Aiden Crest hated not knowing what the right thing was.
Most people hated uncertainty because it made them afraid.
Aiden hated it because uncertainty made him slow.
Heroes were not supposed to be slow.
At least, that was what every instructor, priest, noble sponsor, and old story had taught him. When darkness appeared, light answered. When someone weaker was threatened, strength stepped forward. When a villain smiled, the hero drew his blade and ended the scene before more innocent people paid for hesitation.
Simple.
Beautiful.
Convenient.
The problem was Cedric Valdrake Arkhen.
Cedric did not fit.
Aiden stood in the emptying Spire long after Mother Maelis escorted Cedric and Seraphina out. Students trickled down the steps in glittering clusters, every group carrying a different version of what had happened.
"He cheated."
"No, he controlled the match."
"Rovain almost won."
"Almost? The bell rang."
"The bell rang because of Valdrake blood."
