The air in the basement of the Ministry of Magic's Library was cold and heavy with age. The walls were lined with towering shelves of ancient books bound in leather and guarded by enchantments that whispered warnings to anyone who came too close. Lanterns flickered dimly, casting long shadows that danced across the stone floor.
At the heart of this forgotten place stood Theron Ravencrest, tall and proud, his dark cloak swirling behind him as he moved through the rows of ancient texts. His piercing black eyes scanned the shelves, each title examined carefully as he searched for one specific treasure—The Tome of the Twin Stone, the grand book of magic his grandfather once sought.
Theron's fingers stopped on a shelf layered in dust and cobwebs. His heart beat faster.
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from the shadows behind him.
"I knew you would come here, my dear student."
Theron froze.
He turned around swiftly, his eyes narrowing.
Standing a few steps away, with calm eyes and a staff in hand, was Professor Aurelius Dreymark, his old mentor. The headmaster's long silver beard flowed over his robes, and his presence carried the weight of wisdom and time.
"Professor Dreymark," Theron said coldly, "Have you moved the book from here? Trying to delay the inevitable, are you?"
He stepped closer. "It's useless. No one can stop me now."
Aurelius didn't flinch. He simply smiled, as if he had expected every word.
"No, Theron. The book is still here," he replied. "But I regret to inform you… you won't be able to take it."
Theron's eyes flared with anger. "Mind your tongue, old man. You're alive only because you once taught me. But if you come in my way, I won't show mercy again."
The professor's gaze remained steady. "You are the same as your grandfather, Caiden Ravencrest. I warned him too. I begged him not to chase power, not to be consumed by greed… But he didn't listen. And in the end, I lost a dear friend."
He stepped closer to Theron, his voice softer. "You are his grandson. I always wished for your happiness, child. There is still time. Leave this path. Ask the heavens for forgiveness for what you've done. Do some good… while you still can."
Theron's lips curled into a wicked grin.
Then came a loud, echoing laugh—cruel and sharp. It filled the entire basement like a thunderclap.
When he finally stopped laughing, Theron slowly opened his palm.
"Do you see this, professor?" he hissed.
Resting on his hand were two glowing stones—one green, the other blue—bright as stars.
"I joined Grimswald College only to search for these stones," Theron said. "And for the book. Now I have all three. Today, I will open the Tome of Twin Stone… and fulfill Lord Caiden Ravencrest's dream!"
Aurelius sighed and looked at the stones. His voice was calm, but heavy with meaning. "As you wish, my dear child. But remember this—if you are not worthy… the book will vanish from its place. And like before, it may take years—centuries even—to be found again."
He turned without another word and walked out of the basement, his robes trailing behind him like a fading breeze.
The Vanishing
Now alone, Theron approached a stone pedestal at the center of the room. There, bathed in soft golden light, lay the ancient Tome of the Twin Stone.
It was bound in black leather, sealed with a magical lock shaped like two interlocked circles. The lock pulsed faintly, as if sensing his presence.
He placed the green and blue stones on the cover.
Nothing happened.
Frowning, he repeated the action—faster this time, whispering old incantations.
Still, nothing.
"Open!" he shouted.
But the book remained still.
Suddenly, the golden light began to fade. The room trembled, and before his eyes, the book began to dissolve into thin air, vanishing into glowing particles that swirled upward like fireflies caught in the wind.
"No!" Theron screamed, reaching out to grab it—but it was gone.
Just like Aurelius had warned.
He stood there, alone, his chest rising and falling in fury. His eyes wild. His laughter gone.
His hands clenched into fists.
He had the stones, but the book had judged him unworthy.
In the Forest's Silence
Meanwhile, Professor Aurelius Dreymark walked calmly through the Darkwood Forest, his staff lighting the path ahead. The trees stood tall and twisted, their branches clawing at the night sky. Strange howls echoed in the distance.
Then, through the mist, he spotted a boy standing silently by a fallen tree.
He had dark brown hair, wet from the rain, and deep eyes that held sorrow beyond his years.
"You there," Aurelius said kindly. "What is your name?"
The boy didn't answer.
Aurelius noticed his torn clothes and bruised hands. He saw the weariness in his posture, the pain he was trying to hide.
A soft smile appeared on the old man's face. "It's alright. You don't have to say anything. But you shouldn't be out here alone. The forest is dangerous at night. Come with me. I'll keep you safe."
The boy hesitated.
Then, slowly, he nodded and stepped forward, following Aurelius through the trees.
As they walked, the headmaster spoke again, his voice gentle.
"Well, since you haven't told me your name yet… I'll call you Aeron, until you're ready."
The boy—Kalen, though he didn't say it—glanced up at the kind old man.
He didn't speak, but for the first time since his escape…
He felt safe.