Beneath a dark dome, eight shadows waited in silence. The Moon slowly rose in the sky, and the pale light filtering through the dome’s circular openings fell into the depths of the room, illuminating faces like ghosts. The ninth figure, Fai, had been summoned; chosen by the gods, he was to join the ranks of the wizards and become the final piece of the ritual. Fai was preparing to take the place of his father, Geyb, who had passed away just a few days earlier. The solstice was approaching, and time itself seemed to hold its breath. Dressed in his father’s heavy garments, he stood at the center of the eight wizards’ circular formation, directly beneath the empty opening in the dome. His heart pounded with both excitement and fear, each breath merging into the ritual’s silence. Outside, the wind whispered softly as the Moon’s light streamed through the dome, dancing across the room, creating a strange harmony with the dust and shadows. Fai tried to steady himself, pressing his trembling hands together within the folds of his robes. Finally, the light reached its peak. The wizards threw sparkling dust over Fai; the particles swirled in the dim white light, solidifying the invisible bond between him and the wizards. Drawing a deep breath, Fai stepped toward the center of the ritual. With each step, he moved through the shadows entwined with light, drawn toward the threshold of his own destiny in a divine silence. In that moment, time froze. The Moon’s glow and the mysterious presence of the wizards circled around Fai, carrying him to the threshold where sacred darkness and light converged.

They waited for the Moon to reach its highest throne in the sky. Inside the domed chamber, eight figures sat in perfect stillness, watching the circular openings above as they awaited the moment when moonlight would pour through and ignite the ritual— 


The ritual that would welcome the ninth, Fenukyus, into their sacred order. He would be the ninth wizard blessed by the gods—Fai. 


Fai was destined to take the place of his father, Geyb, who had died only the day before. With the solstice drawing near, time felt painfully thin. Wearing his father's ancient garments, he stood beneath the hollow of the dome, in the very center of the circle formed by the eight seated elders…


 Outside, a soft wind whispered. The Moon slowly revealed itself, and the pale light dripping through the dome's openings stirred Fai's excitement and fear alike. He clasped his trembling hands inside the wide sleeves of his robe, trying to hide the shaking. 


The wizards lifted their hands and scattered glimmering dust over him, their voices rising as the prayer ritual began. 


The dust spiraled and danced in the dim white glow, and Fai stepped forward, closer and closer to the place he was meant to claim. 


He had never wished to become his father's heir, 


yet no other soul could take Geyb's place. 


And so, he entered the circle of light— 


—and in that instant, something not of himself brushed against his spirit. 


Whispers twisted into a maddening hum. 


Fai could no longer move; his stomach churned as the world around him dissolved into noise and shadow…


Chapter 1 - Darkness Reigned