I woke up in the infirmary, my heart pounding like crazy. I’d dreamed of my family again. It felt like a lifetime ago—almost ten years since that day. During the grand celebration, the palace was completely destroyed. Everyone there at the time perished. My father was among them.
And then hell broke loose! The world of Rasin, my world, drowned in blood. The clans waged war for power, and there wasn’t a soul untouched by the horror!
A few days after the tragedy, I lost my mother too, becoming a complete orphan. After her death, I was taken to an orphanage. I didn’t stay there long, but I’ll never forget the atmosphere of fear and despair. Some kids fought each other, others cowered in corners whimpering like puppies, and still others died of hunger and disease. The caretakers—if you can even call them that—watched the nightmare unfold with glassy, indifferent eyes. They couldn’t care less what happened to us. Truth be told, back then, nobody cared about anyone else. Survival was all that mattered.
Every month, representatives from a military school came to the orphanage to select children who showed signs of magic or physical endurance. How did they choose? It wasn’t hard. If you hadn’t died, weren’t on death’s door, and weren’t sick, you were either a mage or tough enough. That was the extent of their selection process. I don’t know if you’d call it luck, but I was among those picked. The military school was supposedly neutral ground. But “supposedly” was the key word. That’s why they took so many kids, so often. For instance, out of fifty in a month, only twelve would survive. By the end of the year, just three to five were left.
When they brought us—shivering, starving, and filthy—to Bellum, as the military school was called, the first thing they did was figure out who had even the tiniest spark of magic. That’s when I learned I was a mage myself. I don’t know if it was the will of the gods or sheer dumb luck, but I managed to survive the first month and even the next few years. Not that I’m kidding myself—people tried to kill me. Oh, not on purpose, of course! Just “accidents” during training. And there were an unreal number of those. Still, I survived, and I didn’t waste much time wondering “why.”
“Cadet Libor! You’re well enough to get up, get dressed, and head to class! And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t show up here again for at least a week!”
I cracked a smile. Our medic looked like a tough, no-nonsense woman. Her appearance was striking—broad shoulders, thick legs, scars on her face, and one artificial eye.
But despite all that, I knew Aveline Sabir was a kind woman at heart. She’d pulled me back from the brink more than once and always got me back on my feet. Yep, usually after those “accidents.”
“Yes, ma’am!” I replied and headed off to class. If only I’d known what I was about to face...
I didn’t just run to combat training—I flew! Our instructor, Professor Arvelli, never forgave tardiness or absences. “Death is no excuse to skip class!” was his favorite line. I’m not sure about death, but even those who ended up in the infirmary with injuries had to work off their missed time so hard that they often landed right back there.
“Didn’t think you’d make it,” Eir, my roommate, greeted me as I arrived at the classroom, out of breath.
“Hey to you too!”
Eir smirked and grabbed her blade, her eyes flicking toward the approaching clan kids. No, she wasn’t my friend. Loners like us didn’t have friends. Everyone wanted to survive, and making friends in Bellum was dangerous. The clan kids had it easier—they could trust each other completely. They attacked and defended in groups. But us loners? We were on our own. No one stood up for us; no one wanted to make enemies.
Eir and I had been roomed together about two years ago. For mutual safety, we’d exchanged magical oaths not to harm each other in our room or the training halls. We wanted to sleep and study without expecting a knife in the back. Plus, it was nice to chat about this and that. Outside of that, though, it was every person for themselves.
“Think they’ll attack?” I asked. I wasn’t in the mood to fight right now, and honestly, I didn’t have the strength after just getting out of the infirmary.
“Nah, they shouldn’t. Professor Arvelli could show up any minute. And you and I aren’t important enough for them to risk his wrath just to take us out.”
Eir was right. As soon as the clan kids got closer, Arvelli’s voice boomed from the classroom:
“Get to your places now! Cadet Libor, report to the director immediately!”
Eir patted my shoulder and made a mock-sorrowful face. Honestly, I was scared out of my mind. Being summoned to the director was reserved for the worst situations. And usually, nothing good awaited the person called in.
“Why am I being sent to the director?”
“I told you to go, Libor, now! I didn’t give you permission to ask questions!”
