My three friends, Rowan, Zander, and Alina, and I had a great time at the library, where we explored and played. After that, we parted ways and headed back home. I had a lot of fun today and enjoyed being in the company of my friends. When I arrived home, I got out of the carriage and immediately ran to my mother to share all the thoughts that were on my mind.
I navigated through the decorated hallways and reached my mom's bedroom. I slowly knocked on the door. "Mom, are you there?"
I heard my mom's voice echoing back, "Yes, honey. Come in."
I opened the door and ran to her side. I inquired, "Mom, I have some doubts about our bloodline."
My mom looked a bit shocked, and she masked her expression. "What doubts do you have?" she asked.
I recounted my experience with the masked man and how I was able to cast astral magic. My mom listened to me carefully and asked, "Well, Adrian did tell me that you fainted when he came to save you. It's probably because of your loss of stamina."
My mom thought for some minutes; there was an awkward silence between us, and she said, "Ah, astral magic. I didn't want anyone from our bloodline to get it. Follow me, Magnus."
My mother guided me through the hallways, concealed paths, and covert entrances within our dwelling.
I didn't know places like this existed in our home. Was I living under a rock? I thought as I followed my mom.
The air seemed to change as we approached a blank wall. With a subtle touch, my mom activated a concealed mechanism, and the wall swung open to reveal a dimly lit chamber beyond.
As we stepped inside, the atmosphere became charged with an ancient energy. Mystical symbols, runes, and artifacts were present all around the room, providing clues to the magical heritage we inherited through our bloodline. A soft glow emanated from a pedestal in the center of the chamber, revealing a book bound in worn leather.
My mom gestured towards the book and said, "This is the Grimoire of Astral Legacies. It contains the knowledge and secrets of astral magic passed down through generations in our family."
I approached the pedestal, and my mom continued, "Astral magic is a rare and powerful gift. I think you have heard of Seraphina Dawnweaver."
I replied quickly, "Yes, Mom." She moved to the wall beside the pedestal, where a curtain concealed a portrait. She quickly drew the curtain as she put her hand on it.
A photo of a beautiful young woman was seated elegantly. Her eyes were emerald, and she had dark brown hair. It had a gem-like shine.
My mom gazed at the portrait with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "This is Seraphina Dawnweaver, our ancestor and the last known astral magician in our bloodline. She lived during a time when magic was considered witchcraft."
As I viewed the image, I couldn't help but be drawn to Seraphina's tranquil smile. My mom continued, "Seraphina's mastery of astral magic was unparalleled. She used her abilities to navigate the ethereal realms, seeking knowledge and understanding."
Pointing to a pendant around Seraphina's neck in the portrait, my mom explained, "This pendant contains a fragment of a unique crystal infused with astral energy. It was her key to connecting with the astral plane and unlocking the depths of her magical prowess."
Suddenly, my mom reached for one of the side doors and drew a rune. There was a bright glow, and I covered my eyes. When I opened my eyes again, my mom had the same pendant in her hand. She said, "This was a family relic passed down through the bloodline. I want you to have it."
She stepped close to me, put the pendant around my neck, and stated, "This will help you on your future journey. Before, you weren't interested in history and the empire. What made you change your mind?" she asked.
Well, he was a kid, and I am technically an adult. I obviously couldn't say that, so I replied, "Mom, the shocking encounter with the assassin changed my mind. I want to protect my family and our future."
Happy with my answer, she replied, "I am proud of you, my son." She then pointed towards the door behind the pedestal and said, "If you want to practice, you can practice there."
"Thanks, Mom," I replied sincerely. With the grimore, I went towards that room to enhance my abilities. My mom went back up, leaving me alone in the ancient room.
I entered the room behind the pedestal, holding the grimoire. The room contained ancient energy, and the walls were whispering old secrets. The room was dimly lit and had a single pedestal in the middle.
As I opened the grimoire, its pages revealed intricate symbols and cryptic runes. The instructions for reaching the astral plane were detailed, but the execution proved challenging.
I attempted to channel the magical energy, to project my consciousness into the ethereal realms, but my efforts yielded no success.
Frustration crept in, but I recalled my mom's words about patience and perseverance. I took a deep breath, focusing on the pendant, Seraphina had worn in the portrait. Determination fueled my attempts as I delved into the spells and incantations described in the grimoire.
After numerous tries, a subtle shift occurred. The room around me seemed to blur, and I felt a weightlessness overtaking my senses. Suddenly, I found myself standing in a realm filled with darkness. It was not the realm that I had visited before. I began to panic.
Where the hell am I? The Astral realm is supposed to be beautiful. This place is covered in darkness. I thought as I started floating around the place.
