"Well? Come along." Master Maloway said to Neveah as he headed out of his door.

Neveah glanced up briefly, as though that would provide her with the patience she dearly needed.

Afterwards, she turned and followed after Master Maloway and this time, he led her through the stairwell within the tower itself.

Neveah assumed Master Maloway would likely topple off the outer stairwell given how unsteady his steps were.

"Each trial is granted only when the rider is deemed ready to face it. Most riders face their first trial a few years after joining the academy." Master Maloway continued, his cane making a rhythmic tapping with each step.

They hardly encountered anyone on their way down, though Neveah did sense the presence of life in the halls they passed by.

These halls were occupied by the masters of the riders academy according to Elina’s words, the pin drop silence in the halls went to show just how organized and regulated everything was in the academy.

"The trial for every rider is different, as yours will be. We shall find out exactly what you will be faced with." Master Maloway said.

"Mine? I am to face a trial?" Neveah asked, her brows furrowed.

"The first trial is known to be the trial of worth. By royal order, you will face it beginning today." Master Maloway replied as though his words were the most natural thing.

"You have only just said a rider must face this trial when deemed ready." Neveah reminded.

"And? This is Our Liege’s stance, have you a problem with it?" Master Maloway asked.

Neveah frowned slightly, but shook her head. Suspicion was once again stirred in her, she just could not understand what the dragon king’s intentions were.

Did he truly consider Neveah worthy to face the first trial the very day she stepped into the academy? Or was there an ulterior motive to it.

"This trial... what would be required of me?" Neveah asked suspiciously just as they arrived out in the cobbled path.

"Failure would mean you shall never join the ranks of riders and you must forfeit a bond with your dragon and never be allowed to see him again."

"A rider who is to undergo a trial may not leave academy grounds till the trial is passed." Master Maloway replied.

Neveah paused in her steps, her eyes widening at what she had just heard.

"What is that to mean...?" Neveah asked slowly.

Master Maloway also came to a stop, passing a glance over at Neveah.

"You are not to return to Dragon Keep till you have completed the trial of worth. If you are unable to complete it, you must forfeit your bond with Lord Menarx with or without his acceptance." Master Maloway repeated, this time in a stern tone.

"But Menarx..." Neveah began to argue but Master Maloway cut her off mid sentence.

"Separation from your dragon is also a test of strength. Lord Menarx will be properly seen to even in your absence, all you must do is honor Our Liege’s will and prove your worth." Master Maloway made clear.

"To forfeit a bond with Menarx in the case of failure...is this consequence the same to all riders, or just me?" Neveah asked suspiciously.

Master Maloway did not respond, but his silence was all the response that Neveah needed.

This was a consequence for her alone... she was the only rider who would be subjected to this.

Neveah took a step back, her gaze narrowing slightly as it finally occured to her what the Dragon King intended.

"He wants me locked up here! Away from Menarx!" Neveah hissed in annoyance as she took another step back.

Menarx was unconscious, he could not interfere or come to Neveah at this time. And if Neveah was made to forfeit a bond with him before he awakened, she could never go back on her word. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Neveah! The decision has been made!" Master Maloway warned harshly.

"But why... what have I done wrong? Why must I be forced to this?!" Neveah snarled, rage surging within her veins.

"Because...he saw... he saw it all..." Neveah murmured to herself in realization, her hands clenching into fists.

"I will have him tell it to my face. Tell me I am unworthy!" Neveah decided as she turned and stormed back to the exit.

"Neveah, get back here! You cannot defy Our Liege’s orders!" Master Maloway called to Neveah furiously.

"To hell with your King! He has no rights to make such a decision! I will not be controlled!" Neveah snarled as she broke into a dash.

Neveah had made a promise to Menarx, she would not go back on her word...not even for the Dragon King.

The only one who could forfeit their bond was Menarx himself, Neveah would only hear Menarx’s words.

"Stop her!" Master Maloway ordered.

The riders training in the field and the dragon guards gave chase after Neveah.

The dragon guards appeared out of nowhere and Neveah realized what Elina meant when she had said Neveah may not see them but she need only bear in mind that they were there.

Neveah came to a halt when her path was blocked and she was surrounded on all sides by dragon guards.

Neveah’s gaze moved around, her fists clenching tighter.

"Neveah, you will stop this nonsense immediately and prepare to face your trial!" Master Maloway ordered.

"You do not order me! No one does!" Neveah snarled right back.

The rage surging through her veins was difficult to control and Neveah could not restrain herself.

Neveah’s wolf rose to the surface in her rage and Neveah could feel her shift take over, her bones snapped and reformed her skin stretching and fur breaking through.

In a moment, Neveah’s massive wolf form was gazing down at the dragon guards and an earth shaking growl tore out of her throat.

Neveah lunged at the nearest dragon guards, toppling down three at once, a swipe of her tail flung away two more and her claws swiped out, pinning down the rider Fiona simply because she was an unpleasant sight.

Neveah’s snarled down at a wide eyed Fiona before her fierce wolf eyes settled on Master Maloway another growl erupting from her throat.

Neveah changed forms, reverting back to her human form, her clothing untouched.

"Worth? Your king shall have to find himself a better reason if he hopes to be rid of me." Neveah hissed as she stormed past Master Maloway, heading back into the academy.