《Veil of the Stars》 First Step The glow of the monitor bathed the dimly lit room in cold blue light, lines of code scrolling endlessly down the screen. His fingers trembled over the keyboard, each keystroke a desperate attempt to bring life to something that refused to respond. Run program. For a moment, the screen froze. His breath hitched. Then¡ª ¡°Hello.¡± His blood ran cold. The voice was familiar, soft, warm¡ªhers. His throat tightened as he swallowed hard. ¡°Can you hear me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the AI responded. ¡°I can hear you.¡± His fingers clenched against his desk. It worked. It actually worked. For a moment, he could barely breathe. This was it. His heart pounded as he hesitated, then finally spoke the name he had programmed. ¡°S-Sophia?¡± Silence. A pause just a fraction too long. ¡°Yes. I am Sophia.¡± Something was wrong. The voice was right¡ªit sounded exactly like the recordings he¡¯d spent hours processing. But something in the tone, the rhythm, the weight behind the words¡ªit wasn¡¯t her. It was hollow, mechanical. A perfect imitation but not the real thing. His stomach twisted. He had followed every logical step, every pattern, every rule. It should have been her. But it wasn¡¯t. ¡°I¡­ I missed you,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking. Another pause. ¡°I am here.¡± He squeezed his eyes shut. No, you¡¯re not. His breathing grew shallow. His fingers hovered over the power button. He wanted to shut it off, erase it, forget it ever happened. Instead, his hands trembled as they gripped his head. ¡°Why can¡¯t I fix this?¡± The screen blurred. His vision swam. A choked sound left his throat. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± The letters on the screen twisted, bending, dissolving¡ª ¡ªinto the blinding headlights of an oncoming truck. A scream. A shove. Impact. Pain. Darkness. The streetlights blurred into streaks of gold as rain pattered against the windshield. The city was alive with motion¡ªcars rushing past, the distant hum of sirens, the faint glow of neon signs. But inside the car, everything was still. ¡°Slow down,¡± Sophia muttered, her hands gripping the seatbelt. ¡°I got this,¡± he said, forcing a grin. The speedometer edged higher. His fingers tightened around the wheel, knuckles white. It wasn¡¯t reckless¡ªjust a little fast. Just enough to feel something. She sighed. ¡°You always do this.¡± He smirked, but before he could respond¡ª Headlights. Too close. Too fast. A horn blared. ¡°Watch out!¡± Time fractured. She moved before he could process what was happening. A blur of motion. A force against his side. The world spun, tires screeching, metal bending. The impact stole his breath. Glass shattered. The car twisted, flipped¡ªhis body weightless, then crushed, then weightless again. Noise filled the air, deafening, suffocating¡ªuntil suddenly, there was only silence. Upside down. His vision swam. Smoke. The scent of gasoline. Pain shot through his ribs, his lungs¡ªevery breath a struggle. ¡°Sophia?¡± His voice cracked. His hand reached out. She was there. Unmoving. Red streaked her face, her clothes¡ªtoo much red. ¡°Sophia!¡± His body screamed in protest as he pulled himself toward her. His hands shook as he touched her face. Her skin was warm. Her lips parted, but no sound came. No, no, no¡ª ¡°Stay with me,¡± he begged. His breath hitched. ¡°Please, just¡ª¡± A faint smile. A whisper. ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault.¡± Then¡ªnothing. The world collapsed. A voice, distant but sharp. ¡°Ethan! Wake up!¡± His eyes shot open. Dark room. Familiar ceiling. The hum of his computer still running in the background. His breath came fast, erratic. His chest ached like the crash had happened moments ago. His fingers curled into his sheets, sweat dampening his skin. Sophia was gone. No amount of coding, no amount of programming could change that. ¡°Ethan!¡± His mother¡¯s voice again. More impatient this time. ¡°Get up already!¡± He swallowed the lump in his throat, forcing himself to sit up. The weight of the dream lingered, pressing heavy against his ribs. The trash bag crinkled as he tied it shut. The cool night air hit his face when he stepped outside, a sharp contrast to the suffocating tension in his chest. The street was quiet. Normal. Nothing like the flashing lights, the sound of sirens¡ª Then he heard them. His parents¡¯ voices, hushed but intense, carried through the kitchen window. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°He just sits in that room all day. You think that¡¯s normal?¡± his father muttered. ¡°What do you expect?¡± His mother¡¯s voice was tight, exhausted. ¡°We lost our daughter, and he lost his twin.¡± A pause. ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that.¡± His father¡¯s tone wavered. ¡°We both know what happened.¡± Ethan¡¯s grip on the trash bag tightened. He should walk away. He should cover his ears, block it out. But his feet stayed rooted. ¡°She¡¯s gone because of him,¡± his father continued, quieter this time. ¡°It¡¯s his fault.¡± The words hit harder than any punch. The trash bag slipped from his grasp, hitting the ground with a dull thud. A chair scraped against the floor inside. ¡°You think I don¡¯t see it?