mother just chuckled. "Well, hurry and get dressed, little ones. Your fathers are waiting."

She left the room, leaving Crane and Leoneen to stare at each other in complete shock.

---

Breakfast at the Foyer house was warm and lively. Leoneen's father, a broad-shouldered man with kind eyes, sat at the head of the table. Crane felt too nervous to eat, especially with Leoneen glaring at him from across the table like he had personally committed the greatest crime of the century.

Leoneen's father cleared his throat. "So, Crane…"

Crane sat up straight. "Y-Yes, sir?"

"You don't remember how you got here, do you?"

Crane froze.

Leoneen perked up, eyes narrowing.

"No," Crane admitted. "I remember the wedding… but after that, everything is kinda…" He waved his little hands. "Fuzzy."

Leoneen's mother set down her tea with a knowing smile. "That makes sense. You were half-asleep when it happened."

Crane and Leoneen exchanged a confused glance.

"When what happened?" Leoneen asked suspiciously.

Her father chuckled. "The elders paired you two."

Silence.

Then—

"WHAT?!"

Leoneen jumped from her seat, knocking over a piece of bread. "No, no, no, no—that's not right! I don't remember that!"

Crane, meanwhile, was still buffering like a broken puppet.

The elders… paired them?

But… he didn't agree to that… did he?

Leoneen's father just shrugged. "You were both too tired to understand what was happening. But a pairing at your age isn't unusual—it's a tradition."

"But we were just sleeping!" Leoneen protested. "You can't just decide that!"

Crane finally found his voice. "So, what does that mean? Are we—like—stuck together now?"

"Not exactly," Leoneen's mother said gently. "Pairings aren't binding forever. If, when you're older, you don't want to stay together, you can choose to separate."

Crane let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Leoneen, however, still looked like she wanted to throw her entire breakfast out the window.

"But it does mean," her father added, "that as of last night, you two are considered future partners."

Crane and Leoneen both groaned at the same time.

"This is the worst day ever," Leoneen muttered.

Crane silently agreed.

---

The morning sun bathed the city of ATHERIA in gold, stretching long shadows across the cobbled streets. The marketplaces were alive with laughter and chatter, but Crane and Leoneen were too caught up in their own world to notice.

They walked side by side, their steps naturally in sync.

"You stopped walking again," Leoneen muttered, nudging him.

Crane blinked, breaking from his daydream. "Did I?"

Leoneen rolled her eyes. "Yes, you did. I swear, sometimes I wonder if your brain just drifts into another dimension."

Crane smirked. "Maybe I'm just admiring the world, unlike a certain someone who marches like she's at war."

Leoneen scoffed but didn't deny it. "We are at war, Crane. With time. And we're losing."

Crane sighed dramatically. "Always the responsible one."

Leoneen grinned. "And always the daydreamer."

They turned onto the main road leading to the academy. The crowd thickened with students—some arriving on horseback, others in ornate carriages. A few first-years clung together nervously, while older students greeted each other like old comrades.

Leoneen adjusted her satchel. "So, what's the plan for today? Avoiding responsibility as usual?"

Crane smirked. "I prefer the term 'selective engagement.'"

"You mean slacking off."

"Same thing."

She laughed, lightly shoving his shoulder. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here you are, still putting up with me."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

They passed through the academy gates, the towering iron bars looming behind them like the entrance to another world.

And that's when they heard it.

"Leoneen! Over here!"

Crane already knew who it was before he turned around.

Zander.

The golden boy of the academy, with his perfectly styled hair, his effortless smirk, and the kind of confidence that came from never hearing the word 'no.'

Leoneen brightened at the sight of him. "Morning, Zander!"

Crane groaned internally.

Here we go.

---

Zander's presence had a way of turning heads. Not just because he was the son of the high king's emissary, but because he carried himself like someone who belonged at the center of the world.

Crane had seen it a hundred times before—the way people gravitated toward Zander, the way his words always carried weight, even when they were meaningless.

And Leoneen?

She glowed in his presence.

"Morning, Zander!" she called, her voice just a little too bright.

Crane stifled a sigh and shoved his hands into his pockets. Here we go.

Zander strode toward them, effortlessly parting the sea of students. He was dressed in the finest academy uniform, the gold embroidery on his cuffs marking him as one of the top-ranking students. His hair, a shade too perfect, caught the sunlight like it had been styled by fate itself.

"Well, well," Zander smirked, stopping just in front of them. His piercing blue eyes flickered to Crane for the briefest second before settling on Leoneen. "I was wondering if you'd ever get here."