"Where am I?" I muttered to myself, the darkness feeling oppressive and unfamiliar. Suddenly, I heard a voice, which was low and sinister, echoing through the Astral void. "Welcome, Magnus, to the realm of shadows."
The voice seemed to reverberate from all directions, and I instinctively turned toward its source. A figure emerged from the darkness – a silhouette with glowing eyes. The entity introduced itself with a sinister chuckle, "I am Nyx, the keeper of the shadow realm. What brings you to my domain, young one?"
My unease intensified, but curiosity pushed me to respond, "I... I didn't intend to come here. I was trying to reach the astral plane. But I ended up in the wrong place."
Nyx's laughter echoed, resonating with a chilling energy. "Ah, the astral plane, a mere fraction of the vastness within the realm of shadows. You've stumbled upon a place few mortals dare to tread. What do you seek, Magnus?"
I hesitated but then asked, "Knowledge? Power? I want to understand my newfound abilities, to unravel the mysteries of astral magic."
Nyx circled me like a wraith, shadows dancing around its form. "A noble pursuit, Magnus. Knowledge comes at a price, but I can offer you glimpses of the arcane, secrets untold. Are you willing to bargain with the shadows?"
Should I try my luck with her? Wait a minute. How come it didn't strike me before? Nyx was the evil entity. Seraphina died because of the Nyx. I must get out of here. I thought as I tried to remove the shadows circling my body.
"I'm not interested in your bargains, Nyx. I want to leave this place," I declared as I tried to gather mana around me to escape.
Nyx's laughter echoed through the Astral realm: "You cannot escape so easily, Magnus. Once you enter my realm, you become a part of it.
I began to feel pain as the shadows tightened their grip, restricting my movements. Nyx's malevolent gaze bore into me, and I could feel my strength waning.
"I won't be a pawn in your twisted game," I muttered defiantly, summoning the light within me. A radiant glow emanated from my being, pushing back the darkness. It was a desperate move, but it caught Nyx off guard.
The shadows recoiled, giving me a moment of reprieve. At that moment, an Astral figure materialized before me—the serene figure of Seraphina Dawnweaver.
"Magnus, you carry the light within. Fear not, for the shadows cannot claim you," Seraphina's astral voice whispered, and with a wave of her hand, she dispersed the remaining darkness.
The Astral realm transformed, the ominous shadows giving way to vibrant hues and ethereal landscapes. Nyx's laughter turned into enraged hisses as Seraphina guided me toward a radiant portal that appeared in the distance.
As I stepped through the portal, leaving the realm of shadows behind, I felt a surge of relief. Seraphina's astral figure accompanied me, providing a sense of protection. The moment I emerged back into the physical world.
Suddenly, I woke up in my physical body while breathing heavily. It was a scary experience; I had met the evil entity of the past. My pendant began to glow, and I felt a blinding light around me.
As the light subsided, I could sense a calming presence.
"Quite the adventure, wouldn't you say?" a voice chimed in, and I turned to find Seraphina Dawnweaver standing beside me. Her astral form carried a playful grin, and her emerald eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.
I blinked in surprise, unsure of how to react. "Seraphina? You're here?"
She chuckled. "Well, where else would I be? You called for my guidance, and here I am."
I scratched my head, still trying to process the situation. "I didn't exactly 'call' for you. I was trying to escape an evil entity."
Seraphina winked, "Ah, details. The Astral realm can be a tricky place. But you did well, Magnus. Not everyone can face Nyx and live to tell the tale."
"But wait. How are you alive?" I inquired.
She replied, "Well. When I was fighting Nyx, she almost defeated me. So to prevent her from entering the real world, I had to sever the link between my body and soul. I am technically dead and alive."
This was a discovery. "Oh. I'm sorry." I replied sadly. "Why are you feeling sorry? It was not your fault. Anyway, I am going to help you defeat Nyx and save the world." She said it happily.
I raised an eyebrow. "Wait, so you're like my astral guardian now?"
Her laughter echoed in the room: "Guardian, mentor, occasional comedian—call it what you will. We're connected by the magic within you. Plus, I thought you could use a bit of humor after such a gloomy encounter."
I couldn't help but smile at her lighthearted demeanor. "Humor in the astral realm, huh?"
Seraphina nodded. "Why not? Humor saves lives. Now, what's next on your magical agenda, Magnus?"
I glanced at the grimoire, feeling a newfound sense of confidence. "I guess it's time to delve deeper and unlock more of my potential. With a dash of humor, of course."
Seraphina grinned. "That's the spirit! Let's make this magical journey memorable, shall we?"