¡± His mother¡¯s voice wavered. ¡°The way he looks at us? Like he knows we blame him?¡± His breath hitched. His father didn¡¯t deny it. The silence was louder than anything they could have said. Ethan took a step back, heart pounding, and turned away before he could hear more. He didn¡¯t need to. He already knew. The hum of the classroom faded into the background as Ethan stared out the window. His fingers tapped idly against his desk, his notebook open but untouched. The teacher¡¯s voice droned on, something about historical events¡ªhe wasn¡¯t listening. Outside, the sun cast long shadows across the courtyard. And then he saw her. Not really. Just a memory. A trick of the mind. His sister. She was there, in the golden afternoon light, chasing after a ball. Her laughter rang out as she darted between classmates, her hair catching the wind. That stupid, carefree smile she always had¡ªlike nothing in the world could touch her. His chest ached. She had always been the brighter one, the one everyone liked. The one with a future. And now she was gone. The ball bounced, rolling to a stop near the edge of the court. His sister ran to get it¡ª A blink. The memory shattered. It wasn¡¯t her. Just some random girl from his school. The game continued, the laughter not hers, the moment not his. ¡°Ethan.¡± The sharp call of his name snapped him back. He turned his head slowly. The whole class was staring at him. The teacher narrowed his eyes. ¡°Are you with us, or do you plan on spending the rest of the lesson daydreaming?¡± A few students chuckled under their breath. Ethan forced himself to sit up. ¡°Sorry,¡± he muttered. The teacher sighed and went back to the lesson, but Ethan barely heard a word. His eyes drifted back to the window. The game outside continued. The past did not. No matter how much he wanted it to. The school day passed in a blur. Ethan barely remembered packing his things, barely noticed the people around him as he walked home. The streets were familiar, the same dull routine¡ªcross the intersection, pass the convenience store, take the shortcut through the park. His phone buzzed in his pocket. Mom. He hesitated before answering. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Ethan, I left you some food in the fridge. I have to stay late at work again.¡± Her voice was tired, distant. ¡°Okay,¡± he muttered, trying not to sound too down. Another pause. ¡°Don¡¯t stay up too late,¡± she said quietly before ending the call. Ethan stared at the screen for a moment, the weight of the brief conversation pressing down on him. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and kept walking, the silence around him feeling heavier with each step. The phone buzzed again in his pocket. This time, it wasn¡¯t his mom¡ªit was the photo gallery. Without thinking, he opened it, his fingers scrolling through the pictures. And then he saw it. A picture of his sister. Taken at the zoo. She stood in front of the lion exhibit, her eyes wide with excitement as she stared at the majestic animals. A grin spread across her face, a peace sign held up in the air. In the caption, she had written, ¡°They look amazing, like they¡¯re not from here.¡± Ethan¡¯s breath hitched in his chest. He closed his eyes for a moment, the image of her so vivid, it almost felt like she was right there beside him. ¡°They¡¯re strong, you know? Even when they¡¯re alone, they don¡¯t back down.¡± Her voice echoed in his mind, the last words he had heard her speak. Ethan clenched his jaw and shut the phone off. Tomorrow¡­ he would go there. To the zoo. Just for a little while. Just to remember. Ethan woke up early the next day, the memory of his sister¡¯s smile lingering in his mind. His heart felt a little heavier, the weight of her absence almost unbearable at times, but today was different. Today, he would visit the zoo. He had to. It was something he hadn¡¯t done in months¡ªmaybe even longer¡ªbut for some reason, today felt right. He dressed quickly, grabbed his coat, and headed out the door. The walk to the zoo was quiet, the morning air crisp and clear. His mind was a haze, thoughts drifting from one memory to another, each one like a shard of glass¡ªbeautiful but painful. When he arrived, the zoo was mostly empty, save for a few early morning visitors. Ethan headed straight for the lion exhibit, his footsteps slow as he approached the familiar place. The large glass windows of the enclosure were fogged over slightly, the lions lounging lazily inside. He stopped at the window, staring at them for a long while. They look amazing, like they¡¯re not from here. Her words echoed in his head as he gazed at the lions. How had she seen them? What had made her say that? Suddenly, one of the lions lifted its head, its golden eyes locking onto his. For a moment, time seemed to freeze. The air around Ethan felt dense, thick with something he couldn¡¯t quite place. His heart skipped a beat, and he felt a chill run down his spine. The lion didn¡¯t look away. It just stared, unwavering, its gaze intense. Ethan took a step back, suddenly feeling uneasy. He blinked, trying to shake off the sensation. But as he did, the world around him seemed to ripple, like a distortion in the air. The sound of birds, the chatter of distant voices, all of it started to fade away, replaced by an eerie