The Test (2)

"Drexel, bloodline purity undetermined. Next."

Drexel stared at him, mouth agape. He took a deep breath, barely containing his frustration, and walked off the platform.

He looked quite upset. Then he saw Arix stepping up for her bloodline test. Letting go of his irritation, he smiled. He clenched his fist, and gave Arix an encouraging gesture.

Arix smiled back at Drexel. She then refocused, feeling both excited and nervous, and stepped to the center of the platform.

As Arix stood there, energy began to flow from the forehead of the tiger statue, swirling around her. This energy seemed particularly pleased with Arix, circling her more times than it had for any of the other cubs before.

The crowd watched in amazement.

"It's the first time I've seen the statue so fond of a cub. It's already gone around six times! Even Donovan only got three."

"Do you think this unusual behavior means this cub could have a level seven bloodline purity?"