The stars above Crescent Academy hung low that night, veiled in mist, casting an eerie glow over the spired rooftops. A storm brewed, quiet but unrelenting. Something unseen whispered through the wind, pulling the threads of fate tighter.
In the Sealed Archives, Caelum still stared at the forbidden manuscript, hands trembling.Two sons born beneath the Phoenix Comet," Seren whispered, reading the faded page beside him. "One destined to rule. The other, to raze."
On the opposite page, magical ink shimmered: an illustration of Solarian Solmere, the legendary flamebearer, standing between two children. One cloaked in light. The other—his face blurred—surrounded by thorns.They erased the second child from history," Caelum muttered. "But why?"
Because he was stronger,a voice replied from the shadows.They both turned. A figure in black robes, his face hidden beneath a silver half-mask, stepped from behind a pillar. Who are you?" Caelum demanded.
The figure pulled back his hood, revealing grey-streaked hair and ember-like eyes. "I am Professor Nyrix Vaelen, formerly the Academy's historian. Now... a traitor, depending on who tells the story.Seren stepped forward. "You were exiled for teaching forbidden magic.No Nyrix corrected. "I was exiled for remembering the truth."
He laid a scroll on the floor, unfurling a map with glowing sigils—an ancient representation of the continent of Elarion, with House Solmere's territory outlined in golden flame. But in the northwest, a blacked-out kingdom pulsed faintly: Noctharel, land of forgotten kings.
> "The erased brother didn't die,Nyrix said. "He was hidden. Raised in the shadows of Noctharel, where thorns grow around every crown.Caelum's breath caught. "You're saying... he still lives?"
Nyrix nodded. And he's preparing to return.
Meanwhile, deep in the rebel stronghold of Vorthmere, within the throne hall carved into obsidian cliffs, Riven Vale stood before the Circle of Thorns—five rebel warlords, each representing a broken house that once served the Empire.
> "Liorael will host the Celestial Symposium," Riven said. "The perfect place to ignite fracture beneath their unity."
> "You'll be exposed," warned Warlord Irek Malgrave, a brute of a man with war crests across his chest. "The Flame Prince will be there.
Riven's eyes narrowed. "Let him be. Our confrontation is not a risk—it's necessary."
> "The prophecy speaks of two flames," said Warlord Neria Thorne, her voice as sharp as the daggers at her hip. "You are sure you're the rightful heir?"
> "The Crest of Thorns chose me," Riven answered. "And unlike him, I rewrite magic itself."
As he spoke, glowing runes danced across his skin, forming a new crest in midair—one made from fragments of older symbols, pulled from multiple disciplines.
> "I don't follow tradition. I replace it."
Back at Crescent, Seren and Caelum walked the moonlit halls.
> "If he's your twin… what does that make you?" Seren asked
Caelum didn't answer immediately. He stared out a high window, the flames of the Academy's towers flickering in the distance
> "It means my life wasn't meant to be mine," he said at last. "It means I was raised to uphold a lie. But I'll make my truth stronger than any deception.
Seren paused, then gently placed a hand on his arm.
Then we start by finding his first trace. Before he reaches Liorael.
Caelum turned to her. And if we find him?
Then you show the world which flame burns brighter.
That night, Queen Lysandra received an urgent message via enchanted parchment. The sigil was broken, smeared with thorn-like etchings.
She read the message, her fingers tightening around the scroll.
> "The Thorned One stirs,it said. "Your son is not the only heir of Solarian."
She turned to her general. Summon the Royal Division. Dispatch watchers to Noctharel and Vorthmere. And double Caelum's escort."
The general bowed.
Is it war, Your Majesty?
No,she whispered. "It's worse. It's truth.