I open my mouth to say I'm fine, but the words catch in my throat. The lie tastes bitter before it even forms. "I'm terrified," I admit instead, my voice barely above a whisper. My fingers find the Heart of Eternity, tracing its familiar curves. "What if we can't convince them? What if they decide I'm too dangerous to keep at the academy?"
Aspen steps closer, his presence steady and reassuring. "They won't," he says with quiet conviction. "You've worked so hard, Kaia. We all have. The board would be fools not to see how much you've grown, how much control you've gained."
His faith in me is almost overwhelming. I wrap my arms around myself, the shadows Bob couldn't keep out pressing in tighter, agitated. They flicker in nervous patterns, reflectingthe anxiety I'm trying to keep contained. "But what if it's not enough? What if—"
Before I can spiral further, Aspen closes the distance between us and pulls me into a hug. I stiffen for a moment, surprised by the sudden contact, before melting into his embrace. He smells like rain and pine, and for just a moment, I let myself feel safe. His heartbeat is steady against my cheek, his arms solid around me.
When we pull apart, there's something in his eyes that makes my heart race. Something warm and fierce that makes my shadows pulse with answering energy. But before either of us can say anything more, Torric's voice carries from the other room: "Five hours and forty-three minutes," he calls out, still aggressively sharpening his sword. "Not that I'm counting."
The moment breaks, reality rushing back in. Aspen's quiet "I'm here if you need me" follows me like a promise as we return to the chaos of the common room. My shadows curl tighter around my feet, their anxiety mirroring mine. Even Bob's etiquette drills seem half-hearted now, especially with Steve tumbling through the furniture.
"It'll be fine," Finn says, catching his glowing orb one final time before sitting up properly. "We've got this. We've got witnesses, evidence, and an army of surprisingly coordinated shadows. What could go wrong?"
As if in direct response to his question, Carl manages to tangle himself in the chandelier, sending tiny shards of crystal tinkling to the floor.
"You had to ask," Malrik sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. But there's a fondness in his voice that wasn't there when I first came to the academy, and something in my chest loosens at the sight of his slight smile as Finnick launches a dramatic "rescue" mission that somehow involves more aerial acrobatics than should be physically possible for a being made of shadow.
Lira clears her throat, finally looking up from her book. "Perhaps we should review the testimony order one more time. Kaia, you'll speak first, then—"
She's interrupted by a knock at the door. We all freeze, even my shadows dropping into defensive formations that would be impressive if Steve hadn't tripped and caused a minor domino effect.
Professor Thaldris pokes his head in, his usually cheerful face unusually serious. "They're ready for you. The board has convened early."
The silence that follows is broken only by the soft thud of Carl finally freeing himself from the chandelier and landing directly on Finn's head.
"Well," I say, standing as shadows swirl protectively around my feet, "at least we don't have to wait any longer."
Mouse chirps encouragingly from my shoulder, his tiny form vibrating with determination. Bob straightens to his full height, somehow managing to look both regal and mildly concerned about Finnick's continued attempts to perfect his midair somersaults.
"Remember," Lira says quietly as we gather our materials, "they're looking for any reason to prove Thorne right. Don't give them one."
I touch the Heart of Eternity, drawing strength from its familiar warmth. Three days of preparation have to count for something. Three days of testimonies, evidence gathering, and yes, shadow etiquette training. It has to be enough.
As we file out of the common room, I catch Malrik's eye. The weight of what's coming sits heavy in my chest, but there's something else too, a fierce determination that makes my shadows pulse with energy.
Malrik meets my gaze, solid and unflinching. Behind him, Torric shifts his stance, Aspen adjusts his cuffs, and Finn spins his chaos orb one last time. It’s not just my trial. It’s ours.
"Together?" I ask softly.
Malrik's smile is sharp but genuine. "Together."
Behind us, Finn whispers something that makes Carl giggle-shadow all over the walls, and Patricia can be seen adding one final note to her extensive documentation.
We're as ready as we'll ever be. Which, given our track record, is either terrifying or oddly comforting. I haven't quite decided which.
My wings stir beneath my skin, an echo of power I'm still learning to control. The Heart responds with a gentle pulse, and for a brief moment, I swear I can feel something else. Something distant yet familiar, like a tug on my soul from somewhere beyond the academy walls.
But then Torric puts his hand on my shoulder, and the sensation fades. I square my shoulders. No more hiding. No more waiting to be judged. "Let's go show them what a Valkyrie can do," he says, his golden eyes fierce with pride.
And for just a moment, I almost believe we might pull this off.
Chapter 5
Kaia
Kaia
I've never seen Bob look so stressed. My normally unflappable shadow commander is practically vibrating as he tries to maintain order among the others. He's formed what looks like a tiny shadow clipboard and is checking off some kind of military roster while shooting disapproving glances at Carl, who's currently doing somersaults across the ancient stone floor.