Leoneen grinned. "We would've been here sooner, but Crane got distracted."

Zander's smirk deepened. "Shocking."

Crane, who had been silently counting the seconds before he was insulted, simply arched a brow. "Morning to you too, Zander."

Zander ignored him completely.

Instead, he turned to Leoneen, his posture relaxed, confident, completely at ease. "So, have you thought about what I said?"

Leoneen blinked. "Oh—uh—"

She glanced at Crane, suddenly looking unsure.

Crane narrowed his eyes. What did he say?

Zander, noticing Leoneen's hesitation, simply smirked again. "Take your time," he said smoothly. "I'm not going anywhere."

He gave her one last lingering glance, then turned on his heel and strode away—leaving behind a hundred unspoken words.

Leoneen exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck.

Crane folded his arms. "What was that about?"

Leoneen hesitated. "Nothing."

Crane tilted his head. "Leoneen."

She sighed, finally turning to him. "It's just… Zander thinks I should start hanging out with a different crowd."

Crane stilled. A different crowd.

Meaning not with him.

For the first time that morning, the world didn't seem so beautiful anymore.

---

Crane clenched his jaw, forcing himself to keep his expression neutral. The words echoed in his mind like a slow-burning ember.

Zander thinks I should start hanging out with a different crowd.

And Leoneen—his best friend, the person who had always been in his corner—hadn't immediately said no.

She wasn't agreeing, but she wasn't dismissing it either.

"Right." Crane nodded, his voice calm, too calm. "And what do you think?"

Leoneen hesitated, looking down at the cobblestone path. "I don't know."

Crane let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "You don't know?"

"Crane—"

"No, it's fine," he cut in, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I mean, why wouldn't you want to be around better people, right?"

Leoneen winced. "That's not what I meant."

But it's what Zander meant. And Leoneen didn't correct him.

Before she could say more, a familiar voice called out from the academy courtyard.

"Well, this is awkward."

Crane and Leoneen turned to see Zander, leaning casually against a marble column, arms crossed over his chest, the usual smirk playing on his lips.

"You know, Harrowing," Zander said, pushing off the column, "if you're so upset about my suggestion, maybe you should do something about it."

Crane stiffened. "Like what?"

Zander's smirk widened. "I don't know. Prove you belong."

---

"As if. I don't have time for your childish games, Zander."

Crane's glare was sharp, his patience already worn thin.

Zander chuckled, crossing his arms. "Childish? You call proving your worth in this school childish? Or… are the rumors true?"

Crane's eyes narrowed. "What rumors?"

Zander smirked. "So you haven't heard? I was sure Leoneen told you."

Crane turned to her instinctively. "What's he talking about?"

The question caught Leoneen off guard. She tried to answer, but the look on Crane's face—hurt, betrayed—made her blood run cold.

"What rumors have been going around?" Crane asked again, this time his voice tinged with something deeper than just curiosity.

Leoneen opened her mouth, but Zander cut in. "Oh, don't bother trying to explain it, Leoneen."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Crane growled.

Zander smirked, about to speak—but before he could, a sudden blast of trumpets rang through the air.

The sound was so abrupt, so powerful, that every student felt their heart lurch in their chest.

The great gates of the school swung open wider, allowing a procession to enter. An infantry of soldiers marched in first, their armor gleaming in the midday sun. Behind them followed a procession of priests, some reciting sacred texts, others holding copies of the Temple Codex high for all to see. The rest rang bells—seven resounding chimes, one for each sacred day.

Then came the notorious trumpeters, their instruments wailing like there was no tomorrow.

Trailing behind them all was a single man, tall and gray, his long velvet robes adorned with blue stripes at the edges. His beard, also long and gray, gave him an air of ancient wisdom.

The students instinctively parted, making way as the group marched into the school.

"Who… who is that?" Leoneen whispered.

Crane was still staring at the man, unable to look away. "I… I don't know."

"Of course, you don't," Zander snickered.

Crane shot him a glare so cold it could freeze a lake.

Zander smirked. "That man in the robes is a very good friend of my father. I know him well."

At that, the students around them shifted, their attention gravitating toward Zander as if he were the sun.

Crane observed the situation silently. He turned back to Leoneen to ask a question—but stopped abruptly.

Her face was pale. Her expression, troubled.

"Leo, what's wrong?" Crane asked, his voice soft.

She didn't answer.

"Leo. Leoneen, talk to me," he urged, cupping her face gently and shaking her slightly.

