Kael timidly followed behind Naelys, his bare feet touching the luxurious floor of a corridor too silent. The walls seemed made of polished silver, adorned with ancient paintings, and the tall windows let in a soft light that sharply contrasted with the memories of dark alleys he came from. Every step he took echoed, as if he did not belong here. When they stopped in front of a tall carved door, Naelys gave him a reassuring look, then knocked twice. A deep, calm voice gave them permission to enter.
The inside of the office was as impressive as it was silent. Shelves filled with old books, a massive desk carved from black wood, stained glass windows letting in colored light... And behind that desk stood Valmeryn Aelaris, hands clasped behind his back, gazing toward the city through the large window. He slowly turned upon hearing them enter. His gaze was calm but penetrating, as if he could read Kael completely at a single glance.
"Come closer, Kael." His voice was authoritative without being harsh, calm but loaded with weight. Kael hesitated, glancing at Naelys, who gave him a small encouraging nod. He then took a few steps, his heart pounding. The Arkhon stared at him for a moment before speaking again. "You are now under our roof. My wife, Seraphine, and I have made a decision. From now on, you will be part of our family. We will adopt you."
Kael's eyes widened, unable to respond. His mind buzzed. Adopt? He had never known this word except through rumors, stories of lucky children. But him? The ragged boy? The filthy kid from the alleys of Velméria? He turned to Naelys, who nodded gently, with a discreet smile. Yet his heart tightened. He didn't understand. He understood nothing.
Valmeryn resumed, not letting him get lost in his thoughts. "Tomorrow, you will begin your first day at Academia Solarys." Kael almost jumped. A school? He didn't even know how to read properly. The Arkhon continued, impassive. "There, you will learn much more than words and numbers. You will learn to wield a sword. You will learn to survive among the elites."
Kael opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He had a thousand questions, a thousand doubts. He had barely eaten two real meals in his life, and now they were talking about school, swords, and the future. Valmeryn fixed him with his gaze, then leaned slightly toward him. "This school is reserved for promising youths. Its level is extremely high. If you are not up to the mark, they will not hesitate to reject you."
Kael's throat tightened. He felt panic rising inside him. He was going to fail. He would once again be thrown out. Rejected. Abandoned. That's always what happened. He took a small step back as if to flee. But the Arkhon's calm voice caught him. "I'm not sending you there to fail. You will have to fight. Assert yourself. Show that you deserve your place. It will be hard. But you are no longer alone."
The boy lowered his head, trembling hands. He hadn't chosen this life. Nor did he want to return to the old one. It was too much, too many things at once. There are too many expectations. There are too many changes. He still felt the grime of the street on his skin, despite the baths. He still felt the fear in his stomach.
Naelys approached him, placing a light hand on his shoulder. "I'm going to Academia Solarys too," she said softly. "You won't be alone there. And then... you don't have anything to prove to anyone. Just be yourself. But... with a little more courage." Her smile was sincere, gentle, like a warm blanket on a cold night.
Kael slowly raised his eyes to her. He could not believe what he was living. Was this not a dream? His stomach still tied in knots, but something inside him, a small spark, was born. A curiosity. A desire to understand. Maybe even... a hope.
Valmeryn resumed, still as calm. "A uniform will wait for you tomorrow. Be ready at dawn. We have already informed the administration of your arrival. Your name will be registered under the Aelaris family." The name echoed in Kael's mind like a thunderclap. Kael Aelaris. He never would have imagined hearing these words in the same sentence.
He left the office accompanied by Naelys, his mind buzzing. He didn't yet know how he would face this school, how he would make friends, or even hold a sword. But for the first time, someone believed in him. He was no longer Kael, the ragged boy. He was... becoming someone.