Because of my status on the registry and my lack of abilities, I was not only dismissed, but also ridiculed. My brother too, who had always been nice to me, started treating me coldly.
And if the Duke of v’Kyro gave you the cold shoulder, it was a sign that everyone else should, too.
And so started my self-imposed exile. Luckily my father left me my home, otherwise I don’t know how I would have survived.
The magical runes guarding it are an additional level of safety against my mother—although she never bothered to come looking for me.
But now… My clock is ticking.
My birthday is fast approaching, and the spiritual energy my father transferred to me will disappear, as will my protective shield. I have looked far and wide for someone to help me cultivate, but no one would dare go against an edict from the Lord Supreme. The moment they realizewhymy own spiritualenergy is bound, they disappear. The books have not been of much help either.
In less than a month, I will truly be on my own.
Which is why I am here. Ready to take this exam.
If I become a public servant, I will have another added layer of protection. Since I do not possess any functional spiritual energy, my only hope is in the administrative sector. This is the home of all those high born immortals that do not make the cut for the more sophisticated positions, such as the military—the pinnacle of an immortal’s existence.
With Tartareia always at war, outsideandinside, being a warrior is the most celebrated position there is. But only the most accomplished immortals are allowed in.
A pang erupts in my chest.
At one point, I wished nothing more than join the military and become a celebrated warrior. It would be the perfect fuck you to my family—I would be both strongandbeloved by the people of Tartareia. No one would look at me as a harbinger of death then.
Alas, that will never be more than a dream. As long as I avoid getting myself killed, I will be satisfied. After all, I owe it to my father to live, just as he asked me to. And for his sacrifice, I will not give up. No matter what.
I take a deep breath as I asses my surroundings.
After so long living in isolation, being among so many people is a little unnerving. Not only does the noise make me anxious, but social interaction is not something I am good at—or something I want to be good at.
To my left and right, there are groups of males and females chatting animatedly about what they think might be on the exam sheet. They are exchanging names and planning to meet after the exam to celebrate. The cliques are already forming.
My lips curl up in distaste as I step away from the noise. There is a quiet spot under ahofratree next to the surrounding fence that leads to the main road. Almost everyone is gathered to the front of the exam building, waiting with bated breath for any announcement.
I just wish for this to be over.
Get in. Take the exam. Get out.
Then I can head to the mortal district in search of a book I have not been able to find anywhere else in Tartareia.
A spark of excitement flashes in my chest.
Nowthatis something I am truly looking forward to.
I remove my watch from my blazer and check the time. The exam should start soon.
“I have not seen you around. Who’s your family?”
It takes me a moment to realize someone is speaking tome.
Turning to my right, I blink as I take in three males staring at me intently.
“You are talking to me?” I ask, just to make sure.
The one in the middle barks out a laugh.
“Do you see anyone else around?”
I look right and left, and indeed, there is no one else around the little spot I have chosen for myself. In fact, for a moment resentment claws at me at the fact that they’ve disturbed my peace.
