{Elira}
~**^**~
The engine hushed into silence. For a mont, only the distant sound of birds and the fountain’s steady trickle filled the space between us.
Zenon reached into the centre console and took out two cards, holding them toward .
His voice ca, clipped but clear. "Take these."
I turned, fingers trembling slightly as I accepted them.
"The smaller card," he began, "is your admittance card. Proof that you’ve registered for today’s supplentary exam. You will show it to the invigilators before you’re allowed inside the hall."
I nodded, eyes scanning the neat silver lettering on the card.
"And this," he tapped the slightly larger card, "is a map. It shows the direction from here to the building you need, as well as the correct hall inside. It’s not far, but don’t wander off."
My gaze followed the printed pathways on the card. The academy grounds looked larger than I’d realized.
"If you get confused," Zenon continued, his tone calm but firm, "follow the other examinees. Or ask one of the staff. They are around to guide you."
"Yes, sir," I murmured softly.
He leaned back slightly, expression unreadable. "When you finish, return here to this exact spot. Even if you don’t see the car right away, wait. I’ll co to pick you up."
My chest tightened again, but I nodded quickly. "Alright."
For a mont, I almost dared to look up into his eyes to say thank you, but the words stuck in my throat.
Zenon turned away, his gaze moving back to the steering wheel.
Taking a steadying breath, I unbuckled my seatbelt, the quiet click loud in the stillness. I carefully pushed open the door and stepped out.
The breeze caught at my dress hem, carrying the scent of water and ancient stone. I clutched the two cards tightly in my hand, the paper edges grounding .
Turning back, I t Zenon’s cold profile through the window.
"Thank you," I whispered—though I wasn’t sure he heard.
I followed the stone path around the fountain, clutching the two cards Zenon had given .
The academy grounds felt alive around : stone buildings laced with ivy, banners fluttering in the breeze, and vast courtyards where examinees walked in clusters.
Their hushed voices drifted past , soft but sharp enough to catch.
"...my father managed to get the form. You know how expensive it is..."
"...we only got two past papers to practice. I hope it helps..."
"...I’ve dread of ESA since I shifted. I can’t fail today..."
Every word wrapped tighter around my chest. But it was the ntion of how expensive the supplentary form was that made pause in my steps.
I realized, a quiet ache blooming in my heart. Alpha Cyprus had paid for mine.
I didn’t know the exact cost, but from their tones, it wasn’t small. He really went out of his way for when he didn’t have to.
I bit my lower lip, swallowing gratitude too big to say out loud.
I tightened my grip on the admission card and map, taking slow breaths.
’You have to make this worth it, Elira.’
The map guided along the path, past a glass conservatory and a stone courtyard lined with old statues. I kept my eyes fixed on the printed lines, careful not to stray even a step.
At last, a tall building ca into view—its arched doorway open, with students trickling in. Outside, several invigilators stood in uniforms of black and silver, quietly checking cards.
My heart rattled against my ribs.
I stepped forward, falling into the slow line. Ahead, students shifted nervously, whispering or clutching their pencils.
A few spared glances at —so curious, so indifferent, so dark and dismissive. One girl’s gaze lingered a little too long before sliding away, a frown twitching across her mouth.
’They can tell,’ I thought, sha biting at my stomach. ’They know I’m different.’
When it was my turn, a male invigilator looked at my admittance card and then my face.
"Miss Shaw, is it?" he murmured, the corner of his mouth lifting into a strict, professional smile.
"Yes, sir." My voice quivered.
He took my admittance card and the map from my hand. Instinctively, I reached out, about to ask for the map back. I would lose my way without it.
He paused, glancing at . "Nothing except yourself is allowed into the hall," he explained calmly. "If this map is important to you, co find afterwards. I will keep it aside."
I lowered my hand. "Thank you," I whispered.
"Good luck," he said, and stepped aside.
I walked into the hall.
Rows and rows of desks stretched before , each with a paper and eraser laid neatly on top.
The ceiling arched high overhead, and faint morning light spilt in through tall windows, catching the dust motes dancing in the air.
At least three hundred students were already seated. The low hum of whispers died off as a voice crackled from hidden speakers:
"Candidates, please find your designated seats and settle down. The exam will begin in twenty minutes."
My chest clenched. Twenty minutes.
I had taken note of the number on my card on my way here, repeating it in my head like Rennon had taught the night before.
Walking between desks, I passed students whose conversations fell silent as I neared. So stared, so frowned, others looked straight through .
’Ignore them,’ I told myself. ’Just find your seat.’
At last, near the last row, I spotted my number on the desk. My seat. Relief and dread tangled in my chest.
I sat. My fingers hovered over the paper and eraser, already placed there. My hands trembled as I looked around—so many faces, so many determined eyes.
’How many will actually get admitted?’ I wondered.
Will I even stand a chance?
A heavy bell sounded. The hall fell silent, breathless.
From the raised platform, a man in uniform stepped behind the mic. His voice, calm but commanding, carried through the hall:
"Welco. I’m the chief invigilator for this supplentary entrance exam."
He spoke briefly of ESA’s excellence, its history—his words both welcoming and stern.
"I know many of you have dread of joining ESA," he continued. "Unfortunately, not everyone will. Today’s exam lasts two hours and covers four subjects. Use your ti wisely."
His gaze swept over us, eyes dark as stone. "Rember, ESA has no tolerance for malpractice. If anyone is carrying any foreign material they shouldn’t, hand it over to an invigilator now, before we distribute the papers. This is your only chance."
No one moved.
He paused, then lowered his tone. "May those fated to be part of ESA pass."
He stepped back, turning off the mic.
My pulse thundered as invigilators moved between rows, placing four answer sheets and a single folded questionnaire on every desk.
When they reached , I forced my shaking hands to take them. The paper felt too heavy for its weight.
’Moon Goddess,’ I thought, chest aching. ’Please... please help .’
I closed my eyes, whispering a prayer. ’For Alpha Cyprus’s kindness... for Lennon and Rennon who taught until midnight... and even Zenon, for being harsh so I could learn.’
The bell rang once, its echo reverberating against the stone walls.
The female voice from earlier ca back through the speakers, softer but clear: "Candidates, your ti begins now. You may start."
I opened my eyes, breath shaky.
Elira, don’t think about failing. Just do it.
My fingers closed around the pencil.
And I began to write.
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