Rain fell softly over Eldara that night — not the usual cleansing kind, but a heavy, whispering drizzle that carried mana static through the air. Every drop shimmered faintly violet before vanishing on the cobblestone paths.
Lyn stood by the edge of the training yard, the memory of the Council's words looping endlessly in his mind."It's prophecy."What did that even mean?
Umbra paced behind him, his form more tangible than usual, eyes burning brighter in the rain."They knew of the seal," the wolf said. "They lied to you."
Lyn didn't answer. His mind was too tangled with half-formed thoughts and faces — Councilor Ilyra's wary kindness, Verin's hostility, and above all, the High Chair's cryptic tone.
"Umbra," he finally said, "if they sealed the Shadow's power, then why do I have it? Why me?"
Umbra stopped pacing. "Because fate doesn't obey councils."
Before Lyn could reply, footsteps approached from behind — soft, hesitant."Lyn."
He turned. It was Arden Veyne.
The two had trained together since their first year, though rivalry had long since replaced friendship. Arden looked uneasy now, a far cry from his usual confident smirk. His crimson cloak was soaked from the rain, his mana blade sheathed but humming faintly at his side.
"You shouldn't be out here," Lyn said warily.
Arden hesitated, then stepped closer. "Neither should you. The Council's keeping eyes on you — half the upper dorms are whispering about that stunt in the lower wing."
"So you came to warn me?"
Arden's lips tightened. "To tell you that someone from your class went missing last night. Mira."
Lyn's expression froze. "Mira? The summoner from Class D?"
"Yeah. Her mana trace was found near the old vault. The same place you broke open."
The world seemed to tilt. The rain around them grew heavier, drowning out the distant hum of mana wards.
Lyn took a step forward. "You think I had something to do with it."
Arden didn't answer right away. His gaze flicked briefly toward Umbra, then back to Lyn."I think… you're in deeper than you realize. And whatever you found down there — it's changing you."
Umbra growled low, shadows curling around him."Watch your tone, boy."
"Enough," Lyn said quietly, raising a hand. "Arden, listen. I didn't hurt Mira — but if she's missing, I'll find her."
Arden's eyes softened just a little, as if torn between belief and fear. "Then be careful who you trust, Ashveil. The Council isn't the only one watching you."
He turned and disappeared into the rain, his footsteps fading into silence.
Lyn exhaled slowly, his hands trembling."Umbra… this isn't just about the Veil anymore."
"No," the wolf said, lowering his head. "It's about the world remembering what it tried to forget."
Above them, a faint sound echoed from the academy's spire — a single, resonant chime.The wards had shifted again.
And somewhere deep below, behind layers of stone and seals, a voice whispered in the dark:"The Rebellion has already begun."