Morning light filtered into the Nocturnis dormitory, dancing across gray stone walls etched with ancient magical symbols. Cigger awoke with a heaviness in his chest. Last night's dream lingered vividly—the woman by the crystal lake, the soft voice calling his name, and the shifting shadows among the trees. It hadn't felt like an ordinary dream. It felt real, as if he had touched another world.
On the bed beside him, Florence was already awake, neatly organizing her stack of books. Her curly hair was tied back, her face—as always—calm, focused, and slightly impatient.
"Up early," Cigger said, sitting at the edge of his bed.
Without looking up, Florence replied, "I always wake early. The library opens at seven. If you want to understand this world, you should come with me."
Cigger nodded slowly. He was still reeling from yesterday—the Aetherion symbol that appeared in the Mirror of Souls, Professor Witongart's knowing gaze, and the whispers that hadn't stopped since last night.
At breakfast in Astralis Hall, the morning atmosphere was calm. Students busied themselves with plates of food that changed according to their desires. Cigger chose buttered bread and herbal tea, though he wasn't quite sure how the meal had appeared in front of him.
Amelia dropped into the seat beside him with a plate of flaming eggs—yes, literally flaming, though somehow not burning the dish.
"Heard you got the Aetherion symbol," she said, taking a bite enthusiastically. "Impressive. Or dangerous. I like both."
Cigger gave a faint smile. "I don't even know what it means."
Florence set her cup down gently. "Aetherion isn't a common branch. It's connected to spirits, time, and dimensions. It was used during the Dimensional War—and after that, it was banned."
"Why?" asked Cigger.
Florence held his gaze. "Because it was too powerful. And far too easy to abuse."
After breakfast, the three of them headed to Wikker School's main library. The building stood in the eastern wing, its massive doors guarded by two stone lions that moved slightly whenever a student passed. Inside, shelves stretched to dizzying heights, and spiral staircases linked level upon level of magical knowledge.
Florence led them to the section on magical history. She was searching for a specific book—The History of Forbidden Branches—which, she mentioned, required special permission to read. But before she could touch it, something happened.
The crystal lights overhead flickered. The air turned cold. At the far end of the aisle, a bookshelf began to tremble. Cigger felt the hair on his neck rise.
"Florence…" he whispered.
She had already stopped moving. Her eyes were fixed on a shadow between the shelves—dark, hazy, moving like living smoke.
Amelia stepped forward, right hand igniting a small ball of flame.
"Who are you?" she shouted.
The shadow gave no reply. It drifted slowly closer, toward the shelf of forbidden books. Then, in a sudden motion, it lunged.
Amelia hurled her fireball—but the shadow absorbed it like mist. Florence yanked Cigger backward, and the three of them sprinted out of the aisle.
Outside, the other students noticed nothing. The air remained calm, as if nothing had happened.
"A shadow entity," Florence panted. "It shouldn't exist here."
"Why was it after the forbidden books?" Cigger asked.
Florence looked at him, her expression grave. "Because something is awakening. And you, Cigger… you might be the key to it all."
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This chapter opens the door to a deeper mystery and strengthens the bond between the main trio.