Even after the Trial by Fire, I still had homework — a burn analysis report for Demon Chemistry class. I decided to tackle it after hours, in the safety of the midnight library. Nothing bad ever happened in a locked library… right?
I poked at a charred scroll, the Codex open beside me. Footsteps echoed through the stacks. Before I could look up, a pale hand brushed my shoulder.
"Burning the midnight oil, Ren?" Valmira Nocturne's voice was velvet-dark. She perched on the chair arm behind me, a sly grin on her face. Amethyst eyes glowed. "You and that Codex of yours. Doesn't it ever give you trouble?"
My head jerked up. "Valmira! You scared me half to death."
She giggled. "My apologies," she cooed, letting her pale hair fall over the parchment. She was draped in black lace — exactly how a gothic librarian should be. "I take it you passed today's trial? I heard sparks flew."
"That obvious?" I sighed. "Yeah, barely. All good though. Seraphina and Lilith said…stuff. Now I have to write about flame chemistry."
Valmira hopped to the table, flipping a page of my scroll. "Ah, flaming chemicals. Always a headache to clean up." She tapped my hand. "Don't glare at me like that, human. You haven't gone blind — no real damage."
"Thanks," I muttered.
She peered at the Codex. The runes glowed softly in the lamplight. "You must be careful. Codex secrets are meant for demon eyes."
"I'm pretty sure Lilith didn't mean for this fiasco," I grumbled, pointing at my charred notes. "Got any tips that don't involve arson?"
Valmira's lips curved. "A smarter demon than you might figure something out by now, boy." She tapped the Sigil on my palm. "That mark belongs to legends. Many forces notice when you wield it."
My stomach flipped. "Good forces or bad forces?"
She narrowed her gaze. "Power is never truly good or bad, Ren. It merely is. But it does complicate things."
Valmira hopped off, perching on the table. "Come, let me show you something."
I blinked as she pointed at a tall shelf. The wooden bookcase slid aside, revealing a hidden alcove bathed in candlelight.
"This is… the demon restricted section?" I whispered.
She nodded. "Few mortals ever see this. You're an exception." She patted the guest chair. "Have a seat, future architect of fate. You seem curious about that Codex, but I have a more pressing question."
"Shoot," I said, trying to sound casual.
She folded her arms. "Have you been honest with those you trust? Does Lilith know everything about your power… and those nightmares of demons and death?"
I swallowed. "Yeah, we had an… encounter." Best not to lie too much. "She knows she's in my dreams."
Valmira's smile faltered. "And Seraphina?"
I bit my lip. "She probably thinks I'm a mortal plague. Don't know if she knows anything more."
Valmira slid closer, candles flickering in her eyes. "Seraphina Glacielle… she's not one to overlook signs. Her role in prophecy is… complicated. She hates the idea of a chosen one."
"What prophecy?" I asked. The Codex page crackled faintly.
Valmira's grin turned serious. "Lilith mentioned a prophecy about wars to come. But there's another secret here." She opened an ancient tome with glowing sigils. "Listen."
She spoke slowly, voice echoing softly:
"An ancient demon King once tried to rewrite the world. The Archdemon Council imprisoned him, binding him beneath this school. His power is sealed — except for the Architect's key."
A chill ran down my spine. "Is this real? Lilith always talks like it's a bedtime story."
Valmira's eyes grew dark. "Not bedtime. Legend says his spirit still sleeps here. When the Architect's mark is complete, he will awaken."
My mind screamed. "I'm nowhere near that! I must be misunderstanding—"
Valmira shook her head. "No, Ren. You carry the mark."
I laughed, trying to hide fear. "Great. I'm a sleeping demon alarm clock now."
Her smile turned cold. "This is no joke. The Academy's secret has been stirring — and your power answered its call."
Lightning crackled from the Codex, startling us both. Valmira snapped the tome shut and stood. "Enough doom and gloom. Back to chemistry." She tossed me another ice vial. "A little potion for the road."
The candles flickered out of nowhere. The room plunged into darkness — except for the Codex's gentle glow on my palm.
Valmira slipped away through the secret door as silently as she appeared. I blinked, staring at the alcove door closing behind me.
"So much for burning the midnight oil," I muttered, locking up the restricted section and heading back to bed.