The Grand Hall of the Second Realm had always inspired awe for generations to come.
Its ceiling rose impossibly high, etched with ancient runes that glowed faintly in shifting hues—fire-red, earth-gold, air-silver, water-blue. Four massive pillars stood at equal distance, each carved with the crest of a House. At the center lay the circular council floor, polished smooth by centuries of footsteps and unspoken decisions.
Ember hated this place.
Not because it frightened her—but because it reminded her that power was always watching.
The leaders ; Ember jolted forward followed by mellisa walking stiffly with Kai's dominant aura shining as sharp as ever along with Felix's soft and bubbly footsteps.
Students lined the edges of the hall, whispering softly before falling silent as the Headmages took their places.
Lady Lavenn , The Headmage of Arson stood first.
She wore deep crimson robes trimmed with gold, her silver-streaked hair braided neatly over one shoulder. Her presence was warm, steady—like a hearth that never went cold. When her eyes fell on Ember, they softened immediately.
Ember felt it like a hand at her back. It releived her internally.
Breathe.
She straightened, irritation easing just slightly.
Beside Lavenn stood Lady Clementia of House Cynthia.
Her robes were pale stone-gray, flawless and severe. Her expression was sharp, her lips thin with disapproval before anyone had spoken a word. When her gaze landed on Melissa, it lingered—cold, assessing, familiar in the worst way.
Melissa's shoulders stiffened.
She lowered her eyes instinctively.
"Still standing," Clementia said coldly, her voice carrying easily through the hall. "How… persistent."
A few students glanced at Melissa. Ember's jaw tightened.
Before she could speak, a commanding presence cut through the tension.
"Enough."
Lady Esmeralda , Headmage of House Nova stepped forward.
Tall, elegant, draped in deep violet and silver, she carried herself like someone who knew she belonged above scrutiny. Her gaze swept the hall with practiced authority.
"This is a council," she continued. "Not a place for personal commentary."
Clementia smiled faintly. "Everything is personal, Lady Esmeralda."
A soft voice followed.
"Let us not begin with bitterness."
Lady Bluebern of Ronan approached last, her robes flowing like water at her steps. Her expression was gentle, her eyes kind. She offered Felix a warm smile as she passed.
Felix grinned immediately and gave a small, exaggerated bow.
"Missed you too, Lady Bluebern."
She chuckled softly. "You never change."
Kai stood rigid beside Ember, hands clasped behind his back, face unreadable. Esmeralda's gaze flicked toward him with approval.
The Headmages took their seats.
Silence fell.
Lady Lavenn rose.
"The First Realm has sent word," she said gently, but the weight of her words pressed heavily on the room. "His Majesty is in a pathetic state."
A collective breath caught.
"The Heavenly Monarch's life is fading," Lavenn continued. "And with it, the balance between realms."
Murmurs rippled through the hall.
"The next heir?" Lady Esmeralda asked sharply. "Has he been found?"
"No," Clementia answered before Lavenn could. "Which is precisely the problem."
She turned slightly, eyes glinting. "Eighteen years lost in the Mortal World. Hidden. Untested. Weak."
Melissa flinched.
Ember stepped forward. "Watch your tone Lady Clementia."
Lady Clementia arched a brow. "Or what, Prodigy? Will you burn me for speaking truth?"
"Enough," Lady Lavenn said firmly now, warmth edged with steel. "The heir bears a star birthmark—distinct from all elemental marks. That is how he will be identified."
Felix tilted his head. "A star, huh? Very dramatic. I like him already."
Lady Bluebern smiled faintly.
Kai finally spoke. "Why summon us now?"
"Because," Lavenn said, "you will go to the Mortal World."
The hall erupted.
"You will locate the heir," Lady Esmeralda added, standing. "No mortal recruitment for any House this year. This mission takes precedence over all tradition."
"And once found," Clementia said coldly, "he will be brought here and trained. Quickly."
Melissa's hands trembled.
Training. Pressure. Expectations.
She knew that world too well to ever forget.
Lady Bluebern looked thoughtful. " But He will be afraid of the sudden appearance of things which he probably thinks exists in a fairytale."
Lavenn nodded. "Yes. And that is why you must guide him."
Her gaze moved deliberately—from Ember, to Melissa, to Kai, to Felix.
"You are not being sent as weapons," she said. "You are being sent as leaders."
Clementia scoffed softly.
Melissa swallowed.
Ember felt fire stir beneath her skin—not rage, not yet—but resolve.
Kai inclined his head. "We will find him."
Felix smiled brightly. "And if destiny tries to kill us on the way, we'll improvise."
Bluebern's eyes shone with quiet pride.
High above them, the runes on the ceiling pulsed brighter.
Somewhere in the Mortal World, a star-shaped mark burned faintly on a sleeping boy's wrist.
And the path forward—once clear—had begun to fracture into fire, earth, air, and water.