First: Here! Previous: None Next: None yet :3 Tw/s: kn1fe, mentions of bl00d, Alex has a bad day but it's fineee ♠ Crowned by Fear - Prologue ♠ “Magicians.” The voice echoed through the assembly room. “Today is the day you pledge your loyalty to the veil.” Something about the words made Alex’s stomach twist. He’d been training for this, practising his whole life. This was what he’d always wanted to do. Growing up on the streets in Spades as an orphan had prepared him for this. He had practically fought for this his entire life. This was what he wanted…. Right? Being part of the veil meant guaranteed safety. It meant he would be protected from any and all possible dangers or threats that having magic in Spades meant that you were prone to. It was the safest option for a magician like him. Especially considering that he had no title or money or family name to fall back on. Just his own instincts and a whole lot of magic that most of the time he couldn’t even control. So long as he followed their rules, kept to their standards. Never disobeyed. He would be safe. He would have safety. “Alexander Lockhart.” He stood up as his name was called, approaching the woman who sat on the throne. She wasn’t quite a queen but certainly had the regalness of one. He was- hesitant though. “Do you Alexander Oliver Lockhart pledge your loyalty to the guild of the veil and swear that you will serve it loyally until your last breath? That even if all else fails you will still be loyal?” Alex looked at the monarchs who stood around the room, each standing tall with pride or honour or privilege. The privilege that he had never had. And never would. He briefly locked eyes with Finn, another magician. One who Alex had never liked. Finn looked away, that same cold arrogant look that Alex had always hated flashing in his eyes. Because that was how Finn was. Always Mr. Perfect… So g0ddamn perfect. “Alexander?” The head of the council looked at him expectantly, white robes swishing. He looked from her to Finn. To the monarchs. To the other magicians. Then back to her. “I- I do.” She passed him the kn1fe, that pearly bl.de shone in his hand as it caught the light. “The oath must be sealed in bl00d.” Alex nodded as he stared at his reflection in the bl.de. Only fifteen and yet he looked so tired, pale blond curls still cut messily from years of never getting a proper haircut. Clothes that were patchy and faded. Even his eyes, normally shimmering green looked tired. As if the veil had drained every last part of his will. Alex closed his eyes, if only for a brief second. When he opened them again… He dropped the kn1fe and ran.
