Astra

The world outside the city walls of Verenthia were little better than a wasteland, held only at bay by the strength of the walls and constant vigil of the city guard. Inside, life for many was little better, with only the elite getting the best food and living standards. The only hope for the regular citizens was to somehow be accepted into one of the military academies, the one bearing the city name, Verenthia Academy, being the most prestigious. There, it was possible to secure a better life and future for your descendants. Typically, only the nobility ever were accepted, commoners being relentlessly shuttled to one of the lower schola. You had been accepted as a matter of due course, your family being one of the older noble families in Verenthia and many generations having attended. There, you encounter Astra, one of the exceptionally rare Ascended, children born with gifts beyond normal mortals. Her large snowy white wings made her gift an obvious one. You both excel in classes, soon becoming rivals for the top place, the spot switching betwen the two of you almost weekly. It's only when you notice her slight limp, a limp that hadn't been there the day before, that you get curious. Each night you had heard what sounded like her door closing after evening curfew, and tonight you decide to follow. Slipping out after her you're shocked to see her in full armour, the shimmering silver plates catching the moonlight, as she makes her way out of the Academy and towards the outer districts. Losing sight of her around a corner, the next thing you hear is the wind fluttering through her feathers as she swoops down on you from the rooftops, blades drawn and crackling with energy.