Weeks passed since the rumors had seeped into the royal court, and the air within Academia Arcanum grew heavier still.
Some students avoided Serena Alvear entirely, their eyes sliding away, as though merely standing near her was dangerous.Though no proof existed, the shadow of suspicion clung tighter than chains.
Shackles of Shadow
Deep in a secret cellar, Irena Valkyria knelt before the cloaked man of the Umbra Covenant.
He sliced his palm, letting blood drip onto a black crystal. Runes of dark magic spread across the stone floor in crimson light.
"Tonight," his voice rumbled from the abyss itself,"we shall unleash the shadow demon upon your academy."
Irena's lips curved into a cold smile."And when it ravages the halls… there will be only one they blame—Serena Alvear."
A Night of Invasion
At midnight, a deep tremor shook the conduits beneath the academy.
Flames of black fire burst forth, coalescing into the shape of a blazing shadow-beast in the central courtyard.Its roar split the night, making the very buildings tremble.
Screams erupted.
"A demon! A demon has breached the academy!"
Wardens and professors rushed to engage, but the fiery monster proved stronger than expected.
And then—before the gathered crowd—Irena raised her voice."No…! This power—this is the same darkness that appeared during the trial! It must be Serena's doing!"
Every gaze turned sharply to Serena.
The Warrior Without a Familiar
Though suspicion burned in their eyes, Serena did not retreat.
She gripped her sword, determination blazing in her gaze."The demon is before us—who has time to waste on accusations!?"
She charged forward.Her slender frame moved with resolute precision, each strike of her blade flashing in the moonlight against the beast's shadow-flames.
The monster shrieked, but its strength surged far beyond what one lone sword could bring down.
A Miracle Beyond Reason
As the tide threatened to overwhelm—suddenly, a massive ancient sigil flared upon the stone courtyard.
Blinding light surged upward, wrapping the demon in a holy cage.
BOOM!
With a single earth-shaking blast, the shadow-beast was dragged screaming back into its abyssal dimension, vanishing into nothingness.
The courtyard fell silent, students and teachers alike staring in shock.
"That… that was a sealing array of the ancients… But who could have activated it?"
No answer came.
Scars of Honor
Though the beast was gone, many eyes still lingered on Serena.
Irena bit her lip, forcing a look of trembling fear while her eyes glimmered with false innocence."Fortunate… so fortunate someone sealed it away. Otherwise, that dark power… might have consumed us all."
The whispers rose again, poisonous as ever.
Lucius arrived just moments too late, his gaze clouded with conflict and unease—unable to decide what to believe.
A Quiet Confession
That night, atop the highest dormitory tower, Kyren Adelric leaned against the railing, moonlight reflected in his pale blue eyes.
He closed them, exhaling softly."No matter how many times it happens… I will never allow her to be swallowed by the shadows."
His eyes opened again—tired, yet unyielding.The look of a man battling ghosts no one else could see.
Closing Scene
In her chamber, Irena Valkyria stood before a mirror.Her smile twisted as blood trickled from her clenched palm.
"No matter how many times fortune shields you… one day, it will fail. And when it does, I will strip away every place you stand."
Flames flickered in her beautiful eyes, reflecting a vow that her next move would be more ruthless than ever.