Ascension of the Forsaken Genius

The corridors of House Aldreth were silent at this hour, save for the occasional flicker of candlelight and the distant footsteps 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.

He already knew that brute strength alone wasn’t the only path to greatness. Knowledge, strategy, and influence held equal—if not greater—importance. The nobles who thrived in the capital were rarely the strongest warriors. No, they were the clever ones, the ones who saw opportunities where others saw obstacles.

A faint creak disrupted his thoughts.

Sylas turned, his gaze falling upon a figure stepping out of the shadows.

Cassius Aldreth.

The quiet, ever-observant half-brother. Unlike Rael, Cassius did not radiate arrogance or hunger for dominance. He was calculating, almost unreadable, with dark eyes that never missed a thing.

“You’re awake,” Cassius noted, his tone neutral.

“As are you,” Sylas replied.

Cassius studied him for a moment before leaning 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 dynamics within the house.”

Sylas raised an eyebrow. “And?”

Cassius met his gaze. “And I find it interesting that despite being forbidden from the trials, you do not seem concerned.”

Sylas shrugged. “Should I be?”

Cassius chuckled softly, the sound barely audible. “Most would be.”

Sylas knew what he was implying. Without an official place in the trials, he was as good as forgotten. A spectator at best. A failure at worst.

But Cassius was wrong about one thing—Sylas was concerned. Not about his position in the house, but about what the trials would mean for the future.

“You’re watching me,” Sylas finally said.

Cassius inclined his head. “As you watch everyone else.”

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A rare moment of understanding passed between them. Unlike Rael, who sought power through dominance, or the twins, who thrived on mischief, Cassius operated in the shadows. He was dangerous in a way few realized.

Before Sylas could respond, another voice cut through the silence.

“You two always find the strangest times to talk.”

Dain and Kieran emerged from around the corner, their expressions amused. The twin brothers, always together, had a knack for appearing when least expected.

“What is it now?” Sylas asked.

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 are not sitting idle.”

Kieran crossed his arms. “They all have their own prodigies. And unlike you, Sylas, none of them are… restricted.”

Sylas met his gaze calmly. “And yet, here you are, updating me on their movements.”

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 finally pushed off the wall. “Interesting as this is, we should return before we’re noticed.”

Dain and Kieran nodded, slipping back into the darkness. Cassius gave Sylas one last glance before following them, leaving him alone once more.

Sylas exhaled slowly.

Even when ignored, he was being watched.

Even when powerless, he held influence.

A small smile ghosted his lips.

He had no interest in proving himself in a trial designed to favor the strong. Strength was fleeting. Strength could be outmatched.

But knowledge? Strategy?

That was a different game altogether.

And he intended to win.