The transport carriages arrived at dawn, their polished wood and brass fittings gleaming under the soft blush of morning. Marcus stood in the gathering light, gripping the handle of his single worn travel bag. Around him, other graduates buzzed with excitement and nerves, chattering as they loaded their belongings. The carriages looked pristine, opulent even, their gleaming exteriors reflecting the early sun like molten gold. Yet to Marcus, the sight was not one of comfort. Instead, it dredged up shadows of a night six years past, when similarly fine carriages had carried the Enforcers away from his burning village, leaving Millbrook to its doom.
A gentle voice interrupted his haunted reverie. "Quite a sight, isn't it?"
He turned. Standing before him was Isabella Rodriguez, approaching gracefully with her trunk levitating beside her. Even now, Marcus found himself momentarily breathless, not from her levitation spell, but from her sheer presence. She was striking in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. Her long, snow-white hair caught the morning light and shimmered like strands of silk. The pale cascade framed her porcelain skin, making her bright green eyes all the more piercing. They were not simply green; they seemed to glow with a vibrance that pulled at something deep within him. Everything about her, from the perfect symmetry of her features to the poise in her every movement, gave the impression that she had stepped out of a painting, something ethereal and untouchable.
"It's impressive," Marcus managed, hoping his voice concealed the turmoil swirling inside him.
Isabella's eyes softened with concern as she studied him closely. "You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you alright?"
He hesitated before forcing a smile. "Just nervous about the academy, I suppose. It's a big change."
She nodded, as if understanding more than he admitted. "I've heard the stories. Valorheart Academy is supposed to be incredible, the best magical education in the kingdom. But also," her voice lowered to a confidential whisper, "it can be very competitive. And not always kind to those who aren't from the right families."
"The right families," Marcus echoed bitterly, his thoughts drifting to the simple cottage he once called home. "That doesn't exactly include orphans and refugees."
Isabella's expression grew even more tender. She stepped closer and placed a hand gently on his arm. The warmth of her touch spread through him like an ember stirring to life. "You earned your place here, Marcus. Just like everyone else. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise."
Before he could respond, a sharp whistle cut through the morning air. Master Thorne stood by the lead carriage, his weathered face stern as ever. "Listen up, graduates. You'll be traveling in groups based on your classifications. Mages in the first carriage, Attackers in the second, Defenders in the third. The journey to Valorheart will take three days. Each night, we'll stop at way stations where all classes will dine together, but you will sleep in your assigned dormitory groups."
Marcus's stomach tightened. Even the travel arrangements reminded him that a hierarchy waited for them at Valorheart. At least they would share meals together, he thought. Small mercies.
"That's an improvement," Isabella murmured, frowning. "At least we won't be segregated during meals."
"Get used to it," came Garrett Winslow's voice as he strolled up with his levitating trunk trailing behind. His assignment had marked him as an Attacker, and the smug satisfaction radiating from him was almost palpable. "You better enjoy those meals together. Because once we reach the academy, the nobles and elites will remind you of your place soon enough."
"Garrett," Isabella said sharply, narrowing her luminous green eyes. "There's no need to be cruel."
"I'm not cruel," Garrett replied with a sneer. "I'm realistic. The Mages and Attackers will climb the ranks. Defenders? You'll be holding shields and opening doors. If you're lucky."
Marcus clenched his jaw but held his tongue. Responding only fed Garrett's fire.
"Alright, everyone board!" Master Thorne called. "We leave in ten minutes."
Isabella hesitated, glancing between Marcus and the Mage carriage. For a moment, Marcus dared to hope she might protest, might refuse the separation. Instead, she squeezed his arm again, her voice gentle. "I'll see you at dinner. And we'll sit together."
He nodded, unable to fully suppress the growing warmth her kindness stirred in him. As she walked toward the first carriage, her pale hair swayed behind her like silk caught in a breeze, mesmerizing. Garrett followed, flashing Marcus a smirk as he went.
