VIII. When Darkness Speaks

                                    

                                          
A/N:
I am trying to get a more consistent update schedule. Working on it, truly. But this is the beginning of a new arc in the book! The Praefectus Trails Arc (remember I envisioned it as an anime. Bear with me pls.) 
I hope you all enjoy it :)
Xio Relampago pictured above
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3rd Mark of Solaria
Samaria's POV
The grand hall was always a place of opulence.
With its high vaulted ceilings, golden chandeliers, and marble floors that gleamed under the light. But today, it felt different. There was a new energy in the air—something electric that buzzed beneath the surface. The hall was alive with anticipation.
Banners of deep black, royal gold, and white draped from the columns, each one bearing the insignia of the Empire. The long tables that usually lined the sides of the hall were gone, replaced by rows of elegant chairs set for the nobility. Servants moved quickly, making last-minute adjustments to ensure everything was perfect. I could feel the excitement building with each passing moment.
But my eyes were drawn to the center of the hall.
There, standing tall and alone, was The Virealis Nexus. It was unlike anything else in the room—a singular piece that seemed to pulse with its own energy. Made of marble and stone, it exuded power, but it was the inner column that fascinated me most. The stone was hollow, and inside, something moved—a liquid, silvery and mesmerizing, swirling slowly as if it had a life of its own. It caught the light in strange ways, making the entire podium shimmer faintly.At the top, a perfectly round diamond rested, smooth and flawless. Its surface reflected the lights from the chandeliers above, casting tiny rainbows across the hall. 
Each candidate would touch that diamond when they entered, and it would reveal their wielder affinity. A tool to even out the playing field, so to speak. The lower ranked candidates would have more of an advantage as they will enter first.
I had only seen the podium used once before, as father always kept it locked away, but the memory of that moment was still vivid in my mind. It was a spectacle—watching the diamond glow in response to each candidate's touch, revealing the core of their power for all to see. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. 
The city beyond the palace walls was just as alive as the hall itself. I could hear the distant hum of excitement from the streets below—cheering, music, the sounds of a celebration that only happened once in a great while. The trials were a big event, and the city was bursting with life. Merchants had set up colorful stalls, selling food and trinkets to the crowds, and performers lined the streets, entertaining the masses. It was a day of celebration, a spectacle that drew people from all corners of the empire.
But I wasn't allowed to be part of it.
We watched from a distance as the final preparations were made. From where we stood, I could see the entire hall, the gathering nobility, and the empty podium waiting for the candidates to arrive. Everything was in place.
I wasn't supposed to show partiality. I was only here to observe, to learn, and to play my role as the dutiful daughter of the emperor. But I couldn't help it. Today was different, and no matter how much I tried to focus on royal duties, my mind kept drifting back to him.
Father stood tall beside me, his gaze scanning the hall with approval. He was in his element here—commanding, precise, and always in control. He thought I was excited for the trials, for the chance to learn more about my future responsibilities.