Kaen sat alone near the academy gates. His fingers brushed against the cold metal of his training band, still stained faintly from the morning's spar.
The whispers beneath the Crimson Tree still echoed in his mind. He didn't tell anyone.
Not even Thorne.
A part of him feared what it could mean.
But the academy didn't wait for feelings. Today, students were being evaluated for the annual assessment — a test to determine if they'd be allowed to learn blood techniques beyond the basics.
Kaen stood in line with the others. Around him, students whispered about ranks, rumors of secret techniques, and Mistress Vaela's strange past.
When it was his turn, a crystal orb was placed before him. It glowed red when touched by blood essence — brighter meant stronger.
Kaen stepped forward.
He placed his hand on the orb.
Nothing.
The room went silent.
Students snickered. Some whispered, "Failed." Even the instructor raised an eyebrow.
Kaen stepped back, expression blank. He knew something was wrong… but not with him.
The orb wasn't broken.
It was blind.
---
Later that night, Kaen sat atop the roof of his house, staring at the stars.
The wind carried a faint hum again. Familiar. Wrong.
Then he saw it — a strange marking glowing faintly on his palm. A symbol he'd never seen before.
It pulsed once… then faded.
---