Ethan stood on the balcony of his dorm, his sharp eyes scanning the academy grounds below. The tension in the air was palpable. Aldric's death had set off a chain reaction, one that even he could not fully predict. The academy's power structure was shifting, and he was at the center of it all. He smirked. Let them come.
A soft knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts. He turned, already knowing who it was. Sylvia Frostheart entered, her usual composed demeanor showing faint signs of worry. Her icy blue eyes locked onto him as she crossed her arms.
"You're making too many enemies, Ethan," she said flatly. "The academy council is already conducting an internal investigation."
Ethan leaned against the railing, unimpressed. "Let them investigate. It won't change the outcome."
Sylvia sighed, stepping closer. "You're underestimating the forces at play here. Aldric may have been an arrogant fool, but his family has deep roots in the academy. His father is on the council. Do you think he'll just let this go?"
Ethan's smirk widened. "If he wants revenge, he can get in line."
Before Sylvia could respond, another presence entered the room. A soft rustle of fabric, a faint scent of night-blooming jasmine—Seraphina Nightshade.
The young mistress of the Nightshade family leaned against the doorframe, a bemused expression on her face. "I see you two are having an interesting discussion."
Sylvia tensed. "What do you want, Seraphina?"
Seraphina ignored her and walked towards Ethan, her crimson eyes gleaming. "I came to warn you, Ethan. There's movement among the higher-ups. The council is planning a formal tribunal, and they're looking for someone to take the fall."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And I assume that someone is me?"
Seraphina nodded. "Exactly."
Sylvia scoffed. "This is absurd. There's no concrete proof that Ethan killed Aldric."
Seraphina chuckled. "Proof is irrelevant. They need a scapegoat, and Ethan is the perfect candidate."
Ethan crossed his arms, his smirk unwavering. "Let them try."
Seraphina studied him before smiling. "I admire your confidence. Just be prepared."
She turned to leave, but before she could step out, another presence filled the room—one that made the temperature drop.
A tall figure in an ornate white robe entered. His silver hair was neatly tied back, and his piercing golden eyes scanned the room like a predator evaluating its prey.
Professor Alden Frost.
Sylvia stiffened. "Father."
Ethan remained composed as the powerful mage studied him. Alden's gaze was cold, calculating, as if he were dissecting Ethan's very existence.
"You've caused quite the disturbance, Ethan," Alden said, his voice smooth yet commanding.
Ethan met his gaze without fear. "That tends to happen when you eliminate obstacles."
Alden's lips twitched, almost amused. "Your arrogance will get you killed."
Ethan smirked. "Or it will get me to the top."
Alden's expression remained unreadable. "The council will summon you in three days. Prepare yourself."
With that, he turned and left, leaving an air of finality in his wake.
Sylvia clenched her fists. "Damn it. This isn't good."
Seraphina, however, looked intrigued. "This just got interesting."
Ethan exhaled, his mind already working through the possibilities. He had three days to prepare. Three days before the academy decided his fate.
He grinned.
Let them come.
Three Days Later - The Tribunal
The grand hall of the academy was filled with powerful figures, each seated in their designated place on the council. The tension was suffocating.
Ethan stood in the center of the room, his expression calm as multiple gazes bore into him. Sylvia and Seraphina stood to the side, their expressions unreadable.
An elder with a stern expression spoke. "Ethan, you stand accused of the unlawful killing of Aldric Belmont. How do you plead?"
Ethan smirked. "Not guilty."
Murmurs spread through the chamber. Aldric's father, a towering man with graying hair, slammed his fist against the table. "Lies! This mongrel killed my son and now dares to deny it?!"
Ethan met his furious gaze with indifference. "Prove it."
Silence. The council members exchanged glances. There was no solid evidence. Only speculation and Aldric's sudden disappearance.
One of the elder council members spoke. "We lack direct proof, but we cannot ignore the circumstances."
Alden Frost leaned forward, his golden eyes locked onto Ethan. "Perhaps we should test his strength. If he is truly innocent, let him prove it in combat."
A ripple of agreement spread through the room.
Ethan grinned. "I accept."
The battle was set. If he wanted to walk out of this unscathed, he would have to win.
And Ethan never lost.
To be continued…