The summons came before dawn.
Lyn hadn't slept — the image of that glowing mark still burned behind his eyes, etched into his thoughts like fire in glass. Umbra had curled beside him, silent but alert, his fur faintly glowing in the half-light.
When the knock came, it was sharp, deliberate.
"Lyn Ashveil," a formal voice called. "By order of the Eldara Council, you are to report immediately to the Grand Chamber."
Lyn exchanged a glance with Umbra."Guess we've been noticed."
The wolf rose, mane flickering with shadowlight. "We always were."
The Grand Chamber of the Council was older than the academy itself — a circular hall of obsidian and silver, where the very air thrummed with control spells.At its center stood a floating seal, the emblem of Eldara: a beast and a tamer bound by light.
Seven figures waited on the elevated dais. The Council of Tamers.Each radiated authority — their mana layered like pressure on Lyn's chest.
A familiar voice cut through the silence."Lyn Ashveil. Do you know why you've been called here?"
It was Councilor Verin, the same man who had once dismissed the entire Tamer class as "a fading relic."
Lyn straightened. "Because something awakened beneath the academy."
A murmur rippled among the Councilors. Verin's gaze sharpened."You admit to entering the restricted lower wing?"
"I went to investigate the mana pulse that endangered the wards," Lyn replied calmly. "And I wasn't the only one who felt it."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Verin's lips — humorless, sharp."Always so brave, Ashveil. Or foolish. Perhaps both."
From the opposite side, another voice spoke — softer, female, carrying a hint of sympathy."Councilor Verin, with all due respect… the readings confirm the disturbance originated from the lower chambers. If the boy hadn't intervened, we might have lost the barrier completely."
That was Councilor Ilyra, the youngest member — rumored to be the only one who once bonded with a divine beast.
Verin frowned. "His interference could have made it worse. We can't rely on unstable talents."
Lyn's hand clenched. Umbra's eyes flared behind him, silent but menacing.
Before either could speak, the central seal pulsed — the voice of the High Chair, a robed elder whose face remained hidden in light.
"Enough," the High Chair said. "Lyn Ashveil, your actions have drawn attention from forces outside our council. The seal you disturbed has not existed for over a millennium."
Lyn's heartbeat quickened. "Then… you knew it was there?"
A pause. The High Chair's tone shifted — lower, almost regretful."We knew it was buried. Not that it could still answer."
The chamber dimmed as mana lights flickered.Ilyra looked toward him, her voice dropping to a whisper."Lyn… whatever you found down there… it's not just history. It's prophecy."
The words struck him like a blow.
And deep within the bond, Umbra growled."The Council hides more than it admits."
As they left the chamber, the heavy doors closed behind them with a final echo.
For the first time, Lyn realized — he wasn't fighting against a system.He was walking through one designed to collapse.