The attack came at midnight.
Lucien awoke to the distant sound of shattering glass and screams echoing through Moonfall Academy. The twin moons were hidden behind fast-moving clouds, leaving only faint starlight to guide him.
Caelum burst into the dormitory, golden aura flaring, grabbing Lucien's arm. "We don't have time. Now!"
They raced across the courtyard. Shadows darted along the walls like living smoke, carrying daggers that glinted with poisoned light.
Lucien froze for a moment, fear gripping him—but then he felt it: the pull of the stars within, thundering like a drum of destiny.
"Focus on me!" Caelum shouted. Lucien's hands found Caelum's, and starlight exploded from them like fire and silver, burning back the shadows.
For the first time, Lucien realized his power could protect, not just terrify.
They fought side by side, every movement synchronized, every glance anticipating the other's, according to practice. Lucien's magic spiraled into constellations that twisted around their attackers, while Caelum struck with beams of pure light, each one precise and deadly.
Amid the chaos, Lucien caught sight of Kieran, lurking at the edge of the courtyard.
"You're weak," Kieran sneered. "And reckless. You'll die and take him with you."
Lucien's chest tightened. He didn't know whether to fear Kieran—or pity him.
Caelum noticed Lucien's hesitation and whispered fiercely, "Don't let him get inside your head."
Lucien nodded, drawing a star-shaped shield around them both. The attackers recoiled as the shield pulsed with a brilliance even the Shadow Veil feared.
For the first time, Lucien understood: he wasn't just a pawn of prophecy—he was a weapon, a protector, a force of his own making.
....
After the battle, the courtyard was quiet. Smoke rose from scorched earth, and the surviving students trembled.
Lucien and Caelum sat on the highest tower, catching their breath, hands brushing against each other.
"You were incredible," Caelum said softly, voice still trembling from adrenaline.
Lucien shook his head. "I was scared. I almost froze."
Caelum leaned closer, his forehead resting against Lucien's. "You didn't. You trusted me—and that made all the difference."
Lucien's pulse raced. "I—"
Caelum pressed a finger to his lips. "Shh. You don't have to say it. I know."
Stars twinkled above them, responding to the quiet intimacy, pulsing like their hearts. Lucien felt warmth spread through him, stronger than fear, stronger than doubt.
For a fleeting moment, there was no prophecy, no enemies, no academy—only them.
The next morning, Lucien awoke to an empty room. A letter lay on his pillow in Caelum's familiar handwriting:
Meet me in the Astral Sanctum. We have to finish your training. The Shadow Veil will return, stronger.
Lucien's stomach tightened. He knew this meant risk—real danger. But there was no hesitation.
When he arrived, Caelum was already there, radiating light. "Today, you'll learn the hardest lesson," he said. "Power isn't control. Power is trust. Trust in yourself, and in me."
Lucien's hands shook as he reached for Caelum's. "I… I'll try."
"Good," Caelum murmured, holding him close. "Because I won't let anyone take you from me."
As they trained, their hands lingered longer, their breaths mingled, and their bond deepened—stars above them dancing in silent approval.
And far away, in the dark forests north of the academy, a new threat stirred, watching the boy who had awakened stellar magic.Trial of Constellations...
The Astral Sanctum glowed brighter than ever. Lucien stood before a circle of etched runes, starlight swirling beneath his feet. Caelum's hand rested lightly on his shoulder.
"This is the Constellation Trial," Caelum explained. "You must summon a new constellation from your core—your emotions, your memories. It will test everything you are."
Lucien swallowed. His thoughts immediately turned to Caelum. To the first time they had touched hands, the way his heart raced in his presence, the warmth of trust…
"Focus," Caelum whispered, brushing a thumb against his knuckles. "I'm here. I won't let go."
Lucien took a deep breath. Slowly, silver light formed in his palms, twisting into the shape of a phoenix rising among stars. It shimmered, unsteady at first, then strengthened, glowing brighter than any constellation he had ever summoned.
Caelum's golden aura flared in awe. "You did it," he said, voice shaking. "You… really did it."
Lucien's cheeks heated. "I… I couldn't have done it without you."
Caelum smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Lucien's face. Their foreheads touched, and the world seemed to pause—the stars above them echoing the connection between them.
....
That night, the academy was unusually quiet. Lucien and Caelum wandered the rooftops, shoulders brushing, hands almost touching. The memory of the trial still thrummed in their veins.
"Lucien," Caelum said softly. "I need to tell you something."
Lucien turned, heart hammering. "What is it?"
Caelum hesitated, then reached for his hand. "I've… I've loved you since the day I first held you at the Binding Ceremony. I couldn't stop myself, and I don't want to."
Lucien's breath caught. "Caelum…"
"I know you're scared," Caelum continued. "I know this—us—is dangerous. But I don't care. I'll face every enemy, every prophecy, every shadow… for you."
Lucien's heart ached with joy and fear. Slowly, trembling, he intertwined his fingers with Caelum's. "I… I love you too."
The twin moons bathed them in silver light, and the stars above seemed to blaze in approval. For the first time, their bond was no longer unspoken.
.....
Not everyone was happy about their bond. Kieran Thalor, the shadow-mage rival, had grown increasingly obsessed.
"You think you're special?" he muttered to himself, watching from a rooftop across the courtyard. "The prince… the starborn… they'll fall. You'll see."
Kieran began plotting—not just to surpass Lucien, but to separate him from Caelum. His jealousy burned hot, feeding the darkness he could manipulate.
Unbeknownst to Lucien and Caelum, Kieran had already made alliances with the Shadow Veil, promising to deliver the starborn prince if it meant gaining ultimate power.