Leoneen winced, holding her head. "Crane… w-what are you doing?"

Crane's worried face turned into a confused stare. "What happened to you?"

Leoneen took a step back. "What do you mean?"

"You were staring at them like…" Crane trailed off, suddenly remembering how she had looked that morning—worried, distant.

Had she been feeling this way all along?

His heart clenched at the thought.

"Crane, are you okay?" Leoneen asked, her tone mirroring his concern.

"I'm sorry," Crane murmured, sounding almost regretful.

"Sorry? Sorry for what?" Leoneen asked, confused. She thought he was apologizing for shaking her, but deep down, even she wasn't sure what had just happened.

A sudden voice cut through their conversation.

"Beautiful beast, isn't it?"

The two turned toward Zander, following his gaze.

Crane's heart skipped a beat.

The majestic creature standing in the courtyard looked like something out of a dream.

A tiger—but white. Its thick mane cascaded around its face like a lion's, and its tail was long and puffy, moving with an almost ethereal grace.

"Wow, it's beautiful," a girl whispered.

Zander smirked. "That beast is the familiar of the man walking behind the priests."

"Who is he?" another student asked.

Zander's chest swelled with pride. "He is the most powerful priest in all the land. The leader of all religions. Most know him as The Revered One."

Crane's breath caught.

Now, he understood the gravity of the moment. The Chief Priest himself had graced their school with his presence. Such an event typically only occurred in the capital—or its neighboring cities.

But here? In Atheria?

Soldiers suddenly moved in, forming a human barricade. Some carried the kingdom's flag, others held spears and shields, while a few arrived on horseback.

"What are they doing?" Leoneen whispered, her eyes darting around.

"Securing the area," Zander answered. "They don't want any unnecessary surprises."

The Chief Priest stepped onto the assembly podium, flanked by the headmaster and other high-ranking school officials.

Then, he finally spoke.

"Arichnod…"

His voice was soft, yet it carried through the entire courtyard.

The name struck a chord in Crane's memory.

"Wait, isn't that—"

Before he could finish, Zander took a step forward.

The soldiers moved instantly, forming an escort around him, guiding him toward the stage.

"Ah, there you are," the Chief Priest said, looking Zander up and down as if measuring his worth. "How have you been, my boy?"

"Very well, sir," Zander replied smoothly. "The school and students have been most welcoming."

The headmaster smiled, eager to please. "Young Zander is one of our most prized students."

How naïve.

The Chief Priest barely acknowledged the compliment. "That is good to hear," he said simply. Then, reaching into his robes, he pulled out a letter. "Ah, before I forget—your father sends you words of encouragement."

He handed the letter to Zander, who accepted it reverently, as though holding gold.

"You may return to your place now," the priest said.

Zander bowed. "Very well, sir. I hope to converse with you again."

As he turned, the students' gazes clung to him like moths to a flame.

Crane remained unimpressed.

Then, the Chief Priest addressed the crowd.

"Good morning," he said.

Silence fell.

"I can see my sudden appearance has come as a shock to some of you," he continued. "As you all know, many of you near the age of Awakening."

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

"Normally, priests are sent to oversee such events. Gaining your magical attribute and acquiring your familiar is nothing short of extraordinary. However…"

The priest's eyes swept over them.

"For this year's Awakening—I shall personally oversee the ceremony."

A stunned hush settled over the courtyard.

Crane felt his pulse quicken.

The Chief Priest himself would oversee their Awakening?

That was unheard of.

"I shall inaugurate you all into our adult circle," the priest continued. "So prepare, and prepare well. The Age of Awakening is at hand."

The weight of his words sank deep into their minds.

Crane exhaled slowly.

The Age of Awakening…

The time where sixteen-year-olds unlocked their magical attributes—and gained their Spirit Guides.

Crane's heart pounded in his chest.

What will I awaken to?

___

The courtyard remained eerily silent, the weight of the Chief Priest's words sinking into every student's bones.

Crane clenched his fists. This wasn't just any Awakening Ceremony—it was now a historical event. A once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.

The Chief Priest continued, his voice commanding yet calm.

"This year's Awakening shall not be conducted in the usual manner."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"The ceremony will take place at the ATHERIA'N, grand mountain temple , found north of here. All participants will be escorted there in six months' time."

A sudden surge of excitement swept over the students.

"The Grand Temple?" someone whispered.

"But that's where the high noble's have their Awakening!" another added.

Even Zander looked momentarily surprised, though he quickly masked it with his usual smugness.