I didn’t really have a choice. If they summoned you, they’d drag you there even if they had to dig you out of the ground. Maybe I’d get lucky? All the way to the director’s office, I racked my brain over my misdeeds. I didn’t think I’d done anything too out of line. But if they’d found out I wanted to leave Bellum to join the medics, I’d be in deep trouble. Leaving here was only allowed if you were headed to the front lines or carried out feet first. Anything else was considered desertion and punished accordingly. On the other hand, how would they know? I hadn’t told anyone, and I picked random books from the library to avoid suspicion. They’d have to watch me day and night to piece it together, and I’d notice if I was being followed.
“Come in!”
“Cadet Libor reporting as ordered!”
The director sat at his desk, flanked by Professor Zenon, the artifacts and rituals instructor, and Professor Niels, the practical magic teacher. All three looked visibly agitated.
My heart raced, and any calm I’d mustered vanished. If all three of them were here and nervous, my situation was worse than I’d imagined.
“Sit down, Immit!”
Whoa, using my first name! Should I just bolt now? At least I’d have a tiny chance.
“Immit, don’t worry! You haven’t done anything wrong. A letter arrived for you today. Please, take a look.”
A letter? What the heck kind of letter?! No one writes to me. But as soon as I skimmed the first lines, I froze.
“Immit Libor, the Verum Academy invites you to study within our walls! The applicant search artifact has identified your name and indicated your high potential…” I didn’t read further.
This was insane!
“Cadet Libor! Immit! Young lady, this is such an honor! It’s been nearly three centuries since any of our mages were invited to study at the academy. What an honor!”
The professors took turns gushing about the honor, while I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. Potential? What freaking potential does a cripple have?! A year ago, during yet another “accident,” my magical channels were damaged. Essentially, they were burned out. Now, when magic flows through them, I feel unbearable pain, and my magic itself has been reduced by about eighty percent. And they knew this! These damn professors knew, and now they’re talking about honor?!
“They’ll come for you tomorrow. Pack your things. It’ll be announced to the whole school at dinner.”
Well, they’d decided everything for me. All I could do was hope and pray to the gods that the best magical academy in all the worlds took student safety more seriously than this place.
The news that I’d been accepted into Verum threw me for a loop. I decided not to go to any more classes today, but I didn’t want to return to my room either. What was there to pack? A few sets of military uniforms, some underwear, and stationery. My stiletto and amulet were always with me. That was all I owned. I figured I’d head to the infirmary instead—maybe Dr. Sabir would talk. She was the only person I didn’t want to leave behind.
“Doc, you here?”
I peeked into her office, but no one was there. I decided to wait. After all, Dr. Sabir never left her post for long. Out of curiosity, I glanced at her desk, where my personal file lay—probably being prepared for transfer to the academy.
The office was small: a chair for visitors, a desk and chair for the doc, and a shelf with medical records. Yet, I always felt cozier here than anywhere else in Bellum. Of course, the sense of safety played a big part in that.
“Knew you’d show up.”
Dr. Sabir entered with a tray in her hands. A teapot, two cups, and even some cookies! Sweets were always my weakness. We rarely got any, and I didn’t want to spend my hard-earned money—earned through blood and sweat—on something so frivolous.
“I was hoping to talk to you before I leave,” I said with a smile, taking the offered cup of tea.
“Yeah, kid. You’ve landed yourself in deep, I’ll tell you straight!” That’s what I loved about this woman—she always spoke the truth, never softening the blow. “I tried to explain to the director that sending a cripple to the best academy is a lousy idea. But sadly, kid, that idiot refuses to use the gray matter in his skull.”
“It really is an honor, and if I were in top shape, I’d be over the moon about this chance,” I sighed, and that was the honest truth. Studying at Verum was prestigious and honorable. A graduate could expect a good position in any world. It would’ve been an amazing opportunity to leave this nightmare behind and start a new life.
“Here’s what I’ll say, Immi! Forget you’re crippled. Use this chance to the fullest! At the academy, you can make friends and find powerful patrons. Even with your condition, you can build a life! Just don’t come back to Rasin! This world is beyond saving…”
“They won’t let me, and you know it,” I sighed sadly. “Most likely, they’ll make me swear an oath to return after graduating from Verum and serve this world.” Doc chewed her lip and grimaced. She understood perfectly—they wouldn’t let me go, especially not now. I had a feeling they were drafting the oath right this moment to ensure there wasn’t the slightest loophole.
