The_Aetherwright_s_Genesis

The rhythmic clang of pickaxes against aetherstone was the quarry's heartbeat, a constant thrumming that vibrated through Corvus's bones. He focused on his swing, trying to ignore the dull ache in his muscles and the lingering sting of Brim's earlier taunts. He'd managed to subtly infuse a touch of aether into his movements, a trick he'd been cautiously experimenting with since that first accidental surge. The result was undeniable: he was extracting slightly more aetherstone than before. Not enough to draw serious attention, he hoped, but enough to make a difference to his aching back.

But the quarry was a place where even the smallest deviation from the norm didn't go unnoticed.

"Look at him, digging like he's possessed," Brim's voice, thick with mockery, cut through the din. Corvus gritted his teeth, refusing to meet his gaze. Krog, Brim's ever-present shadow, chuckled, a low rumble that echoed in the confined space. "Maybe he finally found a vein of gold, eh?"

Corvus ignored them, focusing on the cool, gray stone beneath his pickaxe. He channeled the familiar, almost imperceptible, tingle of aether, guiding his movements. He had to be careful. Too much, too fast, and he'd attract unwanted attention, not just from Brim and Krog, but from Grok, or worse, the overseers.

Suddenly, a sharp pain exploded in his shoulder. Brim had shoved him, hard. Corvus stumbled, his pickaxe clattering against the rock face. A small chunk of aetherstone broke free and tumbled down the slope, landing with a dull thud near Krog's feet. "Careful there, pretty boy," Brim sneered, his face close to Corvus's. "Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself. Or maybe you're just trying to show off?"

Humiliation burned in Corvus's cheeks. He wanted to lash out, to wipe the smirk off Brim's face, but he knew better. Fighting back would only make things worse. Grok would be happy to dole out punishment, and it would be Corvus who suffered the most. He straightened, ignoring the throbbing in his shoulder. "Just trying to do my work," he mumbled, turning back to the rock face.

"Your work? Or Morian's work?" Brim pressed, his voice dripping with insinuation. "Don't think we haven't noticed you're digging faster than the rest of us. What's your secret, huh?" He reached out and grabbed Corvus's arm, his grip tight and painful.

Corvus flinched, trying to pull away. "I don't have any secrets," he said, his voice tight with anger and fear.

Krog stepped forward, looming over Corvus. "Maybe we should search him," he suggested, his eyes glinting with malicious intent. "See if he's hiding something."

Corvus's heart pounded in his chest. He knew what they were capable of. He'd seen them torment others, strip them of their meager possessions, leave them bruised and broken. He couldn't let that happen to him. He scanned the area, looking for an escape, a way out. But there was nowhere to go. They had him cornered.

Then, a small, slender figure slipped between Brim and Krog. Elara. She looked up at Brim, her eyes wide and pleading. "Leave him alone," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "He hasn't done anything wrong."

Brim scoffed. "Stay out of this, Elara. This doesn't concern you."

"But it does," she insisted, her voice gaining a sliver of strength. "He's just trying to survive, like the rest of us." She turned to Corvus, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Ignore them," she mouthed silently.

Brim hesitated, his eyes flicking between Elara and Corvus. He seemed momentarily thrown off by her unexpected intervention. Then, with a shrug, he released Corvus's arm. "Fine," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "But don't think you're getting away with anything. We'll be watching you." He spat on the ground near Corvus's feet and turned away, Krog lumbering after him.