Chapter 54: 54:Results.
Shawn stared at him, eyes widened slightly, then laughed.
"I postponed it already. "
"I’m serious."
"So am I."
Shawn crossed his arms.
"The Academy doesn’t resume for another two weeks."
Silver knew that, it was the buffer time they gave to those who came from further Sanctuaries. But he immediately countered.
"Then train."
"I do train."
"Train more during your return journey."
Shawn rolled his eyes.
"Excellent advice."
Silver ignored the sarcasm.
"The Academy exists for a reason. And you know every day matters."
Now that at least earned consideration because Shawn was genuinely ambitious. The man loved becoming stronger, loved improving and competing.
Silver pressed the advantage.
"You told me yourself, the Contractor world is cutthroat. Do you want to disappoint your mentors and grandfather just like that? You might get dropped."
Shawn’s expression shifted slightly, which was good enough.
"You’ve only just integrated your second beast, you need to practice and grow strong enough to become Patriarch. Are you going to let tenth uncle one-up you... And how about your mom?"
His mother was the third wife of his first uncle. She hadn’t been the favorite until he awakened. These were among the things he valued more than anything.
Eventually, Shawn sighed.
"Did you plan this?"
"No."
"You definitely planned this."
"Maybe."
Shawn laughed despite himself. The tension eased slightly then he looked toward the gathering hall, toward where Cruella remained. His expression became thoughtful.
Silver patiently waited. After nearly a minute he nodded.
"Fine."
Silver blinked. That was easier than expected.
"Fine?"
"I’ll leave tomorrow as planned."
’Success!’
Silver nearly sighed in relief. The future shifted again even though it was a small change but still potentially an important one.
Shawn pointed a finger at him.
"But on one condition."
’Of course, there was a condition. Why did I expect anything different’
"There always is, what do you want?"
He smiled.
"Keep an eye on her."
Silver froze then immediately regretted everything.
"What?"
"You heard me."
Silver absolutely heard him and that was the problem. Shawn continued.
"You’re not chasing her anymore and you’re family. Also, you’ll still see her occasionally."
Silver wanted to explain that he had absolutely no intention of monitoring Cruella’s well-being. Unfortunately, that would create questions and problems he didn’t want.
Shawn smiled knowingly.
"Just make sure she doesn’t get into trouble."
Silver thought about Cruella’s supernatural luck. Then thought about Ravenna, then about his date, and then about literally anything else in a span of a minute.
"I’ll keep an eye out," he lied with a straight face, the best kind of lie though.
Shawn nodded, satisfied. The future death flag seemed to weaken slightly.
Silver mentally celebrated.
Then a loud bell echoed throughout the estate. Both men looked up. The bell was a call for everyone to reassemble. The final results were out.
"Looks like it’s time."
Silver nodded. Together they returned to the training hall.
The training hall had become significantly quieter. Everyone had assembled again. The Patriarch stood at the front while most family members occupied nearby seats.
Their presence immediately increased the tension. Each victory represented a step forward for one of the children and an elevation in status for their parents.
The old man waited until everyone settled then began.
"The evaluations have concluded."
Silence filled the room. The remaining candidates straightened, Silver included. Even though he appeared calm on the outside, internally? Not entirely.
The Academy represented freedom; distance from family politics, the Sanctuary, and the expectations attached to the Ruddington name. More importantly, it placed him closer to future events, opportunities, and power.
The Patriarch continued.
"The candidates performed adequately."
This was high praise from him. Several descendants looked offended. Silver almost smiled.
Then the rankings began. Names were called and the evaluation by the elders was read with each name call meaning an elimination. Three people remained and the tension remained high.
Silver was among those left behind, a surprise to say the least. Everyone had their hearts in their throats and the parents of the remaining two were standing nervously.
Everyone understood that the final positions remained undecided. The Patriarch consulted several documents then looked up.
"Silver Ruddington."
Every eye turned. Silver stepped forward. The old man’s gaze remained unreadable. For a moment neither spoke. Then he opened his mouth.
"Recommendation approved."
A sealed envelope appeared with the Academy insignia stamped across the front.
Silver accepted it calmly but he was relieved considerably internally. The first major milestone had been cleared, now he had to focus on the next stage.
Several relatives looked surprised while others were displeased. Surprisingly a few were impressed. The Patriarch simply continued as if nothing important had happened. Yet Silver knew better, everything had changed.
The gathering ended nearly an hour later. Before he could leave, he caught up to Shawn who was about to follow the Patriarch.
He turned to look at him, his eyebrow raised.
"Do you want anything?"
Silver glanced at the crowd celebrating Lucian who had also been chosen.
"Is there a way to enter the academy without the recommendation letter?" He quietly asked.
Shawn studied him for a moment then responded.
"Don’t you already have one, what’s all this about?"
"I can’t leave someone behind," he vaguely said.
Shawn’s eyes narrowed. "Is it the girl who met you at the gates yesterday?"
Silver sighed in defeat." Yes, she’s my fiancée."
Shawn could hide the surprise. "What?"
"Is there a way or not?" Silver harshly whispers.
"Okay, no need to twist yourself," Shawn said patting his shoulders," you can use the normal method. These letters are only for the elite, a privilege, but the academy accepts new Awakeners from the lower districts. But it’s a brutal evaluation."
Silver smiled. "Thats more than enough, thank you."
Shawn nodded. " You’re welcome."
Silver escaped when he noticed more people moving towards them, leaving Shawn surrounded.
It was already late into the afternoon and the time for their date was approaching fast. He knew it might be difficult but he was still looking forward to it.
