My Pet Fox Is Actually A Demon Prince-Chapter 40: Unreal

Kyva had not expected such a gathering.

The senior adepts were already assembled within, their presence commanding and still. Beyond them stood a multitude of disciples, far more than she had imagined, crowding the hall to witness the convocation of the new initiates.

Most of the beastfolk bore traces of their lineage, while others, however, appeared wholly human, their nature hidden so well it was impossible to tell one from the other.

She drew close to Cassian, her voice low as she asked, "...Why are there so many?"

"It was to be expected," Cassian answered evenly. "We are the first humans ever granted a chance into the Sacred Order. Curiosity alone would draw them."

His gaze moved briefly over the crowd. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"And for many of them," he added, "this is likely their first time seeing humans as well. It stands to reason the hall would be full."

All around them, eyes turned, some lingering and some watching beneath elegant hand fans. Low, restless murmurs rippled through the gathered disciples near the entrance, and Kyva felt the weight of it, though she forced herself not to falter.

They crossed the great entrance.

A few walks in, and Kyva caught sight of Selene and the others.

Liora and Rowan stood a short distance away, locked in a spirited dispute, each one insisting that their trial had been more grueling than the other. Between them, Selene bore the look of one long resigned to such arguments, her patience worn thin.

She noticed Kyva first and lifted a hand.

"Cassian—Kyva—over here."

Hearing their names, both Liora and Rowan turned. Liora wasted no time and hurried forward, seizing Kyva by the hands.

"Kyva! Oh, thank the stars, you were able to make it," she exclaimed, relief bright in her voice. "You’ve been unconscious since yesterday. I was beginning to worry."

"Since...yesterday?" Kyva echoed, blinking in confusion.

But Liora nodded emphatically.

"The trial ended two days ago."

Kyva stared at her.

"W—what? Two days?"

The words struck her like a physical blow.

She had been unconscious... for that long?

"Come," Liora said, holding her wrist and tugging her forward, blissfully ignoring Cassian who shook his head.

With little regard for those in her way, she ushered aside the lingering disciples, her tone sharp enough to part the crowd without resistance.

Rowan bowed slightly, offering her his own greeting, but said nothing. Kyva returned his bow with an equally polite one, but he averted his gaze and turned away, as if suddenly anxious.

Kyva guessed he was still probably uncomfortable around her, but she chose not to push further. She would one day earn his trust, if not now.

Selene stepped forward, relief evident in her expression now that they were all gathered. She folded her arms lightly, her tone steady as she began.

"Since we’re all here, it’s best to share the little I’ve gathered about what happens in the convocation hall."

The four of them turned to Selene.

"The convocation is about to begin," she continued. "When it does, all initiates shall be formally presented before the Order. By Order, I’m talking about the Masters, Elders, and the Grand Arbiter. The Grand Arbiter has absolute authority within the Sacred Order, and he represents the balance of all four affinities."

Her gaze moved across each of them, ensuring they understood the weight of it.

"Afterwards, we will be assigned to our respective districts. You are already aware of the Six Affinity Districts. For most, placement is determined by one’s Resonance. Once assigned, that district becomes more than a place of study. It is where you will train, reside, and ultimately where your allegiance will lie."

She paused, considering her next choice of word.

"But before any of that, however, each initiate will be placed under a mentor. In most cases, a senior adept... or, if one is fortunate, a Master within the district itself. Those who are not chosen by either will have to serve the Sacred Order as an attendant. That means you get to attend to accepted disciples, assisting them and tending to their needs."

"No way," Liora’s face blanched. "That is not a position of honor."

"No... it is not," Selene inclined her head in agreement . "But it is not a fate one may simply refuse. The best we can do is prove ourselves worthy... and hope to be chosen by the Masters of our respective districts."

Rowan let out a quiet scoff. "As if they would even want us here. If that is the case, then our chances are already cut to nothing. I didn’t survive a volcano just to be at someone’s beck and call."

"Let’s not surrender to doubt so quickly," Cassian said, his tone calm but steady. "We have come this far. We should have some faith in our own capabilities."

Rowan glanced at him but said nothing.

"They may not want us," Cassian continued, "but there is one thing they value, and that is strength. The districts are not merely a place of learning. They are in constant rivalry with one another. One’s reputation holds weight here... but strength holds far more."

Kyva quietly absorbed all that she was getting. She thought about the attendant who took care of her, and to be honest, she saw little wrong with such a role.

If anything, it seemed safer.

"That reminds me," Selene said suddenly, a spark of excitement breaking through her usual composure. "Have you heard? There is word that the Grand Arbiter intends to invite a figure who hails from the fox clan to the Sacred Order. And whoever is chosen by him, may be taken under his tutelage."

Liora’s pupils dilated in awe. "You’re saying, we shall see one of them here? Truly? And they would take on an initiate as their disciple?"

Selene gave a small, confirming nod.

"So it is said."

Kyva felt the air around them change suddenly. It seemed not only her new friends were excited about this new figure, but the entire initiates and disciples were talking about it too.

Curiosity tugged at her.

"Who... are the fox clan?" she asked at last.

Her question stunned all four.

"You have never heard of the fox clan?" Liora said, blinking. "Are you truly living in the same world as the rest of us?"

She let out a breath, then continued, her voice softening— though the admiration in her eyes only deepened.

"The Fox Clan is the apex of all clans. It was from their lineage that the God-Emperor himself had risen. They were also responsible for putting a stop to the war between humans and beasts."

Selene nodded in quiet agreement. "Power, beauty, and cunning, they are known for possessing these three traits. To be chosen by one is not merely an honor, it is the kind of fate sung in legends."

Liora clasped her hands together, barely containing her excitement. "I never thought the heavens would bless us so soon. I have always longed to behold one. They say their beauty alone is enough to steal the breath from your lungs."

Rowan leaned back against the wall, folding his arms. "And you truly believe they would choose one of us? If anything, this sounds like some elaborate jest. A fine way to remind us of our place."

"Must you sour everything," Liora gave his shoulder a light smack before placing a hand to her chest. "I, for one, believe one of us will be chosen." She turned eagerly to Kyva. "What do you think?"

Kyva offered a small, quiet smile.

In truth, her thoughts were elsewhere.

To be chosen by such a being felt unreal, so she dared not dream that far.

She would count herself fortunate... even if to be named as an attendant.