Whispers in the Hall

Wade woke up as soon as the sun was out, the dormitory corridor buzzed like a beehive, his name sparking between every mouth that passed by his room.

"Did you see that spell?"

"Blue fire—what even is that? It was so big and hot—i could feel the heat all the way from my seat, and did you see the damage it did?"

"He's not from any noble house, is he?"

"Theron? Never heard of it."

"I heard he's a bastard son from some borderland warlord."

"No, no, he's got some kind of artifact. That has to be it."

Wade turned to his side with a pillow over his ear, tired of all the talk coming from outside.

He noticed Juno was already up, propped against his pillow, still reading his book, though now his book hovered midair so he could glance sideways at Wade.

"You're trending," Juno said flatly. "Top of the list. First place. Congratulations."

Wade groaned.

"Nice to meet you too."

"I'm just saying," Juno said, snapping the book closed with a loud thwap, "a little mediocrity is an excellent cloak. You? You might as well have set yourself on fire and danced naked round the arena."

"Would've been less exhausting," Wade muttered.

Juno sat up. "People don't like being reminded that they're not the best. Especially not people who were told all their lives that they are."

Wade looked up.

"You mean someone like the dark red-haired noble kid that keeps glaring at me everywhere i go?"

"That must be Lucien." Juno said, then gave him a long look.

"And yeah, i mean people who carry old names and older grudges. As a matter of fact, he didn't take that arena battle well. He's been storming up and down the western hall saying he'll never believe someone is better than he is at fire magic."

As if on cue, the door creaked open.

Lucien stood in the doorway.

No guards, no cronies. Just him. Alone. That made it worse.

His dark red hair fell over one brow, his uniform slightly unbuttoned at the collar, like he'd tried to look casual and failed.

His eyes met Wade's. And lingered.

"I should congratulate you," Lucien said, voice smooth but tight, like a bowstring drawn too far. "Top marks. First place. Exceptional magic control. Such…raw talent."

Wade sat up, watching him carefully. "Thanks. You were pretty good too."

Lucien chuckled softly with a smug look on his face, "Of course i was." Stepping just inside the room. Juno casually extended one finger, and the doorknob behind him froze in place—locked. Lucien didn't notice.

"But not good enough," he said. "And that bothers me. You see, I'm not used to second place. It's…not for nobility."

He took a step closer.

"People will talk," he continued. "They'll say you're the next prodigy. That you're some kind of rare talent. But all that—" he waved vaguely, "—can fade. Accidents happen. Power slips. One wrong duel, and even a glowing name turns to ash."

Juno stood now. "Oi..you threatening him? Or just practicing monologues for theater class?"

Lucien didn't look at Juno. He kept his eyes on Wade.

"Just friendly advice," Lucien said. Then he smiled. It didn't reach his eyes.

"Rest well, Theron. Big day tomorrow."

He turned and left.

Juno exhaled and released the lock spell. The knob spun once before stilling.

"…and that my friend," he said, "is what happens when you show off."

Wade lay back, staring at the ceiling.

Then he gave a dry smile. "He's going to challenge me."

Juno groaned into his hands. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Wade didn't answer.

Because just then, the systemlit up in front of his eyes.

[New Hostile Entity Flagged: Lucien]

[Threat Level: low – Potential Rival Triggered]

Wade turned over, facing the ceiling.

His day hadn't even started yet but it seemed like it was going to be fun.

With time to spare before the day officially began, he lay in bed staring up at the ceiling, one leg hanging over the bed.

He closed his eyes.

Seeing nothing but darkness, he listened to the soft singing of the birds outside his window, then the creak of the bedframe when his roommate sat back down on his bed. Wade's mind spun like a wind vortex refusing to slow down.

Lucien's words circled. The look in his eyes. The way he spoke to him.

Threats were nothing new to Wade, but this one was dressed in manners and velvet. A noble's threat. No blood spilled yet—just promises.

Soon the morning bell chimed—a low, harmonic chime that vibrated through the walls—Wade's eyes opened instantly.

He'd fallen asleep again.

He sat up and saw Juno seated on his bed, already dressed, polishing the hem of his black trimmed robe with careful circular motions.

"Breakfast is in the Hall of Brevity. Class starts right after. And no, before you ask—you have nothing to worry about with Lucien, dueling isn't allowed until next week."

Wade sat up, rubbing the heel of his palm into his eyes. "You memorized the schedule?"

"Dude, i wrote the schedule. They made me organize orientation last year as punishment for dismantling a gravity ward and causing half a corridor to collapse."

Wade blinked. "That actually happened?"

Juno gave him a long, dead eyed stare.

"…Don't mess with gravity runes. Ever."

By the time they reached the mess hall, the whispers had become waves. Conversations hushed as Wade walked by—people pretending not to look as their eyes followed him.

Juno whispered as they passed the tables. "Upper floors are nobles. Avoid sitting with them unless you enjoy getting hexed under the table. Middle tables are commoners with magic blood. Bottom three are the outliers."

"Which are we?"

Juno pointed to the last table in the back, next to a cracked window and two wobbly chairs.

"Exile table."

They sat.

Wade barely had time to start on the burnt eggs and suspiciously purple sausage when a girl dropped into the seat across from him.

"Wade Theron," she said flatly.

She was short, with silver blonde curls tied back in a spiky knot, and bright amber eyes that practically vibrated with energy. Her uniform robe looked slightly scorched on the right sleeve.

"And you are…?" Wade asked.

"Rae. Rae Vellin. I'm your assigned spell partner for first cycle."

"I have a partner?"

Juno nodded while chewing. "First year curriculum. They pair you with someone your affinity might synergize with. Or someone they think can keep you from exploding yourself."

Rae grinned. "I'm lightning. Fast, loud, unpredictable. Headmaster says I'm not allowed near potions anymore."

Wade blinked. "Why?"

"I added lightning to a calming draught. Didn't calm anything."

She leaned forward.

"Anyway, heard you blew up a golem yesterday. That true?"

Wade gave a lopsided smile. "Technically I blew up half a golem. The other half just… vaporized."

Rae smacked the table. "Hell yes! Knew you weren't boring."

Juno sighed. "You two are going to kill each other."

The bell rang again.

And just like that, it was time for classes to begin.