Chapter 2: The Choosing

  It was complete silence. Everyone was waiting anxiously for something to happen.

  Then, from behind the Pillar of Resonance, a man in flowing ivory robes emerged, each step echoing across the stone.

  He looked to be in his sixties, but there was something ageless in his eyes.

  “I am the High Priest,” the man announced, his voice echoing across the plaza. “I will be conducting the Choosing Ceremony.”

  The crowd stirred slightly, but the tension didn’t break.

  His gaze, as sharp as a blade, swept across the crowd. Then it paused.

  His eyes were locked on Lucan Grey.

  For a heartbeat, maybe two, the world seemed to narrow. Lucan started to sweat profusely.

  Then the gaze moved on. As if Lucan was nothing. As if the heir to the Grey Clan was already forgotten.

  “You'll remember me,” he thought. “You all will.”

  The priest raised both his hands.

  The 12 pillars began to glow one by one.

  “As you all know,” the priest said. “The Essences are the very forces of this world. They have been here since the beginning of all.”

  The noble families, seated at a long, polished table, seemed uninterested in the priest's words. They glanced around and exchanged bored gazes. They had heard this little sermon a dozen times already.

  `“Now, as I call out your name,” the priest proclaimed. “Step forward and place your palm on the Pillar of Resonance.”

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  The crowd stirred a lot this time.

  Some were nervous. Some were excited, and Lucan was ready.

  “Steve Halcroft,” the priest shouted.

  A boy who looked about Lucan’s age stepped out of the crowd.

  Steve Halcroft was the heir of the noble Halcroft Clan, known for their immense power.

  He was the kind of person everyone expected to win. Tall, sharp-jawed, always perfectly groomed. His robes never seemed to wrinkle. Charismatic, confident, and born into a respected noble family, he had both the talent and influence to back his swagger.

  Steve placed his palm softly on the Pillar. The Pillar of Resonance began to glow.

  The High Priest placed his hand on top of Steve’s head and closed his eyes.

  “Essence of Flame.”

  Cheers erupted from the crowd.

  Steve jumped in joy and ran over to the crowd to celebrate. He looked at the other clans' heirs and smirked.

  He didn't glance at Lucan. He didn't need to. To him, Lucan was just another shadow.

  Lucan clenched his fists.

  The cheers quieted. Another name was called. Another Essence was revealed.

  Time passed in a blur. One by one, heirs stepped forward. One received Rage. Another received Mist.

  Then came a moment of silence.

  “Elias Ward.”

  From beside him, Elias walked up to the Pillar. Calm and composed. He didn't smile. He didn't hesitate. His palm touched the Pillar of Resonance.

  The priest approached him and laid a hand atop Elias’ head.

  “Essence of Foresight.”

  The crowd gasped.

  Even the nobles sat straighter, whispering between them now.

  “A rare one…”

  “Another prodigy from the Ward Clan.”

  Elias simply nodded and gave a small smile. He walked back to Lucan and gave a big smile.

  He smiled back, but inside, worry was building up.

  He barely noticed the names after that. His thoughts were spiralling.

  What if I don't get something like that? What if I-

  Then the High Priest’s voice boomed across the plaza.

  “Lucan Grey.”