The common room of the residence was nothing special, if you ignored the constant luxury: four white stone walls, a large dark wooden table, rough benches. A lit fireplace cast moving shadows on our faces.
But that day was serious.
Elias sat down first, his arm almost healed. He placed his sword on the table like he was marking his territory.
Asha sat on his left, her halberd resting against the wall, her gaze still hard, but less cold than usual.
Lyra sat quietly, her hands joined around her staff placed in front of her, like a silent prayer.
Dorian entered last, slamming the door before letting out a dramatic sigh.
— Well… if it isn't the dream team… he said.
— Sit down already… Elias replied, sounding tired.
A small smile appeared on my lips despite myself. His carefree attitude reminded me of Pedro.
I sat at the end of the table.
At first, silence filled the room, each of us lost in our thoughts. Then Elias spoke in a serious voice.
— Aurora is judging us lately. Since the titan… they don't look at us the same way anymore. If we succeed in the next two trials, we can gain more influence.
He straightened up despite his injury.
— For now, nothing is won yet. Some still despise us, yes. But others… are starting to fear us. And respect us.
Asha nodded.
— They are right to fear us…
Dorian let out a dry laugh.
— Yeah, they take us seriously now, but let's be honest: we were lucky. Really lucky.
His eyes darkened.
— If Asha hadn't broken its knee, if Iron hadn't landed that final strike… we would already be nothing but memories. Honestly, I feel useless sometimes. It's frustrating…
— Don't say that, Dorian. We are a team, and everyone played their part. Don't forget that, Elias replied.
Lyra held her staff tighter. Her voice was soft, but firm.
— We are all useful in our own way. If we start comparing ourselves, we will never stop.
Then silence.
All eyes turned toward me.
I felt their gaze, but I didn't look away anymore.
— I'm not a leader, I said. Not a Montclair. Not a Draxion. I don't have a throne behind me. My life before wasn't easy. Everything I have now… is this.
I placed my hand on my chest. The fracture vibrated softly.
— I don't know where this will lead me. Maybe to my death… or maybe somewhere else, who knows. Let's not be pessimistic. If we keep improving, one day our strength will be enough to create our own path. A great path.
A heavy silence followed.
Then Elias placed his hand on the table.
— Well said, Iron. We just need to keep working harder and not fall into doubt.
Asha nodded, crossing her arms.
— As long as you keep striking, Vongold, I will strike too.
Lyra gave a shy smile.
— And I… will heal you as many times as needed.
Dorian raised his hands dramatically.
— Well… since everyone is saying something inspiring, I guess I have no choice. I will die by your side, guys… but I promise I will die with style.
He winked. And despite everything, a light laugh spread around the table.
For the first time in a long time, the weight of the world felt lighter.
And tomorrow… the desert was waiting for us.
The day before the departure, Aurora felt strangely calm.
The halls were filled with pale golden light, and the wind carried the distant sound of bells. Tomorrow we would leave for the desert, but tonight, I still had a room, a roof, and a few hours of rest.
I thought I was finally alone.
Until the door opened without warning.
Two silhouettes entered.
Pedro, with his usual provocative smile, a golden chain hanging from his neck, like even in this place of war he still needed to look elegant.
Bruno, massive, his spear on his shoulder, serious expression but lips ready to form an ironic smile.
— So, little brother, Pedro said, we heard you brought down a giant in a swamp?
I looked up, surprised, then smiled despite myself.
— You should have been there, it wasn't really a giant… just an abomination…
Bruno placed his spear against the wall, walked toward me and placed a heavy hand on my shoulder.
— Doesn't matter. You came back alive. That's what matters.
They sat down. Pedro dropped into a leather chair like he owned the place, Bruno stayed straight, almost formal.
— We haven't seen each other in a while, Pedro said. And it seems you already made a name for yourself.
— The halls talk a lot, Bruno added. "The new Izac"… "the blessed child of the first gods"… you did more in one mission than some do in a year.
I lowered my eyes.
— Just rumors, nothing more. I still lack inspiration in my attacks and I still struggle to move properly in the air.
Pedro burst out laughing.
— You think legends are made with anything other than rumors? And the rest… that can be improved, don't worry.
Then silence settled. We all knew what was coming: tomorrow, we would separate again.
Bruno leaned toward me.
— Listen, Iron. The onyx desert… it won't be like the swamp. The heat, the thirst, mirages that can shake your senses… the people with you won't always be able to protect you. We can't tell you everything, but it will be a war. A small one… but still a war.
He looked straight into my eyes.
— Remember: your power is a weapon. But a weapon is nothing without the will behind it. And don't lose yourself in it… or you will attract your own destruction.
Pedro shrugged.
— Don't listen to him too much. You know Bruno, he loves being dramatic. Me, I'll just say this: have fun. Make them panic. Make them shake. Make them understand that Iron from house Vongold is not someone to joke about. Even Cassian, one day…
I raised my head.
— Cassian…
Pedro smiled, but his smile was darker.
— Yes. Cassian. We know he has his eyes on you. And trust me… from what his elders say, when that guy decides to hate someone, he never lets go. He can afford it. He is extremely powerful. And his family is at the top of the world.
I stayed silent for a moment, then clenched my fists.
— Doesn't matter. He will learn to respect me. Like the others.
Bruno nodded.
— Then improve. Do your best. But choose your enemies… and your allies carefully.
Pedro laughed loudly as he stood up.
— Now that's something worthy of a Vongold!
The evening ended simply.
A few laughs. A few brotherly jokes.
Nothing extraordinary. But everything we needed.
When they left my room, the door closing softly behind them, I was alone again.
But not empty.
Tomorrow, I would walk into the desert with my group.
But deep inside, I knew it: Pedro and Bruno would always remain my brothers, even far away.
And if I fell…
Their voices would be the last thing I would hear.