As evening settled down over the palace, painting the sky in soft violets and gold, the four siblings made their way back towards the main halls, the day's chaos settling into a comfortable, contented quietness.
"That was a long day and it's quite worthwhile." Zaiveil admitted in a low voice.
"Just wait until tomorrow, I'm thinking of showing you my notes in formation theory." Zyver said cheerfully.
"Absolutely not," Heriot said.
"I wasn't inviting you, It's only for our little sis to see." Zyver said
Zaiveil glanced between her brothers. Herox's long-suffering patience, Heriot's wounded pride still faintly bruised from the sparring ring, Zyver's endless, chaotic enthusiasm, Zyrcus's quiet warmth threading through all of it.
And she felt something settle firmly into place within her chest.
'So having a family is really a wonderful thing. They're loud and chaotic but still care for each other.' Zaiveil thought
"I'll go to my charmer to take a rest now, Brothers." Zaiveil said amidst the chaotic banter of her brothers.
"Take care, little sis" Zyver said
"Have a good rest, Zai" the quiet Zyrcus said
"Good night, sis." Heriot said
"Don't stay up too late." Herox reminded for her
After Zaiveil reach her chamber, she's not aware that a little smile was on her small lips, she just let the big bed in her room swallow her into sleepiness
–––––
Three days after meeting the elders and other people, Zaiveil found herself being summoned to the small palace council chamber adjoining her father's throne room.
A quieter and more intimate space than the Grand Receiving Hall she's been to before, this room was meant for more serious matters rather than public ceremony.
Elder Cryzton was already seated when she arrived, looking stronger than he had in days, though still leaning on his carved staff.
Beside him sat Elder Nixie, her gentle face creased with quiet anticipation, and at the head of the table was Emperor Zyron and Empress Hernia waited together, hands clasped.
"Father, you wished to see me?" Zaiveil asked, taking the offered seat across from them.
"Zai, The elders have reached a decision, regarding your Awakening Test." Emperor Zyron said.
Something in Zaiveil's chest tightened, it was the particular alertness she reserved for moments that has a big importance.
"We believe it should happen as soon as possible, within the week, if you're ready. The longer your charm remains dormant and untested, the more strain it places on your body. And the sooner your rank is known, the sooner we can start your proper training." Elder Cryzton said.
Zaiveil considered this, folding her hands in her lap. "What happens during the test?"
"You'll stand within the Elysium's central chamber, before the Trial Stone. An ancient artifact capable of reading a charmer's affinity and measuring the spell slots waiting to be unlocked. For most charmers, the process takes moments. Given your uniqueness, we cannot say for sure how it will unfold for you." Elder Cryzton explained.
"Could it hurt her?" Empress Hernia asked, unable to keep the worry from her voice.
"It has never harmed a charmer before, though no charmer before was as unique as her." Elder Cryzton said carefully
The room fell quiet for a moment, and the weight of uncertainty settled over everyone at the table.
"I'll do it, whether there's a risk or not. I'd rather face it than be clueless about everything." Zaiveil said her voice was firm and steady.
Emperor Zyron's proud, worried gaze lingered on his daughter for a long moment before he nodded. "Then it's settled. Five days from now, you'll take the Awakening Test at our Celestial Elysium."
News of the coming test Zaiveil will take spread through the palace faster than what she expected, and by dinner that evening, her brothers had already been talking about it nonstop.
"Little sis, you'll be taking the awakening test, would you like me to give you one of my tonics?" Zyver said, practically buzzing in his seat.
"You are not testing any untested tonic on our sister before that trial, Zyver." Herox said flatly.
"Big Brother, It's not untested, because I already tested it on before." Zyver said
"With whom did you test it?" Heriot asked.
"With a small beast." Zyver replied
"Then did the beast survive?" Herox then asks.
"Almost." Zyver said but this time it sounded more like a whisper.
"Then it's a no! Zai would never take any tonics from you, I wouldn't allow it and so would father and mother!" Herox said with full authority in his tone.
Zaiveil, watching the exchange between her brothers, with the now-familiar mix of fondness and mild alarm, she found herself smiling despite the nervous flutter beneath her ribs.
"I appreciate your concern, Second Brother, but I think I'd rather face the Trial Stone without rat tonic in my system." Zaiveil said while looking at Zyver
"We all know that Elysium isn't as intimidating as it sounds. I remember that during my own Awakening Test, I was more nervous about tripping on the ceremonial steps than the actual trial." Zyrcus said, seated beside her as always, his presence is still steady in a way that he gives an aura that you could rely on him.
"Did you trip, Fourth Brother?" Zaiveil asked.
"I did not, but the Third Brother did trip over during his trial." Zyrcus said with dignity.
"That only happened once and it was all because the steps were wet that time." Heriot explained quickly, thinking that he doesn't want his sister to think that he's clumsy and weak.
"They were never wet, Third Brother." Zyver suddenly said in a mocking tone.
"They were on that day." Heriot continued to defend himself.
Despite their bickering, Zaiveil felt some of the tension in her shoulders ease a lot. Whatever awaits her at the Elysium, she'll surely conquer it all.
Because she wouldn't only face it as Phantom, who had faced every danger alone. Now she would face every trial with the support and courage from her family.
She was beginning to understand, what's all the difference between being alone and having someone by your side.