Eclipse of Fate

The tremor rippled through the chamber, sending dust cascading from the vaulted ceiling. Raine's hand instinctively went to his sword, his senses sharpening. Aldric tensed beside him, his gaze flicking toward the darkened corridors beyond.

Mordain remained unmoved, watching the two of them with a calculating gaze. "Do not be alarmed. This place is ancient, and the tremors are not unexpected. However, they do serve as a reminder—secrets do not remain buried forever."

The headmaster strode forward, his fingers tracing along the runes etched into the stone platform. With a whisper of magic, the markings pulsed brighter, illuminating the chamber in a silvery glow. "Before we proceed further, there is something you must understand. The Eclipse Prophecy is not a mere tale of fate—it is a struggle between forces that have shaped this world since time immemorial."

Raine swallowed hard. "And what exactly are those forces?"

Mordain looked at him, his expression unreadable. "Light and shadow. Order and chaos. The prophecy does not speak of a single savior or destroyer, but of a fulcrum upon which balance will either be restored… or forever lost."

Aldric narrowed his eyes. "And you believe one of us is that fulcrum?"

Mordain studied them for a long moment before answering. "I do not yet know. But there are those who already have their suspicions—and they will act upon them soon."

A heavy silence settled over the room. Raine exhaled slowly, trying to piece together everything they had learned. The Eclipse Prophecy, the hidden forces moving within and beyond the Academy, and the growing tension that seemed to be weaving them all into the same web.

Another tremor shook the chamber, stronger this time. The runes flickered, and a distant grinding sound echoed from somewhere deep within the underground halls.

Mordain's gaze sharpened. "That was not natural."

Aldric unsheathed his blade. "Then what was it?"

The headmaster didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned toward the entrance of the chamber, his stance tense. "We are not alone down here."

As if on cue, a chilling whisper swept through the air, barely audible but laced with an unmistakable malice.

Raine's grip tightened on his sword. Whatever lay in the depths of the Academy… it had just awakened.