Temporal Dominion

Lucian stared at the mysterious figure's outstretched hand.

Power. The kind no authority could suppress.

The words echoed in his mind like a lingering temptation, but Lucian knew better than to trust a shadowed stranger appearing in the dead of night.

His body tensed as he met the figure's unseen gaze. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

The figure chuckled, their voice dripping with amusement. "You're cautious. That's good. But tell me, Lucian Vale, do you truly believe Aurelian Academy will nurture your potential?"

Lucian said nothing.

"They fear you," the figure continued. "They have already begun restricting your growth. Placing you under observation. Assigning you a mentor who will do nothing but chain you down. That's not training, Lucian. That's containment."

Lucian clenched his fists. He wasn't wrong.

After the Tribunal's judgment, Lucian could feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing on him. But was this really the answer?

The figure took a step closer, the air around him feeling… unnatural. "We are an organization that seeks to unshackle potential, not restrict it. We believe in power—true power—unburdened by rules and politics."

Lucian's gaze sharpened. "And what exactly is your organization?"

The figure's lips curled into a smirk.

"We are the Eclipsed Sentinels."

---

Lucian's heartbeat slowed. He had heard whispers of that name before. A group operating in the shadows, their true purpose unknown.

Seeing Lucian's hesitation, the figure continued, his voice calm but laced with something deeper.

"The Academy teaches restraint. We believe in evolution. We seek to unlock the full potential of those with rare abilities, those who—like you—are destined for greatness."

Lucian crossed his arms. "And let me guess, you think I'm one of those people?"

The figure nodded. "Your power is beyond rare. It is not something that should be shackled by outdated traditions. We offer you the chance to reach heights you could never dream of within these walls."

Lucian exhaled slowly.

It was a tempting offer.

He had felt the Academy's control tightening around him. The constant observation, the suspicion in the eyes of those above him. Would he ever be able to fully master his powers under their watchful eyes?

But something didn't sit right.

What price would he have to pay?

Lucian narrowed his eyes. "And what do you get out of it?"

The figure chuckled. "Smart. We do not take in the weak. But those we help—those we elevate—become part of something greater. The world is in chaos, Lucian. The balance of power is shifting. The Academy seeks to preserve a system that is crumbling."

Lucian's jaw tightened. There it was.

A promise of power wrapped in ideology.

But Lucian wasn't interested in being a pawn in someone else's game.

He took a step back. "I'm not interested."

The figure tilted his head slightly, as if amused. "Not yet. But in time, you'll realize the truth."

Lucian's muscles tensed as the air around him shifted.

Something was happening.

The figure raised a single finger, and suddenly—

Lucian's vision blurred.

---

Erasing the Truth

A strange sensation washed over him. Like time itself was unraveling within his mind.

Lucian staggered, his vision flickering between clarity and darkness.

His memories—his thoughts—they were being pulled away.

"You are not ready to know us yet," the figure murmured, his voice distant. "But one day, you will remember. And when you do, the choice will still be yours."

Lucian struggled to resist, but it was like his mind was slipping through his fingers.

Then—

Blackness.

---

Lucian blinked.

He was standing alone in the courtyard, the crisp night air biting at his skin.

His head throbbed. How did I get here?

For a moment, he felt like something was missing, like he had forgotten something important. But no matter how hard he tried to grasp it, the thought was just… gone.

He shook his head. Must've been exhaustion.

With a sigh, Lucian turned and walked back toward the dorms.

Somewhere in the shadows, unseen, the figure watched him leave.

And then, just as silently as he had appeared—

He vanished.