Night again.Lyn sat on the academy rooftop, Umbra curled beside him like living smoke.
"You've changed," Umbra said softly."You think so?""Your mana feels… different. Warmer. Wilder."
Below, lanterns flickered across the academy courtyards. The banners of the Houses fluttered—Mage, Warrior, Tamer, Healer. Each one a symbol of pride. Or control.
From the shadows, a voice drifted.
"Impressive display today, Ashveil."
Lyn turned.A figure stepped out—Arden Veyne, top-ranked Mage apprentice. His robe shimmered with glyphs, his smirk sharper than his staff's edge.
"A Dual Resonance from a Tamer. You've made quite the stir. The Council will want to see you.""Is that a threat?" Lyn asked."A warning," Arden replied. "Tamers aren't supposed to wield power like that. You'll upset the balance."
Umbra growled lowly. "He reeks of arrogance."
Before Lyn could reply, a distant tremor shook the ground. Mana lamps flickered.From below, a faint scream echoed through the tunnels.Then silence.
Arden's smirk faded. "That… came from the lower vaults."
Umbra's eyes glowed faintly. "The seals are weakening. Something ancient is stirring."
Lyn stood, eyes narrowing at the mist rising from the forest beyond.
"Then we'd better be ready."
As moonlight fell over the academy, the runes beneath their feet pulsed once—like a heartbeat.
And far below, in the depths where forbidden beasts slept…a pair of eyes opened.