#Chapter 49 – Invitation Only

Lila The morning air was tight with anticipation. I felt it before I heard the announcement—something electric weaving through the halls, sharp as static before a storm. Word spread faster than usual. By the time I entered the common hall for breakfast, the other candidates were already whispering. “Did you hear?” one asked. “A personal trial,” another breathed, eyes wide. “Something… private.” I took a seat near the window, spooned porridge and berries into a bowl, and pretended not to care. But my curiosity was peaked. For both the new unplanned trial and for whatever had taken place at Vanessa’s meeting with Damon last night. Ronan entered mid-meal, the room snapping silent with his presence. He rarely addressed us outside of trials, which made his sudden appearance feel like some sort of trial itself. “You’ve proven yourselves capable,” he began, voice low and clipped. “But titles are earned in layers. Power. Wisdom. Presence… and connection.” The pause he le