Chapter Ten

We got to the top of the mountain and was shocked to see this number of people that actually made it but for some reason everyone was just standing and staring at one another.

"Why is everyone just standing there? Isn't there a bridge to cross?" I asked, scanning my eyes over the exhausted crowd.

Baelor, rubbing his eyes, responded with a hint of annoyance, "I can guess why." He pointed toward the "bridge," but it was far from what any of us had expected. It wasn't a bridge; it was a parapet.

There were murmurs among the group, friends gesturing to each other, silently urging someone to take the treacherous walk. Then, a scrawny boy decided to be the first. As he started his walk, we all fell into a tense silence, watching his every step. But just a few feet in, he lost his balance and fell.

The collective gasp from the onlookers was followed by a chilling silence. We watched as the boy fell further than we had anticipated, and a distant thud echoed in the air. No one dared to speak as the harsh reality of our situation washed over us.

Baelor was the first to break the silence, his voice somber. "Well, that was... unfortunate."

I couldn't shake the shiver that ran down my spine. While I had always known that our journey to the academy wouldn't be easy, witnessing that fall had made the dangers all too real. "We need to be careful," I said softly.

Our group huddled together, our faces reflecting a mix of determination and fear. No one wanted to die and for some reason we have bonded over the past few days

As we stood there, more and more people had gathered, and it became evident that no one was eager to cross the daunting parapet. The uncertainty hung heavily in the air.

But then, breaking through the tense atmosphere, a man appeared on the other side of the parapet. He was one of the most striking individuals I had ever seen, radiating an aura of authority. With confidence, he introduced himself, "My name is Rhysand, and if you happen to make it across this... 'bridge'." He even used air quotes, which was quite amusing. "You can call me Commander."

We exchanged curious glances as he continued, "I'm here to convince you to cross this bridge. And if I fail in my persuasion," he said with a nod towards a massive, black dragon perched on the peak of a nearby mountain, "my dragon will..."

He paused for dramatic effect, his voice lowering, "If, by the time the clock strikes noon and you're not on the parapet or inside the Academy....."

The gravity of his words sank in as we watched the formidable dragon.

As each person slowly ventured across the perilous parapet, I couldn't help but notice the mixed reactions echoing through the air. There were shouts and cries from those who had fallen, but also laughter and sighs of relief from those who had succeeded. It was a chaotic symphony of emotions that surrounded us.

My turn eventually came, and I felt a mixture of fear and determination. I watched as the girl in front of me lost her footing and dragged the boy ahead of her down with her. It was a harrowing sight, and for a moment, I considered turning back. But Dain was right behind me, and I didn't want to show him my fear. So, I stepped onto the parapet, spreading my arms wide to balance my weight.

Suddenly, I heard my name called from behind. "Elara Draconis, it's a pleasure," a voice said. I couldn't immediately place it, so I kept moving forward. "Do I know you?" I asked, attempting to identify the speaker.

"I'm sure you don't. Why would you know someone like me?" the voice replied with a chuckle. It left me somewhat puzzled and without a response. Nonetheless, the conversation was distracting me from the daunting task at hand.

I tried to initiate a new topic. "So, what's your name?" I inquired, hoping to ease the tension.

"I'll tell you my name when we're on the other side," he replied cryptically.

Curiosity piqued, I persisted, "Why can't you tell me now?"

The voice grew colder, sending a shiver down my spine. "I want to look you in the eye and tell you. That way, you'll know the person who's going to drive a sword through your heart."

I stumbled slightly at this unexpected response, my heart racing. It was an eerie statement that caught me off guard. Nonetheless, I pressed forward and, after a few more terrifying steps, I finally reached the Academy.

Relief washed over me as I realized I had successfully crossed the parapet. When I turned back to see who had been speaking to me, I found him standing right behind me, his presence nearly overwhelming. He was a tall figure, and I had to crane my neck to meet his gaze.

"Jack," he finally introduced himself, his voice no longer tinged with threat. With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me with more questions than answers as I entered the Academy.Well that was Awkward

My heart raced as I watched each of my friends cross the treacherous parapet. With bated breath, I hoped and prayed for their safe arrival on the other side. The relief that washed over me when I heard their cheers and shouts was indescribable. We celebrated, calling out their names with a mix of excitement and relief. I was eager to see Baelor make it across, and our shouts of encouragement filled the air.

As more people successfully completed the perilous journey, our jubilation continued. It was as if a heavy weight had been lifted, replaced by an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The camaraderie among those who had made it across was palpable.

But then, just as we were basking in our victory, a sudden shift in the atmosphere seized our attention. The clock struck noon ,we all heard it and Gasps and whispers swept through the crowd and within the twinkle of an eye the scene before us turned gore.

With a powerful breath of fire, the dragon unleashed a torrent of flames upon those who hadn't yet reached safety. The sky was painted in fiery chaos, and the anguished cries of those caught in the blaze were haunting.

I stood there, my hand tightly clutching Dain's, unable to comprehend the grim reality before us. The Academy's ruthless response had shocked us all. The shock and sorrow hung heavy in the air as we grieved for those who hadn't survived