Chapter 1
Ace walked down the silent corridors of Eastbourne School for Warlocks. At this time of year, the halls were usually empty. All the boys had returned home for the summer vacation, leaving the school abandoned and strangely hollow.
He curved down a narrow doorway and entered the forbidden library.
The library was strictly out of bounds for all students. It held ancient books and scrolls—magical literature so dark and corrupt that even reading it could destroy the body and soul. Forbidden magic wasn't just illegal; it was lethal. That was why it had been banned across all magical schools around the world.
Ace moved quietly between the dusty
shelves, his footsteps muffled by the thick layers of time.
The place was as silent as death. Even though it was midday, a strange, unnatural darkness filled the hall, spelling out danger and mystery.
But Ace wasn't here to play by the rules. He was looking for something.
And with the school empty for the break, this was his only chance to find it.
The Necronomicon.
An ancient book of dark magic and forbidden knowledge.
Ace searched shelf after shelf, his eyes scanning titles and runes, his hands brushing over faded spines. Hours passed.
Dust choked the air. His head ached from the strain, but still—nothing.
Finally, his knees buckled, and he dropped into an old wooden chair, fighting back the tears burning behind his eyes.
He needed to find it. He had to save his sister.
This was the ninth magical school he'd transferred to in his desperate search. Nine schools. Nine failures.
Ace clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles went white.
From his pocket, he pulled out an old parchment, the same one he always carried. His eyes locked on the faded writing.
There was still one more school left on his list. Westbrooks School for Witches and Wizards.
One last school meant there was still hope.
He remembered what Hunter had told him: "The Necronomicon is hidden in one of the ten magical schools in the wizarding world."
The book had been lost for thousands of years, a relic of horror and power. Until one night, Ace got a lead from a mysterious man named Hunter.
It had happened at a nightclub. Ace had been sitting alone, staring past the half-naked women dancing under flashing lights. Their hips swayed to the rich, urban
music, but Ace wasn't amused.
That night, Hunter slid into the seat beside him, whispered things no one should know, and told him where to look.
Ace still remembered the man's cold voice, every word burned into his memory.
And he swore to himself that if Hunter was lying, and the Necronomicon wasn't real, would kill him with his bare hands, no matter the consequences.
Wiping his face with the back of his hand, Ace stood up and walked out of the forbidden library. His search wasn't over yet.