The next group of aspirants are waiting in the central courtyard when I arrive, a group of twenty waters fresh from the elemental trial. They huddle together beneath the shadow of the water tower, eyes wide as they take in the massive structure with its perpetual waterfall cascading up its sides, defying gravity and common sense.

"Waters," I call, my voice carrying across the stone courtyard with the authority that seems to come naturally, even after just one year here. "Form a line."

They scramble to obey, arranging themselves in a ragged formation as I approach. Their uniforms are new and pristine, not yet marked by training or battle. Some bear visible signs of the trial—minor burns, scrapes, haunted eyes that have seen death up close for the first time.

"My name is Nessa Thorne," I tell them, pacing slowly before their line. "I'll be showing you to your quarters and explaining the basic protocols of the water tower. You'll receive your training schedules tomorrow morning."

A ripple of whispers passes through their ranks as they recognize my name. I ignore it, continuing my instructions about meal times and curfews, until a tall boy with sandy hair interrupts.

"Is it true?" he blurts out, immediately flushing when all eyes turn to him. "About your elemental? That it's an ancient dragon?"

I keep my expression neutral even as Typhon's amusement bubbles through our tether. We’ve been going through this routine all day, and it was already old the first time. "What's your name, aspirant?"

"Tavish," he says, straightening his shoulders in an attempt to look confident. "Tavish Melwood."

"Well, Tavish Melwood," I say, stepping closer until he has to tilt his head back slightly to maintain eye contact, "at Confluence, it's generally considered poor form to interrupt your superiors. As for Typhon..." I allow a small smile. "Usually, the only people who get to see his true form are about to get eaten. So he could show you, but it would be the last thing you ever see.”

I resume my pacing, but another voice breaks the silence.

"We made it through the trial," a petite girl with dark braids says, her tone a bit too smug for my liking. "That means we're safe, right? Until Confluence Day, at least."

My laugh is sharp and without humor. "Safe?" I stop directly in front of her, noting how she shrinks back slightly. "Nobody at Confluence is ever safe. Nobody. The sooner you understand that, the better your chances of surviving until Confluence Day.”

Her face pales, and I almost feel bad for the harshness of my response. Almost.

"Follow me," I say, turning toward the water tower's entrance.