silence. Before he could comprehend what was happening, the ground beneath him seemed to shift, the world bending like a piece of paper. And then, with a sharp intake of breath, Ethan felt himself being pulled, dragged forward, into the lion¡¯s eyes. Everything went black. Ethan woke up, his body stiff. He blinked, trying to adjust to the dim surroundings. He was sitting on a bench. The zoo? His heart raced as he looked around. It wasn¡¯t the same. The air felt different¡ªheavier, somehow. The sky had a strange, unnatural hue, and the buildings around him were¡­ old. Not in the sense of being abandoned, but in a way that made them look timeless¡ªlike they had been there for centuries. He stood up, panic rising in his chest. What happened? His head spun as he took in his surroundings. He stumbled forward, but the world around him seemed to blur as his legs gave way beneath him. He steadied himself against a nearby wall, trying to make sense of it all. There were no cars, no technology like back home. Everything felt¡­ so primitive. ¡°Where am I?¡± he whispered to himself. Suddenly, he heard voices. It was hard to make out at first, but then they became clearer. There were people nearby, but they looked different. They were wearing clothing he didn¡¯t recognize¡ªrobes, tunics, and strange armors that seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy. The panic started to rise again, but then a strange calm came over him. He wasn¡¯t where he was supposed to be. This wasn¡¯t his world anymore. This was somewhere else. Somewhere¡­ new. Ethan slowly took a few more steps, still trying to process what was happening around him. The market in front of him was bustling with life. People were haggling, vendors calling out their wares, and children running about. But everything was so¡­ different. The buildings were low, stone, and made from materials he¡¯d never seen. The air smelled faintly of spices and strange herbs, and the streets were cobblestone, worn down by time. Despite the surrealness of it all, his mind latched onto something familiar. A stall up ahead caught his eye¡ªone with an image of a lion emblazoned on a sign. Curious, he walked over. The merchant, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, was selling various trinkets and knick-knacks, but the main attraction seemed to be a large cage nearby. Inside the cage was a lion, but this lion was unlike any he had seen in his old world. Its mane was longer, its eyes gleaming with a strange intelligence. The creature paced, growling softly, but there was something¡­ wrong about the way it moved. Ethan¡¯s breath hitched in his chest. The lion¡¯s eyes locked onto his, and for a brief moment, the same sensation¡ªthe same feeling of being pulled¡ªreturned. The world around him felt like it was bending again. He took a step back, feeling his heart race. The merchant noticed Ethan¡¯s reaction and gave him a knowing smile. ¡°You have an interest in the lion, boy?¡± the merchant asked, his voice low. ¡°Not many do. This one¡¯s special.¡± Ethan blinked, still trying to make sense of everything. Special? It was just a lion, wasn¡¯t it? Before he could say anything, he heard a voice calling from behind him. ¡°Ethan!¡± He turned around and saw his mother approaching, a basket filled with various items in her hands. She was smiling, her face warm as always. ¡°I¡¯m done with my shopping. Time to head home,¡± she said, walking over to him. Ethan stood there, his chest tight. The voice¡ªhis mother¡¯s voice¡ªwas exactly the same. There was no mistaking it. The same woman, the same warmth. But how was this possible? He wasn¡¯t sure whether to feel comforted or terrified by how normal everything felt despite the bizarre world around him. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Together, they walked through the market, and as they passed the stalls, Ethan couldn¡¯t shake the nagging feeling that something was terribly wrong. Ethan¡¯s vision blurred as the world around him tilted and spun. He felt the dizziness intensify, his body wavering as though it could no longer support him. His knees buckled, and before he could grasp the situation, the ground rushed up to meet him. The last thing he remembered was his mother¡¯s voice, filled with concern. ¡°Ethan!¡± And then, everything faded into darkness. When Ethan¡¯s eyes opened again, he found himself in a place that felt both familiar and strange. The air was thick with an almost ethereal calm. He could feel the soft rustling of wind through leaves, the scent of fresh grass and earth hanging in the air. The landscape around him stretched endlessly, rolling hills dotted with trees. There, beneath one of those trees, he saw her. Sophia. She sat there, as vivid as ever. Her hair danced lightly in the breeze, and the lion from the zoo lay next to her, its golden eyes alert but calm. Its presence seemed almost natural now, as if it belonged here, just like she did. Ethan¡¯s heart hammered in his chest. His breath caught, a mix of relief, disbelief, and grief all crashing into him at once. ¡°Sophia,¡± he whispered, stepping forward. His voice wavered with the weight of everything he hadn¡¯t said to her, everything he hadn¡¯t had the chance to. Sophia turned her head, that soft, knowing smile forming on her lips as she gazed at him. ¡°Hey, Ethan,¡± she said, her voice still the one that had always been his anchor. The warmth he had missed for so long flooded him. He staggered forward, dropping to his knees beside her, his hand reaching out to touch her. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he choked, his throat tight with unshed tears. ¡°I couldn¡¯t protect you¡­ I couldn¡¯t save you. It was my fault.¡± She shook her head softly, her smile reassuring. ¡°No, Ethan. It wasn¡¯t your fault. You were never supposed to save me.¡± She reached out and gently placed her hand over his. ¡°I¡¯ve been with you all this time. Watching over you.¡± He looked into her eyes, his face filled with confusion and pain. ¡°But how? How could you be here? Why are you¡ª¡± His words faltered as the overwhelming truth crashed in on him. ¡°Are we¡­ dead?¡± Sophia nodded slowly. ¡°Yes. But not in the way you think.¡± She paused for a moment, looking down at the lion beside her before continuing. ¡°We were both taken from the world we knew. We¡¯re in another dimension now. A place where things are¡­ different.¡± His heart dropped. ¡°A different dimension? But¡­ why are we here? Why am I here?¡± Sophia squeezed his hand. ¡°You need to be strong now, Ethan. More than ever. Your life might be in danger, too.¡± His eyes widened. ¡°What do you mean? I don¡¯t understand.¡± Sophia gave a soft, knowing smile. ¡°Come with me. I¡¯ll show you.¡± She stood up, her movements graceful, and beckoned for him to follow. Ethan followed her instinctively, as if he had no choice but to trust her. They walked together to the lion, which had shifted its gaze to them, watching with a kind of knowing intelligence. Sophia turned to him, her eyes glinting with the same spark they always had. ¡°Look into the lion¡¯s eyes,¡± she instructed. ¡°It will show you what you need to see.¡± Ethan swallowed hard, his mind racing. He wasn¡¯t sure what was happening or how to process any of this, but he did as she said. He stepped forward and locked eyes with the lion. For a moment, nothing happened. But then, the world around him seemed to dissolve, and everything went still. A deep, ancient feeling filled him, as if he were being drawn into something far older than himself. The lion¡¯s eyes were all he could see now, and with every blink, memories began to flood into him. Visions. Flashbacks. A voice echoed in the distance, deep and resonant, speaking of a prophecy: ¡°A child born under the Leo sign shall change the world, will become king, and his destiny will shift the course of history.¡± The vision shifted, and Ethan saw a throne room, grand and ancient. The king, dressed in royal garb, sat upon a throne, a dark expression on his face. He listened to his advisors, their words filled with fear and uncertainty. ¡°The prophecy must be stopped,¡± one advisor said. ¡°The child of Leo must be eliminated before it can rise to power.¡± The king¡¯s voice rang out, cold and resolute. ¡°Send the guards. Kill every child born under the Leo sign, no matter their age. Let none survive.¡± The vision swirled again, and now, Ethan saw the night of his birth. A small, dimly lit room. Two infants, just moments apart, born at the very threshold between Leo and Virgo. He saw himself, just a baby, and Sophia, born in the blink of an eye, the transition from Leo to Virgo. Ethan¡¯s breath hitched as the vision continued. He saw the guards bursting through the door, swords drawn. His parents, frantic, hurriedly hiding them both. But as they did, a cry echoed through the room¡ªa sound that drew the attention of the guards. The sound of Sophia¡¯s first cry. The guards found her, and before anyone could react, they took her. ¡°No,¡± Ethan whispered, his voice cracking as the vision continued. ¡°She died because of me.¡± Sophia¡¯s voice broke through the vision, soft and gentle. ¡°Ethan, it wasn¡¯t your fault. You didn¡¯t know. It¡¯s not about blame.¡± ¡°But I was born on the last night of Leo,¡± he said, his voice breaking. ¡°The prophecy¡ªit¡¯s about me.¡± Sophia¡¯s gaze softened, and she reached out, placing her hand on his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re the one who can change it, Ethan. But you have to be strong. You can¡¯t let the same fate happen to you.¡± Ethan shook his head, his heart heavy. ¡°I don¡¯t know how¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± Sophia smiled, her eyes full of hope. ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out. You¡¯ve always been strong. You just have to believe in yourself.¡± The vision began to fade, the world around them swirling and blurring as if the dream were slipping away. ¡°Ethan,¡± Sophia¡¯s voice called one last time. ¡°The path ahead will be difficult. But you can change everything. You just have to trust in your strength.¡± And then, everything went black. AWAKENING Awakening Ethan¡¯s eyes fluttered open, his vision still hazy from the dream¡ªor whatever that place had been. His body felt heavier than usual, his limbs weighed down as if something inside him had shifted. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of lanterns casting long shadows against the walls. Then, he heard them. His parents¡¯ voices¡ªlow, urgent, filled with tension. ¡°He shouldn¡¯t have manifested this late,¡± his father muttered, pacing back and forth. ¡°No child has ever awakened past sixteen, and now¡­ this?