THE ALMIGHTY DOMINATING AURA

CHAPTER 4 - ACCUSATION AND DEFIANCE

The Hall of Elders was silent.

Kael stood at the center, his heart thundering in his chest as the five robed figures fixed their gazes on him. Their eyes were sharp, ancient, and unyielding. Behind him, Rynald knelt, his words still hanging in the air like venom.

“He’s dangerous!” Rynald had shouted. “He awakened a demonic power that nearly crushed us all!”

Now, all eyes waited for Kael’s answer.

The silver-bearded Elder, the one who had spoken before, leaned forward, his fingers curling over the arm of his chair. “Kael,” he said gravely. “You stand accused of wielding a forbidden force. Speak carefully. What is it that resides within you?”

Kael’s fists clenched at his sides. He could still feel the faint pulse of the aura inside his chest, a storm waiting to break free. It wasn’t demonic. He knew that much. It didn’t whisper corruption—it roared with authority.

He lifted his chin. “I don’t know what it is,” he admitted. His voice was steady, though his insides churned. “But it’s mine. I didn’t steal it, I didn’t beg for it. It awakened in me when I was dying. If that makes me guilty, then so be it.”

Gasps rippled through the hall. No one spoke to the Elders so boldly.

Rynald’s eyes widened, then narrowed in fury. “You see? He admits it! That thing inside him isn’t normal aura. He’ll bring ruin to the academy if you don’t act now!”

Kael spun toward him, rage flashing in his golden-flecked eyes. “You speak of ruin? You and your friends were the ones beating me half to death! If not for this power, I’d be lying cold in the dirt right now.”

The Elders murmured among themselves, voices low but tense.

One of them, a woman with raven-black hair and piercing eyes, raised a hand for silence. “Enough. Both of you.” Her gaze pinned Kael like a spear. “Power such as this cannot be ignored. You may not know what it is, boy, but we will find out.”

Another Elder, his tone colder, added, “And if it is indeed forbidden… we cannot allow it to remain unchecked.”

Kael’s pulse quickened. The implication was clear: if they deemed his aura too dangerous, they would strip it from him—or kill him.

For a heartbeat, fear flickered in his chest. But then, just as quickly, resolve replaced it.

He met their eyes one by one, his voice firm. “I’ve lived without power my whole life. I’ve been mocked, beaten, cast aside. This is the first time I’ve had something—anything—that’s mine. I won’t let anyone take it from me.”

His words rang through the chamber, bold and defiant.

The Elders were silent, their expressions unreadable. Finally, the silver-bearded Elder sighed. “Defiant… and unyielding. Just like the aura itself.”

He leaned back, stroking his beard. “Very well. Kael, from this day, you will be placed under observation. You will continue your training at the academy, but your progress will be closely watched. Step out of line, and we will act.”

Kael exhaled slowly, relief and dread mixing in equal measure. At least they weren’t executing him on the spot.

But Rynald’s expression twisted with outrage. “Honored Elders! You can’t let him walk free! He humiliated me in front of everyone—”

“Enough, Rynald.” The raven-haired Elder’s voice cracked like a whip. “Your pride is not our concern. Leave, before you shame yourself further.”

Rynald’s mouth opened in protest, but the weight of her gaze silenced him. Red-faced, he bowed stiffly and stormed out, shooting Kael one last venomous glare.

Kael stood alone under the Elders’ scrutiny.

“Go,” the silver-bearded Elder said at last. “Return to your quarters. And remember—your every step is now under our eye.”

Kael bowed deeply, his jaw tight. “Yes, honored Elders.”

He turned and left the hall, the heavy doors slamming shut behind him.

The corridors outside felt colder than before. Kael’s breaths came heavy as he walked, his mind spinning. Observation… watched… It was little better than a cage.

But deep inside, the aura stirred, pulsing with quiet strength. It was as though it whispered a promise: They may watch you. They may fear you. But they will never control you.

Kael’s lips curved into a grim smile.

Let them try.