The sun had barely risen when the child stepped out of the northern tower, his mind still spinning from the encounter with his older self. The weight of destiny pressed on him like never before.
But there was no time to hesitate.
"Master Aric," a voice called softly from behind.
He turned to see the woman who had warned him the assassin of ash and stars. Her eyes glittered with an unreadable intensity.
"You're awake earlier than usual," she remarked, stepping closer.
Aric studied her face. "You never told me your name."
She smiled faintly. "Some names are dangerous."
He frowned but didn't press.
"I'm here to teach you control," she said. "The Voidflame is not just power,it's a weapon, a language, a curse."
Aric nodded, determination sparking in his golden eyes.
Beyond the castle walls lay an ancient grove where the winds whispered secrets. Here, Aric would learn to master the flame and bend it without burning himself or the world.
The assassin who finally introduced herself as Selene began with the basics: breathing, focus, and feeling the energy of the land.
"Voidflame responds to emotion, but only if your will is steel," she instructed. "Too much anger, and it consumes you. Too much fear, and it flees."
Aric closed his eyes, centering himself. He summoned a small flicker of black flame in his palm, watching it dance like a living shadow.
"Good," Selene nodded approvingly. "Now, let's see if you can expand that."
As hours passed, Aric's control grew, but so did the burning ache in his chest. Each use of the flame took a toll a reminder of the heavy price he'd pay for power.
Meanwhile, in the palace's high tower, the Shadow Wardens gathered with urgent news.
"Master Aric," the lead Warden said gravely, "our scouts have reported unusual activity on the northern border. A surge of magic one that matches the Voidflame's signature."
Cobard's eyes narrowed. "Are they coming?"
"Not yet. But soon. And not alone."
Soline stepped forward, her blue eyes shining with resolve.
"We must prepare the empire for war, and for the child's fate."
That night, Aric lay awake, haunted by the mask the older version of himself had worn.
"Who is that man?" he wondered aloud.
Selene's voice was soft, almost a whisper.
"He is the shadow of your future. A warning and a guide. But his path is not yours unless you choose it."
She hesitated, then added,
"There are others watching. Those who seek the Voidflame for their own ends."
Aric's jaw tightened. "I won't let them win."
Selene smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Good. Because the true test is yet to come."
Just as the moon reached its peak, a tremor shook the palace grounds.
Outside Aric's window, the sky cracked open.
A rift of swirling dark and light magic tore through the air and through it stepped a figure cloaked in shadow, eyes blazing with an unnatural fire.
The child stood, his heart pounding.
The war had begun.