Night had fallen over the Obsidian Arcanum Academy, casting long, jagged shadows across the stone towers. Lanterns flickered weakly, barely holding back the dark that seemed to gather in every corner. I walked silently behind Seraphine, my arms trembling slightly—not from fear, but from the energy still thrumming inside me. Every heartbeat echoed with the runes that glowed faintly under my skin, reminding me that the awakening was only the beginning.
"You need to understand one thing, Lucian," Seraphine whispered, her silver eyes scanning the corridors. "Your power is a weapon… but also a curse. Every time you use it, a part of you comes closer to losing control. If you let it consume you… no one will stop what you become."
I swallowed. "Then why help me?"
Her gaze softened. "Because I can't. Not anymore. And because someone must guide you before the others find you."
---
We arrived at a chamber hidden beneath the Academy. Unlike the ornate classrooms above, this place was raw and ancient. The walls pulsed faintly with veins of magical crystal, and shadows danced as if alive.
A figure stood waiting in the center—a tall man with golden eyes and armor that seemed to shimmer with its own light.
"Lucian Vale," the man said, voice deep and steady. "I am Eryndor, a guide for those touched by the sealed star. Your awakening was no accident. You were chosen, though you did not know it. Tonight, you will begin to control your power—or it will control you."
I clenched my fists. "Control it… how?"
Eryndor's gaze pierced me. "Through trials. Tests that will push your body, mind, and soul. The first begins now."
---
The chamber shifted instantly. The walls melted away into darkness, replaced by a vast arena. The floor was black stone, cracked and jagged. Around the edges, glowing runes formed a circle that pulsed with a soft, ominous light.
"You are not alone," Eryndor said. "Creatures of the Hollow Blight have been released. They will test your strength. Survive—or die."
I felt my chest tighten. My first test. My first real fight. I wasn't ready… but I had no choice.
The shadows coalesced, forming twisted creatures—hulking beasts with black scales and eyes that burned red. They hissed, claws scraping the stone, saliva dripping like acid. One of them lunged.
Instinctively, I raised my hands. White-blue light erupted, spiraling around me. The runes on my arms burned brightly, cracking the floor as the creature screamed and recoiled.
Seraphine's voice echoed in my mind: "Focus, Lucian! Control it! Not with strength… with intent!"
I closed my eyes, centering on the energy. The surge calmed slightly, shaping itself like a blade of pure light in my hands. I swung—and the creature disintegrated into ash before it touched me.
Another attacked. Then another. My power responded faster each time, moving like it knew what I wanted even before I did. Yet, even as I fought, a cold realization hit me: these were nothing compared to what awaited me.
---
When the last shadow fell, the arena dissolved. I collapsed to my knees, gasping. My arms ached, my body burned, and yet… I felt exhilarated. Alive. Powerful. Dangerous.
Eryndor approached, nodding solemnly. "Well done… for a first trial. But this is only the beginning. Your true adversaries will not be monsters. They will be humans… friends… classmates… even those you love."
I glanced at Seraphine. She looked unsettled. "What do you mean?" I asked.
"Your rival," she said, voice low. "Kael Draven. He's no ordinary student. He's tied to the prophecy. He will challenge you—perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow—but his path and yours are bound in ways neither of you understand."
A shiver ran down my spine. Kael. The golden boy. My tormentor. My rival. Now… maybe my greatest threat.
Before I could process, a soft, melodic voice whispered from behind:
"Lucian… is that you?"
I spun. A figure stepped out of the shadows. Her hair black as midnight, eyes shining silver. My heart skipped.
Seraphine's hand froze on my arm. "Stay back," she warned.
But the girl smiled gently. "I just wanted to see if you survived."
Something about her was different. Alive. Dangerous. And… familiar.
I froze. Recognition flared in my chest.
She stepped closer. "You've awakened. Finally. I wondered if I'd have to do it myself."
A sense of unease rippled through me.
"Who are you?" I asked cautiously.
She tilted her head, eyes glimmering with amusement. "A friend… for now. But friends are fragile things in your world, Lucian Vale."
I felt my stomach tighten. The words carried a subtle threat… and a promise.
Seraphine stepped forward, tension radiating from her. "Leave us," she commanded.
The girl laughed softly. "Not yet. The prophecy isn't finished with us."
And in that moment, I understood: this was only the beginning.
The sealed power inside me was awake.
The prophecy was in motion.
And everyone—friend, rival, and stranger—could be my enemy.
The first thread of betrayal had already been woven.
And the game of shadows had just begun.