Crane barely heard the chatter around him. His mind was racing.

The Grand Temple…

He had read about it in books. A sacred place said to be connected to the very gods themselves. A place where one's Awakening could either be amplified… or distorted.

"The temple's sacred grounds will determine the true strength of your bond with your destined familiar," the Chief Priest explained. "For those worthy, it will be a glorious transformation. For the weak…"

He paused.

A heavy silence fell over the crowd.

"The weak will be swallowed whole by fate," he finished gravely.

A shudder passed through some of the students.

Crane exhaled sharply.

This wasn't just an honor—it was a test.

A trial.

The Awakening was already a daunting process. Not everyone gained strong familiars. Some bonded with creatures so weak that their future in magic was doomed from the start.

And now, with the ceremony taking place at the Grand Temple, the risks were even higher.

Leoneen nudged him, her expression unreadable. "Crane… are you okay?"

He didn't answer immediately.

His heart pounded.

He had spent years preparing for this moment. Training, studying, waiting.

And yet…

Now that it was truly happening, a small part of him felt uncertain.

Would he be strong enough?

Would his familiar be powerful?

Or would he be nothing more than another disappointment?

He clenched his jaw. No. I won't fail.

The Chief Priest raised his hands. "That is all for now. May the gods guide you in these final days before your Awakening."

With that, the procession turned and began to leave, the soldiers forming a protective formation around the priest as they exited the school grounds.

The moment they were gone, the courtyard exploded with noise.

"Can you believe this?"

"The Grand Temple!"

"This changes everything!"

Crane tuned them out, lost in his thoughts.

Leoneen sighed. "Looks like things just got a lot more complicated."

He nodded absently.

Zander suddenly stepped forward, his voice loud and mocking. "Well, Crane, I guess we'll see if you actually have a spine when the Awakening comes."

Crane's fists tightened, but he refused to rise to the bait.

"Maybe your familiar will be a rat," Zander sneered. "Something weak. Something fitting."

A few students laughed.

Crane met Zander's gaze, his expression calm but cold. "I'd rather bond with a rat than be one."

Zander's smirk faltered.

The students around them gasped, sensing the tension.

Before Zander could retort, Leoneen grabbed Crane's arm. "Come on. Let's go."

Crane allowed her to pull him away, though he didn't miss the way Zander glared at his back.

Something told him this was just the beginning.

And for the first time in a long time, Crane felt it—

The burning desire to prove them all wrong.

________________________________________________

...first the students found the birds amusing, their curiosity turned to bewilderment when they noticed that all of the sparrows' tiny eyes were fixed on the classroom door.

A hush fell over the room.

The door creaked open.

…Mr. Anderson entered the room.

His presence alone was enough to command the attention of the students. He was a man in his late fifties, with silver streaks in his dark hair and sharp, calculating eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone who dared to challenge his authority. He adjusted his robes, his fingers lightly brushing against the embroidered insignia of the academy.

"Settle down," he said, his voice firm yet controlled. "We have much to discuss today."

The students, still buzzing from the arrival of the Chief Priest, reluctantly turned their attention back to their instructor. Leoneen stole a glance at Crane, her emotions still raw from their earlier conversation. Crane, in turn, sat deep in thought, his mind occupied by the upcoming Awakening Ceremony.

Mr. Anderson paced before the class, his hands clasped behind his back. "As you are all aware, the Awakening Ceremony is drawing near. This is not a mere formality—it is a moment that will define your path in life." His gaze swept over the students, lingering slightly on Crane.

"Some of you will bond with powerful familiars, creatures of legend and might. Others will awaken abilities that will shape your destiny. And some…" He paused. "Some may find their paths diverging in ways they never anticipated."

Zander smirked, crossing his arms. "Not much of a surprise, really. Those of noble blood are destined for greatness. The rest, well…" He let his words hang in the air, enjoying the reaction of those around him.

Crane clenched his fists. Leoneen noticed and subtly placed her hand over his, grounding him.

"Enough of your arrogance, Zander," Mr. Anderson said sharply. "The Awakening is not about status—it is about potential. Many have risen from nothing to become legends, and many have fallen despite their noble lineage."

Zander narrowed his eyes but said nothing.

"Now, as for today's lesson—" Mr. Anderson was cut off as the sparrow from earlier chirped wildly once more, flapping its wings frantically.

Mr Anderson gave it a sharp look and it went dead silent.

Crane furrowed his brows. That was odd.