“Here’s the thing! I’m giving you an artifact that’ll weaken any oath. I’ve been saving it for myself, but I doubt I’ll ever get a chance to change my life.”
She walked over to the shelf and pulled out a small bead from its depths. Tears welled up in my eyes. She was giving me a treasure, and she probably knew what would happen if the higher-ups found out.
“Don’t cry!” Doc patted my head and whispered, “I never had kids, but I’d have wanted a daughter like you. When you take the oath, put the bead in your mouth. And make sure no one sees it.”
I jumped up and hugged Dr. Sabir tightly, pouring all my gratitude into that embrace for this incredible woman.
“Thank you!”
“Go, Immit, get ready! I hope everything works out for you!”
I didn’t make it back to my room. Eir intercepted me on the way and said everyone was being called to line up.
“Cadets!” The director stood before us with a beaming face, and I sincerely wished he’d choke or at least embarrass himself—just to wipe that smug look off. “For the first time in ages, Verum Academy will open its doors to one of our students!”
The hall was silent. People didn’t just stop talking—they seemed to stop breathing.
“Cadet Libor! Step forward!”
Ah, looks like they’ve already drafted the oath. I popped the artifact into my mouth, pretending to cough, and stepped forward. The director even hugged me, turning me to face everyone. Ugh, how gross!
“Immit Libor has received an invitation to study at the academy! Let’s congratulate her with applause!”
The applause was pitiful, but the looks said much more. Some glared with open hatred, others with skepticism, and a few even with pity. Everyone in Bellum knew about my condition—there was no hiding something like that here.
“And now, the solemn oath from Cadet Libor!”
They shoved a paper into my hands, and my eye twitched! Without the artifact, this would’ve been my death sentence.
“I swear to act for the benefit of the people of Rasin! I swear to study with dignity so as not to disgrace the honor of Bellum Military School! I swear to return after my studies and apply my knowledge for the good of Rasin’s people!”
How grandiose it sounded, but in reality, it meant anyone could order me around. And not just anyone—likely the higher-ups would try to drag me into their power struggles.
Judging by the looks from the clan kids, I wasn’t wrong in my assumptions. They were already salivating at the thought! The only comforting thing was that they wouldn’t touch me until graduation. They wouldn’t, right? At least, I hoped so.
I skipped dinner—I didn’t want everyone staring at me. I’d stay in my room until they came for me from the academy.
The artifact Doc gave me dissolved, and I desperately hoped it had worked. I’d need to learn more about it, but that would have to wait until I got to the academy. Right now, I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to myself. And I definitely didn’t want to get Doc in trouble—they could execute her for this.
I packed my backpack quickly and now had nothing to do. Sleep wouldn’t come, and I didn’t have any books since I’d returned them all to the library.
“Smart move skipping dinner!” I turned at the sound of Eir’s voice. She looked exhausted. “You’re the hot topic today. Everyone’s talking about why you were chosen and placing bets on when you’ll get kicked out.”
I chuckled. That was expected.
“Did you place a bet?”
“Do I look like an idiot? Hell if I know why they picked you, and I’m not about to waste my last coins on a shaky gamble. No thanks!”
Eir flopped onto her bed and closed her eyes. It looked like she wanted to nap, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. She was scared too. We had a truce, flimsy as it was, but it was something. Once I left, they’d room her with someone else. And there was no guarantee that person would agree to an oath.
“You know, when we first met, I couldn’t stand you,” Eir started unexpectedly. I looked at her, waiting for her to continue. “I thought everything came easy to you. But when we were roomed together and you suggested the oath, I started looking at you—not with respect, exactly, but with interest.”
She fell silent again, and I didn’t know how to respond. I hadn’t liked her either. Worse, I was insanely jealous. She had everything I’d never have again—living parents. And nature hadn’t skimped on her looks: thick black lashes framed expressive brown eyes, her face was like porcelain, with full lips and a cascade of long hair the color of ripe wheat. My hair, on the other hand, was a dull, mousy brown. I was just an unremarkable gray mouse. The only striking thing about me was my eyes—bright blue! Even those had dulled after my magical channels were damaged.