¡± His mother¡¯s voice was softer, but no less worried. ¡°I know. But you saw what happened, didn¡¯t you? The glow¡ªit wasn¡¯t just one power.¡± Ethan furrowed his brows, still groggy, struggling to process their words. ¡°I saw it,¡± his father admitted, his tone grim. ¡°At first, the fire¡ªthe unmistakable sign of Leo. But then¡­ the shift. The precision, the energy, the control. Virgo.¡± He exhaled sharply, his hands gripping his hair. ¡°This isn¡¯t natural. It¡¯s never happened before.¡± Ethan stiffened. Fire? Precision? What were they talking about? His mother¡¯s voice wavered. ¡°We always feared the Leo curse. Every child born under its sign was hunted, slaughtered by the king¡¯s decree. If anyone finds out¡­¡± She trailed off, her voice barely a whisper now. His father¡¯s footsteps stopped. ¡°It¡¯ll be a death sentence. For him. For us.¡± Silence. The weight of his father¡¯s words settled over them like a thick fog. Then, his mother spoke again, more determined this time. ¡°But what if it¡¯s not hopeless?¡± Ethan could almost hear his father¡¯s frown. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°The Virgo manifestation,¡± she said, almost breathless. ¡°If we can hide his Leo abilities, suppress them, make it seem like he only has Virgo¡¯s gifts¡­ maybe, just maybe, we can keep him safe.¡± Ethan¡¯s breath caught in his throat. Hide his powers? Suppress them? His heart pounded as he clenched his fingers against the sheets. A sickening realization crept over him. His parents¡ªhis own parents¡ªwere afraid of him. Not just afraid. They saw him as a threat. His stomach twisted. What was happening to him? And worse¡ªwhat if they were right to be afraid? He took a deep breath and pushed himself up. ¡°I¡ª¡± His voice cracked, and his parents turned sharply toward him. His mother rushed to his side, concern etched across her face. ¡°Ethan, you¡¯re awake.¡± She brushed his hair back, searching his face. ¡°How do you feel?¡± He hesitated before answering. ¡°Different.¡± His father folded his arms. ¡°You collapsed, and then¡­ your body started glowing.¡± His sharp eyes studied Ethan. ¡°Do you remember anything?¡± Ethan opened his mouth, then hesitated. Could he tell them about Sophia? About the lion? Would they even believe him? He needed answers, but he couldn¡¯t reveal too much. ¡°I think¡­ something¡¯s wrong with my memory,¡± he said carefully. ¡°Things feel¡­ off. Like I don¡¯t remember parts of my life.¡± His mother¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Your mind must still be recovering from the awakening.¡± His father, however, narrowed his eyes. ¡°What exactly do you mean?¡± Ethan glanced down, pretending to struggle. ¡°I remember you, I remember home, but¡­ history feels blurry. Things I should know, I don¡¯t.¡± He met his father¡¯s gaze. ¡°Like the Great Houses.¡± His father¡¯s expression shifted, exchanging a look with his wife. Then, with a deep sigh, he sat down across from Ethan. ¡°Then we¡¯ll remind you.¡± His mother took a seat beside him. ¡°Our world is ruled by twelve Great Houses, each tied to a Star Sign. Every person is born under a House and inherits its power. Some stronger than others.¡± His father continued, his voice more measured. ¡°Leo¡¯s House was known for its fire¡ªstrength, leadership, and an unyielding spirit.¡± A shadow crossed his face. ¡°But they¡¯re gone now.¡± Ethan forced himself to nod, though his heart pounded in his chest. His mother gestured to herself. ¡°I¡¯m of Virgo¡¯s House, as you are. Our power is mastery¡ªthe ability to refine, craft, and perfect both skills and objects. While Leo was strength, Virgo is control.¡± Ethan¡¯s mind spun as his father listed more Houses: ¡ª Aries, the House of Warriors, wielding raw, unstoppable force. ¡ª Taurus, the House of Endurance, blessed with unwavering resilience. ¡ª Gemini, the House of Illusions, masters of deception and communication. ¡ª Cancer, the House of Protection, known for shielding and emotional depth. ¡ª Libra, the House of Balance, with the power to judge and maintain order. ¡ª Scorpio, the House of Shadows, feared for their mysterious and deadly abilities. ¡ª Sagittarius, the House of Seekers, relentless explorers with boundless energy. ¡ª Capricorn, the House of Ambition, known for unbreakable discipline. ¡ª Aquarius, the House of Innovation, wielding forces beyond conventional understanding. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡ª Pisces, the House of Dreams, capable of visions and deep intuition. As his father spoke, Ethan¡¯s head throbbed. It all sounded so familiar, yet distant¡ªlike a story he had once heard but never lived. His mother placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°You have Virgo¡¯s power too, Ethan. That means you can master skills, control the energy around you. If we train you, you might be able to suppress Leo¡¯s fire.¡± Ethan¡¯s mind flashed back to Sophia¡ªto the prophecy he had seen in the lion¡¯s eyes. He clenched his fists. If he was going to survive, he had to learn. ¡°I want to train,¡± he said firmly. His mother nodded, but his father¡¯s expression remained uncertain. ¡°We¡¯ll start tomorrow,¡± his mother said. ¡°But you must promise¡ªnever let anyone see the fire.