Before you stood a majestic dome-like structure, its architecture imposing yet inviting. The entrance, flanked by towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings, beckoned visitors with an air of grandeur. A multitude of people milled about, their voices mingling in a cacophony of anticipation, while the warm sunlight streamed through the transparent panels of the dome, casting ethereal patterns on the marble floor.

As Claye guided you inside, the murmurs of the crowd seemed to intensify, and you couldn't shake the feeling of being under scrutiny. Your palms grew clammy, and you reflexively wiped them on your pants, hoping to dispel the nerves that fluttered in your stomach like trapped butterflies.

The guide led me to a figure standing near the entrance, her presence commanding attention. She was a vision of strength, clad in resplendent armor that gleamed under the sunlight, her blonde hair cascading in golden waves around her shoulders. Her piercing turquoise eyes bore into me as she assessed my arrival, a subtle furrow in her brow betraying her scrutiny.

"Is she the last one?" she inquired, her voice cutting through the buzz of activity around me.

Claye nodded respectfully, his demeanor deferential in the presence of this formidable woman. She returned his nod with a curt acknowledgment, her gaze never leaving me. 

Under Neia Valro's command, the bustling throng of people fell into a hushed silence, their attention captured by her formidable presence. Her voice reverberated through the vast expanse of the dome, commanding respect and obedience.

"I am Neia Valro," she proclaimed, her words carrying the weight of authority. "Second in command to the king and leading General of the Adrainian army."

As her introduction echoed, the crowd shifted, their murmurs of anticipation mingling with an undercurrent of tension.

"Now," Neia continued, her tone firm yet expectant, "I trust you have all prepared yourselves for this year's exam."

Her words sparked a flurry of whispers among the gathered participants, a blend of excitement and apprehension swirling through the air.

"This exam will be a test of skill," Neia declared, her gaze sweeping across the assembled multitude. "The first part will challenge your intellect and teamwork. You will navigate through fields, solve puzzles, and face elimination challenges."

As the parameters of the exam were laid out, a surge of anticipation gripped the room, mingled with a palpable sense of uncertainty.

"In the coming days, you will have the chance to prepare for the second part," Neia announced, her voice steady and commanding. "You have two days to do so. Remember, the results for all parts will be posted at the end of the exam."

A smile played upon Neia's lips, a glimmer of excitement dancing in her turquoise eyes as the crowd erupted into a flurry of whispered conversations.

Amidst the buzz of anticipation,  I was alone amongst the crowd, not knowing what else to busy myself with. 

As Neia Valro unveiled the panel of judges for the exam, a buzz of anticipation swept through the crowd, swirling around you like a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement, curiosity, and wariness mingled within you, each sentiment amplified by the collective energy of the assembled participants.

"This year's judges for the exam will be Prince Alix himself, myself, and Alea Mora, the goddess of mind and fear," Neia announced, her words reverberating through the expansive hall, punctuated by a chorus of whispers that rippled through the throng.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as all eyes turned toward the doorway, where a rumbling heralded the arrival of the distinguished judges. Stepping into view were two figures of striking beauty, each commanding attention in their own right.

Prince Alix, with his violet eyes ablaze and copper-brown hair framing his noble features, exuded an air of regal authority. His lanky yet strong frame was clad in regal attire, a purple and white dress shirt adorned with badges of honor that glinted in the ambient light, a testament to his status and prowess.

Beside him, Goddess Alea Mora radiated an irresistible allure, her beauty captivating the gaze of all who beheld her. Her voluptuous form was accentuated by the curves that graced her figure, drawing attention with every graceful movement. Dressed in an alluring black gown that hinted at her assets without revealing them entirely, she exuded an aura of confidence and power. Her flowing black hair caught the light, shimmering like obsidian, while her calculating green eyes surveyed the crowd with a piercing gaze that seemed to penetrate to the very soul.

As the two judges took their place alongside Neia Valro, the anticipation in the room reached a fever pitch, the collective gaze of the participants fixed upon the trio with a mixture of awe and apprehension. 

Alea's eyes met mine and a flash of emotion entered too quickly for me to make out with my empathic abilities, making my brows furrow in confusion and wonder. Though, as soon as her eyes left mine, I felt something caress my mind. Someone was trying to enter my mind, I quickly lifted my shields from any mind readers. No one should be able to read them now. 

Knowing that there was someone who wanted to read my mind, set me on edge and my magic hummed loudly, wrapping around me protectively. Why would someone try to read my mind? I've heard stories from my mother that when someone tries to push into your mind, it can hurt like a thousand bones breaking in your body. I shuddered at the thought, if that had happened I'd have no way of protecting myself. 

I then felt a tap on my shoulder, jerking me out of my thoughts. I wiped around to face whoever it was. Then I relaxed when I noticed it was Ryul. 