"Come on then," a voice said behind him. Marcus turned to find three fellow Defender-class graduates approaching: Elena Vasquez, a quiet girl from the farming district; Thomas Brightwater, a broad-shouldered blacksmith's son; and Sarah Millbrook, fierce and sharp-eyed with a shock of red hair.
"Might as well face our fate together," Tom said with a grin. "I'm Tom, by the way."
"Elena," said the dark-haired girl softly. "I saw your combat scores. You're better than most of the Attackers."
"Scores don't matter if you can't cast worth a damn," Marcus replied bitterly, then immediately softened his tone. "Sorry. I'm Marcus. And thank you."
"Sarah," the redhead added, shaking his hand firmly. "Elena's right. You've got instincts people would kill for."
An uncomfortable silence followed as Sarah glanced at his surname. "Millbrook," Marcus offered quietly. "My village. The one destroyed six years ago."
Sarah's fierce expression softened. "We lived in the next valley over. We saw the smoke. You survived."
"I'm the only one who did," Marcus said, his voice quiet.
The weight of those words settled over them. But Tom was quick to lift the mood. "That explains why you're so good at staying alive. You chose to be a Defender, whether you realize it or not. You protect people."
Elena nodded. "In training, every time someone was in trouble, you were there. Even when it cost you."
Sarah crossed her arms. "That's what Defenders do. We stand between danger and those who can't fight."
Marcus felt something stir inside, not anger this time, but a quiet sense of belonging.
"All aboard!" Master Thorne called again.
They climbed into the third carriage. It was simple and worn but clean. The seats, though frayed, were comfortable enough for the long journey.
"See? Not so bad," Tom said cheerfully as the carriage lurched into motion.
The countryside rolled by, green fields and distant villages that reminded Marcus of Millbrook. Peaceful. Vulnerable.
"Tell me about the academy," Marcus asked as they settled in. "What should I expect?"
Elena produced a well-worn journal. "Valorheart Academy is over five centuries old. They train the kingdom's magical elite: Enforcers, Battle Mages, Strategic Advisors, and the Royal Council's inner circle."
"And us?" Sarah asked.
"Defenders serve in the Academy Guard, support training exercises, and sometimes take special missions. Most end up assigned to city watch posts or frontier outposts."
"Like the outpost that failed to protect Millbrook," Marcus muttered.
Elena's voice was gentle. "Those outposts save lives, Marcus. Not always, but often."
He leaned back, watching the rolling hills blur past. Soon, he'd walk the same streets as those who had once turned their backs on his village. Valorheart.
"What about the nobles?" he asked. "How separate are we?"
Tom scoffed. "We'll share classrooms and the dining hall. Beyond that, we're still second-class. They have privileges we don't. Better dormitories. Exclusive lessons. Secret clubs. Connections."
"But there are stories," Elena added. "Rare ones, of students rising above their station."
"Rare," Marcus repeated. "Very rare."
His thoughts drifted to Isabella again. Her beauty had been like a shock, but it was her kindness that truly shook him. She would rise, he knew. She belonged among nobles and scholars. While he would guard their gates.
"You're thinking about her," Sarah observed.
"What?" Marcus snapped from his thoughts.
"Isabella Rodriguez. You've been staring toward the Mage carriage since we left."
Tom and Elena exchanged amused glances.
"She was kind," Marcus said softly. "She saw something in me others never did."
"And she's breathtaking," Tom added with a teasing grin.
"But she's a Mage," Sarah said more soberly. "Her path leads somewhere very different than yours."
"I know," Marcus replied, his voice low. "But knowing that doesn't change how I feel."
Sarah offered a small smile. "Just be careful, Marcus. Valorheart is full of sharp edges."
The carriage slowed as they approached their first stop, a way station where they would rest before continuing. Voices from the other carriages rang out as students disembarked.
Marcus climbed out, immediately searching the crowd. He found her near the entrance, chatting with two other Mage-class students. When their eyes met, Isabella smiled and waved, her white hair catching the light like spun silver.
He waved back, his heart thudding in his chest.
"Dinner should be interesting," Sarah said softly.
Marcus noddeed. Tomorrow, they would reach Valorheart.