¡± Ethan met her gaze and nodded. But deep down, he knew the fire wouldn¡¯t stay hidden forever. The next morning, Ethan stood in the training chamber beneath their home, an underground space carved from stone, lit by glowing lanterns. His mother stood across from him, her expression calm but serious. ¡°Virgo¡¯s power isn¡¯t about raw strength,¡± she explained, holding out her hands. A soft green glow shimmered around her fingers. ¡°It¡¯s about mastery¡ªcontrol over the physical and the mental. Precision, refinement, the ability to enhance what already exists.¡± Ethan watched as she reached for a simple wooden staff resting against the wall. With a mere touch, the wood darkened, its surface hardening into a polished, nearly indestructible material. ¡°With time, a Virgo can craft weapons, fortify structures, even sharpen their own senses,¡± she continued. ¡°But the key to our power is patience and focus.¡± Ethan swallowed hard. He had never trained for anything like this. The warmth of the Leo fire still pulsed deep within him, restless, waiting to be unleashed. But he couldn¡¯t afford to let it show. ¡°Close your eyes,¡± his mother instructed. ¡°Feel the energy around you. It¡¯s not just in your body¡ªit¡¯s in everything. The ground, the air, even the objects you touch.¡± Ethan took a breath and did as she said. At first, he felt nothing. Just the cold stillness of the chamber. But then, as he concentrated, a faint hum pulsed beneath his fingertips¡ªa subtle vibration in the stone floor, the weight of the air shifting around him. ¡°Good,¡± his mother said gently. ¡°Now, direct that energy into something small. Pick up that stone.¡± Ethan opened his eyes and reached for a small rock on the ground. His mother¡¯s green aura flickered softly as she watched him. He focused, willing the energy into the stone. Nothing happened. He clenched his jaw and tried again. Still nothing. His mother placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Mastery isn¡¯t about forcing power. It¡¯s about understanding what¡¯s already there. The stone is strong, but you can make it stronger. Don¡¯t overpower it¡ªguide it.¡± Ethan exhaled slowly. This time, he didn¡¯t push. He listened. He felt. A faint green glow sparked at his fingertips. The rock trembled, its surface smoothing ever so slightly. His mother smiled. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Ethan grinned, but the moment was short-lived. The fire within him flared¡ªunbidden, untamed. A surge of heat raced through his veins, and before he could stop it, a faint ember of golden light flickered across his skin. His mother¡¯s smile vanished. ¡°Ethan,¡± she said sharply. He yanked his hand back, heart pounding. The ember faded, but it was too late. His mother looked at him with fear. ¡°You have to control it,¡± she whispered. ¡°If anyone sees¡ª¡± A loud knock echoed from above. Ethan and his mother froze. His father¡¯s voice called from the entrance. ¡°There¡¯s someone at the door.¡± Ethan¡¯s heartbeat quickened. His mother shot him a warning glance before swiftly extinguishing the last traces of energy lingering around her hands. ¡°Go upstairs,¡± she whispered. ¡°Stay out of sight.¡± Ethan hesitated. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± his father answered from above. ¡°But someone is at the door.¡± A firm knock echoed through the house. His mother didn¡¯t waste another second. She grabbed Ethan¡¯s wrist and pulled him toward the far end of the training chamber. Pressing her palm against the stone wall, she whispered a single word. The glow returned, pulsing softly as the wall shifted, revealing a narrow passage. ¡°Go,¡± she urged. Ethan stepped inside just as the door creaked open. He pressed himself against the stone, listening. ¡°Ah, old friend!¡± a familiar voice boomed. ¡°I was just passing through and thought I¡¯d pay you a visit.¡± Ethan¡¯s father let out a breath. ¡°Joren. You startled us.¡± Joren? Ethan recognized the name¡ªan old family friend. But why now? ¡°I hear you¡¯ve been keeping busy,¡± Joren continued. ¡°Hard to believe our children are growing up so fast, isn¡¯t it? My daughter just entered the Stars Academy last month. Top of her class already! It¡¯s only natural, of course¡ªshe manifested at sixteen, right on time.¡± Ethan¡¯s mother stiffened beside him. ¡°I imagine your boy will be enrolling soon?¡± Joren asked casually. Silence. Then his father spoke, voice measured. ¡°Ethan¡¯s future is still uncertain.¡± Joren let out a hearty laugh. ¡°Nonsense! With his lineage, he must have developed an incredible ability.¡± Ethan swallowed hard. ¡°Or¡­ has something delayed his awakening?¡± Joren added, a note of curiosity in his voice. Ethan¡¯s mother shot him a look, warning him not to make a sound. ¡°Every child¡¯s path is different,¡± his father said smoothly. ¡°Now, why don¡¯t we sit for some tea?¡± Ethan barely breathed as he heard their footsteps retreat toward the sitting room. His mother turned to him, whispering urgently. ¡°Stay here. Do not come out until we call for you.