"Glad to see you here Jana! I promised your brother I'd look after you." Ryul said scratching the back of his head nervously. I chuckled at it, knowing how well my brother broke it into him to look out for me. 

"It's nice to see you again Ryul, I hope my brother wasn't too hard on you." 

Ryul chuckled and shook his head. "Not at all, but he did give me a pretty good beating in one of our sparring lessons." He said rubbing absently at his shoulder, I winced at the notion. Rowan can be brutal when it comes to my safety. When Sam and I would get into trouble with the royal guard or the raiders patrolling the city, Rowan would rely my safety on Sam. They would get so bad that our father had to break them up. 

"I do apologize, he can be quite severe when it comes to me," I said, Ryull nodded gratefully at me, but before he could say anything else, Neia called to attention. 

"Rookies and Spectators! If you could all come to the middle you will be assigned teams. This team will be your mock squadron for the remainder of the exams and trials. I expect you all to work well together. Your chosen spectator can help you along the way with hints, but they cannot help you pass it. You have to work as a team." Neia said 

I exchanged a worried look with Ryul, and with a wave of her hand, Neia revealed screens that floated in the air, revealing our names. I scanned the screens for mine wondering who I'd be with. 

Hopefully, I'm not the only one with brains. I thought 

There were four people on my team and one spectator, one that wasn't Ryul. I cursed out loud and then regretted it as Neia noticed my outburst. I shifted in my spot as she came over to our group. "Something wrong with your team Rookie?" Neia asked her turquoise eyes assessing me curiously. 

"No, no, just wasn't what I was expecting," I muttered, I dismissed myself and went searching for unfamiliar faces. Claye Rostara noticed me wandering and waved me over to our mock squadron. Everyone seemed to dislike me immediately. 

"Come meet your fellow squad members, Jana," Claye said gesturing to the group. 

"My name is Bracken Carleth from one of the twelve houses of the king council." Bracken started puffing out his chest proudly, he also decided to wear comfortable leathers, his brown eyes twinkling with mischief and his black hair seemed disheveled.  I narrowed my eyes at him, he may be too boastful and of no use to me in a game of puzzles and mind tricks. 

A girl with pretty red hair stepped forward, her green eyes seemed to be cold, and haven't seen a smile in days. "Ryliea Joran, the third child of the God Boemis, God of oracles ruler of Duskmere. One of the lower realms that aren't important." Ryliea scoffed flipping her hair with a scarred hand. She reminded me of Kenia, I think they may get along well if they were in the same room. I thought snidely  

My gaze then shot to the quiet boy next to me, he seemed to be watching everyone carefully as well. He was about my height, but a little on the short side. His blonde hair shone in the sun and he chose to wear his leathers like everyone else, his blue eyes calculating. "My name is Tarron Keyven, cousin to Prince Alix and King Gayle. In one of the 12 houses, the house Luceran." Tarron nodded introducing himself quietly. A man of many words it seems. 

"This must be why the Majesties are watching so closely." Ryleia scoffed eyeing Tarron who shook his blonde head. 

"Quite wrong actually, they're watching over someone else who I can't say who it is." Tarron said. 

"Is there a shape-shifting demon among us that we should be aware of? Is that why they are watching?" Another young female asked as suspicion clouded her gaze she had introduced herself as Lyrei Torlen second daughter of the Goddess Galita. 

"Not at all. But, once again it is none of your concern to whom it is and what its purpose is." Tarron huffed out an annoyed breath at the growing questions. The girl then turned to me her brown eyes eyeing me carefully. 

As Lyrei addressed me, her arms crossed in a stance of inquiry, a ripple of discomfort washed over me. "I've heard a lot about you, Jana Pethrice," she began, her tone tinged with curiosity. "You seem to have caused quite the stir the other day with King Gayel."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment at the mention of that incident. "Yes, well, that is thanks to my older sister, Kenia, for that show," I muttered, the memory of the confrontation stirring a tumultuous mix of emotions within me.

Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation wash over me as if a gentle caress was moving through my mind. My magic hummed louder in response, sending shivers down my spine.

Protect.

Mine.

The whispers echoed in the recesses of my mind, their presence both comforting and disconcerting. Could it be the effects of the Iphosley herb wearing off? I hadn't had a chance to consult the herb book before leaving, and now I regretted it deeply.

"Is everything alright, Pethrice?" Claye's voice cut through my reverie, his concern evident in his tone as he noted my stiff posture.

I forced a smile, trying to dismiss their worries. "Yes, just a bit unsettled, is all. Nothing to concern yourselves over," I assured them, though the clammy sensation creeping over my skin and the tightness in my chest betrayed my words.

"You don't look so good," Tarron observed, his voice laced with concern.

As the dizziness threatened to overwhelm me, two words whispered insistently in my mind, sending a chill down my spine.

Light Warden.