The corridors of House Aldreth were silent at this hour, save for the flicker of candlelight and the distant footfalls of patrolling guards. Most of the estate’s inhabitants were resting, but Sylas had never been one for sleep.
His mother’s words lingered in his mind.
Power comes in many forms.
Brute strength alone wasn’t the only path to greatness. Knowledge, strategy, and influence—those were the true forces that shaped the world. The nobles who thrived in the capital were rarely the strongest warriors. No, they were the ones who saw opportunities where others saw obstacles.
A faint creak disrupted his thoughts.
Sylas turned. A shadow detached itself from the dimly lit hallway, stepping forward with measured calm.
Cassius Aldreth.
The quiet, ever-observant half-brother. Unlike Rael, Cassius did not radiate arrogance or hunger for dominance. He was calculating, his dark eyes always watchful, missing nothing.
"You’re awake." His voice was neutral.
"As are you," Sylas replied.
Cassius studied him for a moment before leaning casually against the wall. "Rael’s test has stirred the house."
Sylas smirked. "That’s an understatement."
A pause. Then, Cassius spoke again. "The trials will not only determine who father favors but also reshape the power structure within the house."
Sylas raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Cassius met his gaze, unreadable. "And I find it interesting that, despite being excluded from the trials, you don’t seem concerned."
Sylas shrugged. "Should I be?"
Cassius chuckled softly, a rare sound. "Most would be."
Most would see it as a death sentence. Without an official place in the trials, he was as good as forgotten. A spectator at best. A failure at worst.
But Sylas wasn’t concerned with recognition. He was concerned with what the trials represented—the shifting tides of power, the hidden plays behind closed doors.
"You’re watching me," Sylas said at last.
Cassius inclined his head. "As you watch everyone else."
A rare moment of understanding passed between them.
Before either could say more, another voice cut through the silence.
"You two always find the strangest times to talk."
Sylas turned as Dain and Kieran emerged from the shadows, identical grins playing at their lips. The twin brothers—always together, always appearing when least expected.
"What is it now?" Sylas asked, unimpressed.
Kieran grinned. "Rael’s already making arrangements for the trials."
Dain nodded. "Father granted him additional resources. Extra training, private tutors. The works."
Cassius’s expression didn’t change, but Sylas could sense his mind working.
"I assume the other houses are doing the same?" Cassius asked.
Dain smirked. "Of course. The Valecourts, the Emberlanes, and the Ravencrofts aren’t sitting idle."
Kieran crossed his arms. "They all have their prodigies. And unlike you, Sylas, none of them are… restricted."
Sylas met his gaze with unsettling calm. "And yet, here you are, keeping me informed."
The twins exchanged a glance before Dain chuckled. "We’re curious, that’s all."
Kieran shrugged. "You may not be in the trials, but we know better than to ignore you completely."
Cassius pushed off the wall. "Interesting as this is, we should return before we’re noticed."
Dain and Kieran nodded, vanishing into the darkness as easily as they had appeared. Cassius lingered for a brief moment, his gaze lingering on Sylas before following them.
Once again, Sylas was alone.
He exhaled slowly.
Even when ignored, he was being watched.
Even when powerless, he held influence.
A small, knowing smile touched his lips.
He had no interest in proving himself in a trial designed to favor brute strength. Strength could be outmatched, torn down, crushed by something greater.
But knowledge? Strategy?
That was a different game altogether.
And he intended to win.