“When I really looked at you, I realized things weren’t as easy for you as I’d thought,” Eir continued, staring at the ceiling. “You worked hard, and I tried not to fall behind. Do you know why I was sent here?”
“Why?”
“To find a husband among the clan kids. My parents think that’s all I’m good for. But watching you, I wanted to achieve something more. I wanted to be more than just an accessory to a man. You get it?”
I hadn’t even thought about that before. And yeah, a lot of girls here weren’t training to become warriors. For orphans like me, there was no choice. But someone like Eir? She had parents; she didn’t have to be here. Were there others like her, pursuing similar goals?
“I get why your parents think that way. Marrying a clan kid would keep you relatively safe. At least someone would always have your back,” I said honestly. Despite the clans fighting each other now, their casualties were far fewer than among loners or civilians.
“I know,” she replied quietly. “But I still hate the way things are.”
She turned her head toward me and looked into my eyes intently. I wondered what she was trying to see in me.
“I hope you found a way to get around that oath. Because it’s slavery! And I don’t want that kind of fate for you. Maybe not right away, but I think we’ve become friends.”
And she smiled. So genuinely and warmly that my eyes stung. It was so unexpected. Hearing such words from the usually cold and reserved Eir was like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. And at the same time, it was terrifying because we both knew this was goodbye. We’d likely never see each other again. I slipped the amulet off my neck and placed it in Eir’s hand.
“What are you…?”
“Listen! I want you to have this! You need to charge it with your own magic every day, but you’ve got more magic than I do, so it might last longer. Bind it to yourself with blood and wear it around your neck, even in the shower.”
That’s how I spent the night before leaving for the academy. Eir and I sat together, sharing stories about our lives. And even if just for a little while, each of us gained our first real friend. That meant a lot within these walls.
In the morning, they came for me.
I walked to the director’s office like I was heading to my execution. I kept thinking that the moment I stepped inside, they’d scream accusations at me—that I was a fraud and a cripple had no right to study at Verum Academy! Professor Arvelli walked beside me in silence, occasionally glancing at me sideways. Was he expecting me to run? Or looking for that mysterious potential? I don’t know, but it was getting on my nerves.
Today, they’d even issued me a brand-new uniform, probably sewn overnight on special order. We didn’t have anything this nice, not even the wealthiest clan kids. Pressed pants with stripes, a white silk shirt, and a vest with silver embroidery on the cuffs and collar. Everything fit perfectly, not hanging off me like a sack as usual. And the boots—so comfortable! If the other cadets saw me now, they’d strangle me just for the outfit!
When we reached the door, Professor Arvelli barked so loudly my ear rang:
“Cadet Libor delivered!”
In the office, besides the director and the professor, there was another person—or maybe not a person. Tall, with broad, muscular shoulders, long silver hair, and… ears! Pointed ears! I barely bit my tongue to keep from blurting it out. Sure, I knew the academy had students from different races and worlds, but knowing it and seeing it in person were two different things!
“Greetings! Cadet Libor ready to follow instructions!”
I reported, standing at attention and waiting for orders. The academy representative—and I was sure that’s who he was—turned to face me, looked me over carefully, and grimaced! What could I say about him? Stunningly handsome, to a ridiculous degree! Strong jawline, almond-shaped eyes the color of mercury. And his gaze—honestly, chilling! Like he’d already dissected me in his mind.
“Where is the student’s luggage?”
Holy hedgehog! That voice! I’d only read about voices like that in Cadet Mirel’s books—sneaked peeks at some very specific content. It even gave me goosebumps. If even half the guys at the academy were like this, I’d die of dehydration—basically drool myself to death! What? I’m a normal nineteen-year-old girl; of course I notice hot guys! I needed to pull myself together.
“This is all my stuff, sir,” I said, shaking my backpack for emphasis.
“Disgraceful!”
He muttered something quietly to the director, who paled, flushed, and seemed to even turn a little blue.
“We’re leaving! Student Libor, follow me!”
He made a gesture with his hand, and a portal opened before us. I couldn’t help but gape in awe. Long ago, Rasin’s mages could create portals too, but that was ancient history.
“Good luck, Cadet Libor!” the director said in a shaky voice as a final farewell. I just nodded and stepped into the unknown.