He turned to the board, scrawling in bold letters:

The Awakening Ceremony – Understanding Your Bond

"Today's lesson will focus on what to expect when you undergo the Awakening," Mr. Anderson continued. "Each of you will bond with a creature, but make no mistake—this is not a simple partnership. It is a lifelong connection, a tether that will shape your future in ways you cannot yet comprehend."

Crane exchanged a glance with Leoneen. Her earlier worries still lingered in her eyes, though she tried to mask them.

Zander, sitting a few rows ahead, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a smug expression on his face.

Mr. Anderson's gaze swept over the room. "The bond is not just about power. It is about trust, understanding, and sometimes even sacrifice. There are those who reject their bond, and others who are rejected in return."

A chill ran down Crane's spine.

Rejected?

He clenched his fists. That wouldn't happen to him... right?

He shook the thought away and focused on Mr. Anderson as he continued.

"The Chief Priest's presence here is a rare honor. It means that this year's Awakening will be like no other. Some of you may receive creatures beyond anything this school has ever seen."

Excitement buzzed through the room.

Zander smirked. "I already know my bond will be extraordinary."

A few students chuckled in agreement, but Crane ignored him.

Mr. Anderson shot Zander a sharp look before continuing. "In the coming days, I expect you all to prepare. Reflect on who you are. The creatures that choose you will not be random. They will see into your soul."

Crane felt Leoneen shift beside him.

"See into our soul?" she whispered.

Crane nodded, a sense of unease creeping up his spine.

Whatever happened during the Awakening... it was going to change everything.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Now"!

Mr Anderson's voice rang through the class

"Uhh oh, I know that look". Crane whispered.

"You think he still remembers"? Leoneen asked

Maybe. Crane shrugged

"Some of you were smart last semester". Mr Anderson started

He pulled out a small clearly overused notebook, his eyes darting about the class.

A shiver crept up Crane's spin as Mr Anderson's gaze met his.

"I have compiled a list of such wise folk in my class".

He stood looking at the class, a grin on his face that could only be described as mischievous.

"To begin with,... His eyes glinting..... Liam, Ander, Ansted, Greyham, McGregory.

The mentioned students arose, heads bowed.

"You lot were a tad bit mischievous last semester,..his eyes turning into a glare.. I do not condone acts of cheating whatsoever, especially in my end of semester exam".

Who would cheat in Mr Anderson's test, crane thought to himself, but he sympathized with them, Mr Anderson's tests are no joke.

"Next we have, Lia, Philmon, and of course Kendrick...he looked as they stood, head's beant also... " You lot skipped my test all together"!

The walls seemed to tremble with his rage, he looked at them , eyes filled with disdain as if they had done the most haenous of crimes.

The atmosphere felt heavy on them but the frantic flipping of pages told them he was not done.

Now, last semester... Mr Anderson's voice was stern and yet rough...there were a few who felt like time beant backwards for them, yes this list holds the names of those ever late to my class.

Crane shifted in his seat, he gave leoneen a knowing glance

" What, stop starring at me"

" You know your to blame" crane whispered

" Don't start now"

" To top our list.....

Mr Anderson's voice made them snap Thier head's back at him

... oh, huh quite unusual but non the less". His voice soft almost in shock himself.

The room buzzed with hushed whispers, students glancing at each other in curiosity and dread,

" what, who's on the list " one asked

" Silence " Mr Anderson's voice shot out catching

Thier attention once again

" To top our list we have.....

Zander ".

The name was heard yet it felt alian.

"Stand up young man". Mr Anderson said

Zanders face felt stiff, a mix of shock and disbelief

" There must be a mistake" he began

" No there is not... Mr Anderson's voice followed up quickly...."my birds don't lie". He said looking at his flock of sparrows nestled on the cupboard.

Zander felt embarrassment creeping up him. "How could he, the emissaries son be late, let alone face punishment for it?"

" Next we have Ryan, and last but not least.... He shot a glare at the two best friends seated at the back.

And from that gaze alone Crane knew they were on that list, somehow so did leoneen as she got up.

...well this isn't surprising, next we have our very own twins.

Mr Anderson normally called the two friends twins because of Thier close bond, even so they do pass off as twins at times.

Crane followed leoneen's lead getting up. The two were normally late, and most of the time it was because of leoneen.

They all gathered in front of the class as Mr Anderson scanned them with annoyed eyes.

He rearranged his books setting the in place.

They all knew where this was heading almost all of Mr Anderson's punishment's lead to one place.

Ok then you lot you lot, to the pigsty!