The morning bell rang through Aevirel Academy, its echo laced with centuries of tradition and blood. Students poured into the halls like waves in a tide—uniformed, hopeful, unaware that their fates were already in motion.
Kael walked alone.
The first lessons began in the Hall of Arcanum, where instructors taught the basic control of Solvara, the world's lifeforce drawn from emotion and memory. Unlike others who flared with excitement or fear, Kael's Solvara didn't respond—it waited.
"Your Solvara is dull," an instructor scoffed as he passed Kael's empty projection ring.
Kael didn't respond.
They'll see when they need to, he thought.
He'd spent years suppressing his Solvara, masking its true nature. It wasn't about hiding weakness—it was about preparing a surprise that would shatter expectations when the time came.
Across the hall, Aerin Solari was already attracting attention. His Solvara shone bright, a radiant spear of light dancing from his palm. Students clapped. Teachers nodded.
"That one's a true Vanguard," someone whispered.
"Maybe he'll join the Dawnlight Order."
Kael took notes—not of Aerin's skill, but of the effect he had on others. Charisma. Confidence. Influence. Tools, not threats.
After class, Naia Fen found Kael under the Shadow Tree in the courtyard, where light barely touched the roots.
"You didn't even try in training," she said.
"Trying isn't always the point," Kael replied.
She frowned. "You're hard to read."
Kael turned to her, eyes distant.
"That's the idea."
Just then, a loud crash echoed from the tower steps. Students scattered. A figure cloaked in red and gold stood at the academy gates, unmoving. A forbidden mark was painted across his chest—a Crest of the Forsaken, a sign of exile and war.
"That's… that's a Shadowbrand," Naia whispered in fear.
"What's he doing here?"
But Kael didn't look shocked.
He looked prepared.
From his cloak, Kael pulled a sealed note with the exact same crest—and tucked it back before anyone noticed.
The enemies were arriving too early… or the plan was right on schedule.
And Kael was the only one who knew which it was.