As they made their way to the Throne Room, Raven's mother, Elara, led the procession, with Raven by her side. Behind them trailed the other two wives of Arch-Duke Elliot Lionheart: Lady Victoria, the first wife, and Lady Marcella, the second wife. Each wife was accompanied by their respective children, all of whom eyed Raven with varying degrees of curiosity and disdain.
Upon entering the Throne Room, Raven's gaze fell upon his father, Arch-Duke Elliot Lionheart, who stood tall and imposing, his features strikingly similar to Raven's. The resemblance was unmistakable, from the sharp jawline to the piercing eyes. Raven felt a shiver run down his spine as their eyes met, and for a moment, he thought he saw a flicker of recognition.
Standing beside Elliot were two individuals who commanded attention. The Captain of the Black Lion Squad, a young man no older than 19, exuded an aura of confidence and strength. His intense gaze swept the room, missing nothing.
Next to him stood the Captain of the Crimson Lion Squad, a woman with an ethereal beauty. Her hair was a mesmerizing mix of white and red, cascading down her back like a river of fire and snow. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.She seemed almost otherworldly, like a fairy from the stories one would read.
As the family gathered before him, Elliot's gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on each of his children before coming to rest on Raven. For a moment, their eyes locked, and Raven felt a jolt of electricity run through his veins. It was as if his father saw something in him that no one else did, something that sparked a glimmer of interest in those piercing eyes.
"Welcome, my family," Elliot said, his voice deep and commanding. "I trust you've all been well in my absence?" The atmosphere in the grand chamber was thick with tension as Raven remained locked in the Arch-Duke's gaze. Elliot Lionheart's presence commanded attention, each heartbeat in the room amplifying the gravity of their connection. Raven's heart raced, a mix of fear and curiosity bubbling within him.
"Within two months, the Flag Bearer ceremony will commence," Elliot announced, his voice echoing through the chamber. "All of my young children will participate, except...Raven." He paused, his gaze lingering on Raven. "Given his...limitations and the fact that he can'tuse Aethon."
The other children exchanged glances, their faces a mix of curiosity and disdain. Lady Victoria's smile was particularly venomous, as if she'd already calculated the odds in favor of her own sons.
The room fell silent as Raven's heart sank. He felt the weight of his family's expectations, the unspoken assumption that he wasn't worthy. Raven locked eyes with his father, his determination igniting a spark deep within. "That's not true," he interjected, his voice steady despite the tremor of anxiety coursing through him. "I can use it....i can use Aethon."
The room fell silent as they all looked at Raven. Was it desperation that caused him to say this? Or was he just looking for the acknowledgementof his father? They thought. Elliot raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched across his face. "Show me."
Raven took a deep breath, feeling the Aethon swirling within him like a tempest. He summoned the energy, a soft glow blossoming in his palms. Tendrils of light flickered and danced as he focused, weaving the threads of Aethon with newfound energy. Before his family's shocked faces, he conjured a small, radiant sphere that pulsed with color, casting vibrant reflections across the chamber.
Gasps erupted from his siblings. "Raven!" one of his sisters exclaimed, wide-eyed. "How did you—?"
Elliot's expression remained unmoving, the command in his eyes unwavering. "That's impressive, Raven," he said slowly, "but it's weak. A mere trick compared to what's needed for the flag bearer title."
Raven clenched his fists, determination surging within him. "I know I'm not strong, but I've been training. If you give me these two months, I can prove myself! If my progress doesn't impress you, I will drop the idea of competing in the ceremony."
The chamber erupted in hushed murmurs, some unsure, others intrigued. His siblings exchanged looks. Elliot looked around the room, gauging the reactions of those present before drawing his attention back to Raven.
"You think my approval is all that matters?" Elliot asked sharply. "Strength is born from lineage and mastery. You'll only humiliate yourself if you think you can compete."
Raven stood tall, his heart swelling with resolve. "I want to try, Father. I want to fight for my place in our family. I won't ask for your favor—only for your patience. Just give me the time to train."
"How dare you?" Victoria shouted. "You think a mere son of a low lif slut can just-"
Elliot stared down Victoria."I advise you to chose your words properly."
Victoria's face paled as she realized her mistake. She bowed her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Forgive me, my lord. I spoke out of turn."
Elliot's expression remained stern, but his tone was measured. "See that you don't repeat such...indiscretions."
Elliot's icy demeanor began to crack slightly, considering the fire in Raven's eyes. "You're bold," he admitted, albeit reluctantly. "Very well. You will have your two months. But know this: my expectations are high. If you fail to impress me even the slightest you will bow out gracefully."
Raven nodded, determination surging through him like a river breaking free of its dam. "I will train day and night, Father. I promise you won't regret it."
With that declaration, a flicker of approval crossed Elliot's face, though it disappeared quickly under his usual stoicism. He turned sharply, the air somewhat lighter but still rife with seriousness.
The room fell silent once more, the tension palpable. Raven's heart swelled with a mix of emotions: gratitude toward his father for standing up for him, and anger toward Victoria for her condescending attitude.
As the meeting concluded, Elliot turned to the Captain of the Black Lion Squad. "See to it that Raven receives proper training and guidance. I want him to be prepared for the Flag Bearer ceremony."
The Captain nodded, his eyes flicking to Raven before returning to Elliot. "As you wish, my lord."