"Come on, sleepyhead!" A tiny voice chirped with glee. "It's your Big Sis Sofia, and today is your big day!"
Sofia practically skipped down the corridor, a blur of excitement and color as she tugged on her little brother's sleeve.
Quinn blinked blearily as his mother adjusted him in her arms." Are you nervous?" She asked gently. Her voice was soft, but her stance--ever the warrior queen-- radiated strength.
" Whatever happens, we love you".
Sofia grinned up at him." Yeah! Even if you get something boring like... like bird talking!"
Bird talking isn't boring," their mother chuckled.
They entered the Hall of flame and flesh, the chamber where destinies were revealed. Runes glowed beneath the surface of the stone floor, tracing ancient sigils that pulsed with life.
Quinn was gently placed at the center of the hall, Elders Stood in a circle around him, cloaks swaying as they began to chant.
A symbol flared to life beneath his feet. The air shimmered. Magic surged.
And then..... nothing.
The light vanished. The sigils dimmed.
Whispers rose like a breeze. Concerned glances. Furrowed brows.
"Neutral.." one of the elders finally said. " He has no talent. No elemental affinity. No enhancements. No potential markers."
A stunned hush fell over the hall.
At top of the dais, seated in his obsidian throne, the Blood-king stood. His face betrayed no emotion, but his voice was cold.
A ruler's blood should carry strength," he said." This ....is disappointing."
Quinn didn't cry. He didn't even flinch. But something cold and familiar curled in his chest.
Then, he felt arms wrap around him. Small. Fierce. Loving.
" It's okay", Sofia whispered, pressing her forehead to his." I'll be strong for both of us."
Their mother stepped forward, defiant. " A gift isn't always immediate. Sometimes, it lies dormant. Or it's something deeper. He's our son, and that's enough."
The king turned without a word, his cloak trailing behind him like a shadow swallowed by silence.
But Quinn didn't shed a single tear.
Because even in that Moment of rejection, in this strange new world where power ruled all-- he had something his old life had long forgotten.
He had love.