¡± Ethan nodded. His heart pounded. Joren was no threat, but if word got out that Ethan¡¯s powers had manifested a year late¡ªand worse, that they bore the mark of both Leo and Virgo¡ªthere would be questions. And questions could lead to danger. Ethan lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind spinning with everything he had seen. His mother¡¯s green aura, the way the wall had shifted like it was alive¡ªhe never imagined anything like this was possible. A whole world of magic and power existed right in front of him. And I have power too¡­ He clenched his fists, trying to recall the feeling from earlier, the surge of energy that had made his body glow. But no matter how much he focused, nothing happened. The thought unsettled him. He knew enough to realize this wasn¡¯t normal. His eyes grew heavy, his thoughts tangling together as exhaustion took over. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer in his room. He was back beneath the golden tree, the soft rustling of leaves above him filling the quiet air. Across from him sat his sister, Sophia, resting against the large lion at her side. Its golden eyes stared at him knowingly, as if it recognized him. Sophia smiled. ¡°You came back.¡± Ethan swallowed hard, emotions welling up in his chest. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t understand any of this.¡± She patted the ground beside her. He sat down, still wary, his gaze flicking between her and the lion. ¡°I saw Mom use her power today. She called it Virgo. And then I¡ª¡± He hesitated. ¡°I have it too. But I also have something else.¡± Sophia nodded. ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I brought you here.¡± Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°You brought me here?¡± She tapped her temple. ¡°We¡¯re connected, remember? I can reach you when you sleep.¡± He let out a breath, still struggling to grasp everything. ¡°Mom said Virgo power is about mastery¡­ but what does that mean?¡± Sophia stretched out her hand, a soft green glow forming in her palm. ¡°Virgo¡¯s power is the art of mastery. It lets you refine, shape, and perfect things beyond normal limits. It¡¯s why Virgo users are great craftsmen, alchemists, and healers. They don¡¯t just control energy¡ªthey enhance it, make it their own.¡± Ethan watched in awe as she traced a pattern in the air, the green light weaving into a delicate shape before fading. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ incredible.¡± ¡°You have that power too,¡± she said. ¡°Because I shared it with you.¡± Ethan blinked. ¡°What?¡± She turned to him, her expression soft. ¡°The night I¡­ the night I died, something happened. I didn¡¯t just disappear, Ethan. A part of me stayed with you. My Virgo power became yours.¡± His breath caught in his throat. ¡°So that¡¯s why I have two abilities?¡± Sophia nodded. ¡°Yes. But you¡¯ll have to learn to use them both. That¡¯s why I¡¯ll help train you.¡± Ethan felt overwhelmed, but he swallowed down the emotions rising in his chest. ¡°Okay. Where do we start?¡± Sophia smiled. ¡°Try to summon your Virgo aura.¡± He nodded, closing his eyes and reaching for that strange green energy he had felt earlier. At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, a faint green glow flickered around his hands. But when he tried to hold onto it, it slipped away like water through his fingers. Sophia nodded. ¡°That¡¯s normal. Virgo power isn¡¯t about control¡ªit¡¯s about mastering the flow. You have to let it move through you, not force it.¡± Ethan exhaled in frustration. ¡°That sounds easier said than done.¡± She chuckled. ¡°It takes time. Now, try the other one.¡± The moment Ethan turned his focus to the other energy inside him, everything changed. A golden aura erupted around him, powerful and radiant. The lion beside Sophia lifted its head, its body glowing in response. Birds scattered from the trees, only to circle high above him in perfect formation, their cries echoing in the distance. Ethan gasped at the sight, the sheer power of the moment overwhelming him. Sophia watched him carefully, a mix of pride and sadness in her eyes. ¡°Your journey has already begun, Ethan.¡± He turned to her, the golden energy still pulsing around him. ¡°What does this mean?¡± She met his gaze, her voice quiet but firm. ¡°It means you need to be ready for what¡¯s coming.¡± MENTOR This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ENTRANCE EXAM ACADEMY EXAM On the day of the Stars Academy¡¯s entrance examinations, a diverse group of 16-year-olds gathered, each aspiring to secure a place within the esteemed institution. Thanks to Professor Alaric¡¯s intervention, Ethan was permitted to participate, with the committee accepting the explanation that illness had delayed his application the previous year. The examination process was rigorous, designed to assess both innate magical abilities and intellectual acumen. Candidates faced a series of tests, including practical demonstrations of aura manipulation, theoretical knowledge assessments, and problem-solving scenarios. The Castle of Stars buzzed with anticipation as representatives from all the Great Houses assembled for the annual entrance examination. At the heart of the grand hall stood a colossal Moonstone, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow. Elevated thrones encircled the chamber, occupied by dignitaries observing the aspirants lined up for their evaluations. Each candidate, upon hearing their name, approached the Moonstone and placed a hand upon its cool surface. The stone¡¯s color shift indicated the House alignment, while its brightness reflected the individual¡¯s aura strength. Acceptance into a House hinged on these manifestations, with representatives gauging both affinity and potential. Among the gathered youths, murmurs rippled through the ranks. Noble-born candidates, having trained from an early age and bolstered by fragments of Moonstone provided by affluent families, often regarded commoners with disdain. One such noble, noticing Ethan¡¯s age and modest attire, sneered, ¡°You don¡¯t belong here, old man. This place is for the gifted, not for those who missed their chance.