2025-11-30 23:52:30
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Chapter 178
The crowd parted as Lucas led Draven toward the exhibition area.Every gala had one. A space set aside for demonstrations. For challenges. For young heirs to prove themselves while their families watched.Tonight, that space would become a stage.Nobles followed, sensing entertainment. The music faded. Conversations died. All attention focused on the two young men walking toward the center of the hall.Draven felt his brothers watching.Edmund with barely concealed anticipation. Hoping for failure.Thomas with something like concern. Maybe remembering who'd saved his life.Daniel with calculating interest. Always analyzing.And Garrett. That knowing smile. Those sharp eyes missing nothing.Father stood on the elevated platform beside Count Nervia. Both men expressionless. Both watching their sons with the detachment of generals observing a battle.Lucas reached the exhibition circle first. Turned to face Draven."Standard rules," Lucas announced, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Fir
Chapter 177
The day of the gala arrived.Draven stood before the mirror in his room, adjusting his formal attire. Dark fabric with silver trim. The Ashworth crest embroidered on his chest. Every inch the noble son he was supposed to be.He barely recognized himself.A knock at the door."It's time." Thomas's voice. Neutral. Professional.Draven opened the door. His brother stood in the hallway, dressed similarly. They looked at each other for a moment.Things had changed between them since the gathering. Not friendship—that would take more than one life-saving moment. But something like respect."Ready?" Thomas asked."As I'll ever be."They walked together toward the main hall. The manor had been transformed overnight. Flowers everywhere. Chandeliers blazing with magical light. Servants in pristine uniforms moving with practiced efficiency.The Ashworth estate had become a palace.They reached the gathering point where the brothers were supposed to assemble before the formal entrance. Edmund was
Chapter 176
Three weeks passed faster than Draven expected.He spent every day training. Not hiding anymore. Not holding back.His team watched with wide eyes as he moved through combat forms at full speed. Techniques from ancient warriors flowing through him like water. Fire magic burning hotter and brighter than any second-year should be capable of."How long have you been able to do this?" Jin asked after one session."A while.""And you just... didn't?""I had reasons."Jin shook his head. "You're terrifying. You know that, right?"Draven didn't respond. Just kept training.The academy noticed the change. Students who'd dismissed him now watched from a distance. Masters who'd overlooked him started paying attention.Master Vex observed several of his training sessions. Said nothing. Just watched with those calculating eyes.Word spread.The disappointment wasn't a disappointment anymore.Two days before the gala, Draven packed his things and said goodbye to his team."Be careful," Lyra said.
Chapter 175
The carriage rolled to a stop at the edge of town.Draven stepped out into the afternoon sun. The Ashworth estate was behind him now. Miles away. But its weight still pressed on his shoulders.Everything had changed.He wasn't the disappointment anymore. Wasn't invisible. His father knew about the pendant. His brothers knew he'd been hiding. The entire noble gathering had watched him move faster than Edmund's killing strike.No going back."Draven!"He turned. Jin was running toward him from the town square, Lyra and Sera close behind. His team. His friends. The people who'd waited for days while he faced his family alone.Jin reached him first, grabbing his shoulders. "You're alive!""Were you expecting otherwise?""With your family? Honestly, yes."Lyra arrived next, slightly out of breath. "What happened? We heard rumors. Something about a fight? About you saving someone?""Rumors travel fast.""Noble gatherings are gossip factories." Sera studied him with those sharp eyes. "You lo
Chapter 174
Suddenly, morning came. Draven hadn't slept. Had spent the night sitting by his window, watching the stars fade and the sun rise over the Ashworth estate.Thinking.Father's offer played in his mind on repeat. Recognition. Power. Finally being seen as a true Ashworth.All he had to do was become a weapon.A knock at the door."Come in."Elena entered with breakfast. She set the tray down and looked at him with knowing eyes."You look terrible.""Thanks.""Big decision ahead?""You heard what happened.""Everyone heard." Elena sat on the edge of his desk. "The disappointment saving his brother. Moving faster than lightning. The whole estate is buzzing with it.""Great.""It is great. For years, I watched this family treat you like dirt. Now they know the truth. Now they have to deal with who you really are."Draven looked at her. "And who am I really?""That's for you to decide." Elena stood. "But whatever you choose, don't let them make you into something you're not. You're not a weap
Chapter 172
The great hall remained frozen.Draven stood between his brothers, heart pounding. The pendant still burned against his chest. The power he'd kept hidden for so long now exposed for everyone to see.No going back.Edmund was the first to move. He stepped away from Draven, sword still in hand, lightning still crackling. But his eyes held something new.Fear."How?" Edmund's voice was barely a whisper. "You're the disappointment. The failure. You can't—""Clearly he can." Garrett walked forward, positioning himself near Draven. Not threatening. Protective, almost. "The question is how long he's been hiding it."Thomas struggled to his feet. His earth magic had faded, shock replacing rage. He stared at Draven like he'd never seen him before."You saved me," Thomas said. "You actually saved me.""Don't read too much into it.""You could have let him kill me. No one would have blamed you. I've been terrible to you for years.""I know.""Then why?"Draven didn't have an answer. Not one that
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