When Alison opened her eyes that morning, even the walls of the room seemed a different color. It was as if a thin fog had settled over everything. The dim light filtering through the curtains made the crystals on the wall shimmer, tiny reflections filling the room like magic. Even the air inside the mansion felt differen heavy, ancient, filled with whispers.
When the door opened silently, William's deep voice sounded. "You are awake." His voice seemed to touch her mind, echoing. For a moment, Alison couldn't answer; she couldn't take her eyes off him. William wore a black shirt, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and dark markings glowed on his wrists—like runes, shifting as he moved. "What are these?" Alison asked, her fingers involuntarily reaching for those markings. William smiled. "Your power is calling to you, Alison. You should begin to feel it now. The energy within you is like a storm, waiting to be awakened. But if you can't control it… it will destroy you."
Alison took a step back. "If there is a power within me… why haven't I felt it until now?" "Because it was sealed for you," William said, his eyes deepening. "By someone the moment you were born. But now that seal has weakened. You were meant to be here, to face your destiny." The temperature in the room suddenly changed. The air began to tremble, and Alison's hands felt as if they were on fire. A white light seeped from her palms. Her heart pounded, and she drew back in panic. "What's happening to me?!" William rushed to her side and clasped his hands over hers. "Look at me, Alison. Don't be afraid. You must channel the power before it controls you. Close your eyes." Alison obeyed involuntarily. His voice was soft, yet commanding. "Listen to the voice within you now. There is a spark in that darkness. Find it, hold it, and shape it. Make the light one with you." Suddenly, every candle in the room lit itself. A breeze blew through the windows, but the curtains did not move.
When Alison's eyes opened again, William's had turned black like a vast night. But in that moment, she didn't feel fear; on the contrary, a wave of attraction coursed through her. "That's it," William said in a whisper. "You're a natural-born vessel, Alison. You carry both light and darkness." "So I can… control both?" William's gaze hardened. "If you wish… yes. But that makes you a target for everyone. Especially beings that frighten even me."
Small sparks danced on Alison's fingertips. "Are you trying to scare me?" William approached with a wry smile. "No, I'm preparing you. Because they will find you very soon." At that moment, a hum was heard outside. The mansion shook for a moment, the windows shaking. William's eyes brightened immediately. "They came early," he said, his voice cold this time. "The training is over." "Who is here?" Alison asked, her voice trembling. William turned for the door, the edges of his cloak blowing like the wind. "The Servants of Darkness. They've been searching for you since the day you were born." Then he turned his head toward her, his eyes piercing into hers. "The choice is yours now, Alison. Will you run, or will you fight with them?" Not fear, but anger flared within Alison. His hands glittered again stronger this time, steadier. "I won't run anymore," he said. "Teach me how to fight, William." William paused for a moment, a barely perceptible smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "So you've finally decided…" He moved closer, pressing his forehead to hers. "Well then, the darkness calls you, Alison Brown. And I will be your guide." In that instant, everything went silent. Time stood still, leaving the world to just the two of them. And outside, beyond the invisible walls, a voice echoed into the night: "The wizard has awoken."