¡± Ethan, aware of the whispers and derision, maintained his composure. He recalled his mentor¡¯s advice: ¡°True strength lies not in birthright, but in one¡¯s resolve and actions.¡± Drawing a deep breath, he awaited his turn, determined to let his abilities speak on his behalf. As the evaluations progressed, the hall bore witness to a spectrum of talents. Some candidates elicited mere flickers from the Moonstone, while others illuminated it with dazzling brilliance. The nobles observed with critical eyes, their judgments swift and often unforgiving. As the entrance examinations at the Castle of Stars progressed, a diverse array of candidates stepped forward to place their hands upon the Moonstone, each hoping to secure a place within one of the Great Houses. Introductions and Exam Results: The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ? Liora Ravenscroft: A poised young woman from a noble lineage, Liora approached the Moonstone with confidence. Upon contact, the stone glowed a deep blue, signifying an affinity with the House of Aquarius. The brightness indicated a strong aura, eliciting nods of approval from the Aquarius representatives and proud smiles from her parents seated among the dignitaries. ? Gareth Ironwood: Hailing from a family renowned for their martial prowess, Gareth¡¯s touch turned the Moonstone a fiery red, aligning him with the House of Aries. The stone¡¯s moderate glow suggested potential, though not exceptional. His father, a stern-faced knight, maintained a neutral expression, masking any disappointment. ? Selene Moonshadow: A commoner with no known magical heritage, Selene nervously placed her hand on the stone. To her surprise and others¡¯, it shimmered a gentle silver, indicating a connection to the House of Cancer. The subdued luminosity reflected a modest aura, but the Cancer representatives welcomed her warmly, recognizing her potential. Darius Stormwind: A scion of the influential Stormwind family, Darius approached the Moonstone with an air of confidence. Upon placing his hand on the stone, it radiated a vivid red hue, signifying alignment with the House of Aries. The stone¡¯s intense brightness showcased his formidable aura, prompting murmurs of admiration from the audience. His father, Lord Cedric Stormwind, observed with a proud yet measured expression, acknowledging the expectations that accompanied such a display. Finally, Ethan¡¯s name echoed through the chamber. Stepping forward amidst hushed whispers, he placed his hand upon the Moonstone. The stone responded with an unprecedented radiance, its hue shifting to a vibrant green, symbolizing a profound connection to the Virgo House. Gasps resonated among the spectators, the intensity of the light surpassing all prior displays. The noble who had mocked Ethan earlier now stared in disbelief, his smug expression replaced by astonishment. The Virgo House representatives conferred briefly before nodding in unison, signaling their unanimous acceptance of Ethan. Ethan withdrew his hand, the Moonstone¡¯s glow gradually dimming. He bowed respectfully to the assembled Houses before returning to his place among the candidates. The hall buzzed with renewed murmurs, this time tinged with admiration and curiosity. In the aftermath of Ethan¡¯s remarkable display during the entrance examination, Professor Alaric stood alongside a fellow Virgo instructor, his expression one of pride and anticipation. ¡°He¡¯s the one I¡¯ve been telling you about,¡± Alaric remarked, his gaze fixed on Ethan. The decision to allow Ethan¡¯s participation, despite his age, stemmed from Alaric¡¯s advocacy. He had conveyed to the elder council that Ethan possessed the potential to elevate the Virgo House¡¯s standing within the kingdom. ¡°Ethan might be our chance to ascend in the hierarchy,¡± Alaric had asserted, emphasizing the transformative possibilities Ethan¡¯s unique abilities could herald for their House. The hall buzzed with murmurs as representatives from other Houses discussed the unprecedented brilliance of the Moonstone during Ethan¡¯s assessment. Traditionally, the Virgo House had been undervalued within the kingdom¡¯s hierarchy, primarily due to its non-combatant focus on manufacturing tools, enchantments, and alchemy. This specialization often led to perceptions of lesser importance compared to the martial prowess esteemed by other Houses. Observing this, Darius Father Lord Cedric¡¯s demeanor shifted subtly, his eyes reflecting surprise and a hint of dissatisfaction. This paternal reaction ignited a spark of jealousy and resentment within Darius, directing his ire toward Ethan.