Hybrid

Kayden drifted through the school day, lost in a fog of unanswered questions. His search through the academy's library had led nowhere, leaving him feeling even more adrift. Class after class blurred into the background, the usual chatter and lively atmosphere of Pavilion Academy felt strangely muted. Even Rael's usual taunts—his mocking sneers and sharp words—seemed to echo louder, grating against Kayden's already raw frustration.

At lunch, Kayden spotted Brielle sitting with a group of friends in the courtyard. They would normally share this time together, a steady tradition that anchored him. He'd regretted his harsh words the moment they left his mouth, realizing too late that he'd acted like his own feelings were all that mattered. How could he have dismissed hers so easily, especially over expectations he knew were stifling? Her silence and absence were clear signs of the hurt he'd caused, and they only deepened his sense of isolation.

With a deep breath, he crossed the courtyard, each step weighed down by uncertainty. Brielle noticed him as he approached, looking up with an unreadable expression, though he could see the hurt in her eyes. Kayden hesitated, feeling the pounding of his own heart.

"I'm sorry, Brielle," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "I've been… awful. I just had so much on my mind, and I didn't mean to hurt you."

She studied him for a moment, her gaze softening. "Kayden, I understand, but it's hard when you shut me out. We're in this together, remember?" Though her tone was gentle, there was an edge to it that cut through him, making him realize just how much he'd hurt her.

He nodded, feeling guilt twist in his stomach. "You're right. Just a few hours without you, and I'm already going insane." He let out a nervous laugh, hoping to ease the tension.

She sighed, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "You'd better remember that. I don't like being cast aside, especially by my best friend." She punched his shoulder playfully, and he chuckled, feeling the knot of tension between them begin to loosen. For the first time all day, he felt a spark of warmth.

They spent the rest of lunch talking and laughing, and for a moment, it felt like everything was normal again. But as they talked, a loud bell rang through the courtyard, and a sense of excitement buzzed through the crowd. Everyone was heading toward the central hall—the list of those who had passed the test was up.

Kayden felt his heart race as he followed the crowd. Part of him wanted to walk away, to pretend he didn't care, but another part of him couldn't help hoping for a miracle. He already knew the answer, or thought he did, but the faint sliver of hope kept him moving toward the crowd.

As he approached the list, he scanned the names, eyes moving quickly from line to line. Each absence felt like another blow, and soon enough, he saw that his name was nowhere on it. The finality of it hit him hard, leaving him feeling hollow.

Beside him, Brielle rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Kayden… I'm so sorry."

He forced a smile, swallowing the bitter disappointment. "It's okay. I didn't really expect anything different."

But it wasn't okay. Not really. The walk home felt endless, the weight of failure settling deeper with every step. It wasn't just his disappointment he carried—it was the expectations of his family, a legacy that stretched back generations. He could already picture his father's face, the quiet disapproval that would greet him. His family had produced leaders, tamers who commanded respect, who were practically legends. And here he was, falling short.

When he reached home, he found his father waiting in the study, the familiar room now feeling suffocating. Kayden took a seat, barely able to meet his father's gaze.

"I assume you know why I wanted to speak with you," his father began, his tone steady but carrying an undertone of something darker.

Kayden nodded, frustration bubbling up. "I'm sorry. I tried… but it wasn't enough." His voice trembled slightly, the shame clear.

His father leaned back, observing him closely. "This isn't about the test, Kayden. I wanted to speak with you about what you saw last night between your grandfather and me."

Kayden looked up, a mix of confusion and relief flashing across his face. "Last night? You mean…?"

His father's expression grew somber. "Yes. You have every right to know, and I should have told you sooner, especially since you were one of the top candidates."

"Top candidate… for what?" Kayden's brow furrowed, unsure what his father meant.

Lucien sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked worn, as though bearing the weight of something deeply troubling. "There's a prophecy that has circulated among the top families for generations. It speaks of a Hybrid being born from one of the powerful lineages."

Hybrid. The word struck Kayden with a jolt. It was what the wolf had called him during the bonding.

"Some factions are against the Hybrid's existence, while others believe in its potential," Lucien continued, his voice grave. "There are secrets, Kayden—secrets humanity has tried to bury. Some truths would turn your stomach."

Kayden had never seen his father so… vulnerable. There was a rawness in his father's face that he'd never seen before.

"What are these secrets?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

His father's mouth twisted into a grim smile, a flicker of disgust crossing his face. "I don't know, and frankly, I don't want to. Some things are best kept buried, far from reach."