The second day of the Sword Festival began with the same festive atmosphere, but Eveline felt that something dark loomed over the academy. Although the sun shone brightly in the sky, the sense of impending danger was impossible to ignore. As she prepared for her next duel, her suspicions only deepened.
Around her, the other competitors focused on their preparations, laughing and chatting, but Eveline couldn't share in their optimism. The academy's council, gathered in one of the stands, seemed even more alert than the day before. The headmaster, Lord Reginald, looked particularly serious, his eyes fixed on the arena as if he expected something much larger to happen.
"Are you ready for the next one?" Alaric asked, as he approached. He seemed calm, but Eveline knew him well enough to detect the hidden tension in his eyes.
"Yes," she responded automatically, adjusting the sheath of her sword. "But something doesn't feel right. Do you feel it too?"
Alaric shrugged, trying to seem unconcerned. "Maybe it's just the pressure. These festivals always have a heavy atmosphere. Especially when we're the center of attention."
Eveline wanted to believe that, but she couldn't. In the past few days, Umbra's voice had become more insistent. It was as if the festival—or something within it—was feeding the darkness inside her, making the internal struggle grow.
_"The shadows are moving, Eveline,"_ Umbra whispered. "You can feel them. They're getting closer, and you'll need me when the real confrontation begins."
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to ignore the voice that seemed louder in her mind with each passing day. When she opened them again, she saw Aria running toward her, her expression grim.
"Eveline, you need to come with me," Aria said without preamble.
"Why? What happened?" Eveline asked, feeling her heart speed up.
"Something's happening with the professors. I overheard one of them mention there was an attack on the kingdom's borders, and some important nobles who were on their way to the festival have disappeared." Aria was clearly worried, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
"An attack?" Eveline frowned. "Why hasn't anyone said anything?"
"I don't know, but it seems like they're trying to keep everything under control to avoid alarming the students and guests." Aria glanced around, as if expecting something terrible to happen at any moment. "There's more. I heard some of the councilors suspect that dark magic might be involved."
Eveline felt a chill run down her spine. Dark magic. That term always stirred a deep fear within her. If someone was using dark magic at the festival, it could explain the growing pressure in her mind and the constant whispers from Umbra.
"We need to find out what's going on," Eveline said, already standing up.
"But what about your duel?" Alaric asked, surprised by the sudden change in focus.
"The duel can wait," Eveline replied, determined. "If someone's using dark magic here, we need to act before it's too late."
---
Eveline, Alaric, and Aria made their way to the academy's central building, where the professors and council members were gathered in a conference room. They knew they wouldn't be allowed inside, but they had to find a way to hear what was being discussed.
The academy's corridors were unusually empty, most students still focused on the dueling arenas. When they reached the conference room door, Eveline stopped, signaling the others to remain silent. She concentrated, trying to listen to the discussion inside.
"If we continue the festival as if nothing's happening, we'll be putting everyone in danger," a male voice, likely one of the professors, said.
"We can't stop the festival now," another voice replied. "That would only cause panic and alert whoever is behind the attacks. We need time to investigate."
Eveline felt a tightness in her chest. Attacks? Were they already that close? And why were they trying to hide the truth?
"Lord Reginald is right," a third voice said. "If the person responsible for this conspiracy knows we're aware, they might act before we can react."
Aria moved closer to Eveline, whispering, "What's going on?"
"They know something's wrong, but they're afraid to act and alert the enemy," Eveline whispered back. "They mentioned attacks and conspiracies, but it sounds like they're not sure who's behind it."
"Should we tell them what we've discovered about the dark magic?" Alaric asked.
Eveline hesitated for a moment. Her connection with Umbra was something she still preferred to keep secret. If she mentioned dark magic, it could draw unwanted attention to herself. However, she knew that hiding the truth could be even more dangerous.
Before she could make a decision, the conference room door suddenly opened. Eveline and the others barely had time to step back before Lord Reginald, accompanied by other council members, emerged with grave expressions.
"Eveline, what are you doing here?" Lord Reginald asked when he saw her. His voice was firm, but not aggressive.
"We were worried, my lord," Eveline said, trying to maintain her composure. "We've heard rumors about attacks and wanted to know if there was something we should be concerned about."
Lord Reginald watched her for a moment, as if assessing the sincerity of her words. "You should stay focused on the festival. It's nothing you need to worry about at this moment."
But Eveline knew that was just a front. Something much bigger was happening, and she couldn't just ignore it. "If there's anything we can do to help, please let us know."
Reginald looked at her more closely now, as if considering her offer. "Eveline, I know you have exceptional abilities, but there are things in this world beyond anyone's control. Stay at the festival, and let us handle what's happening in the shadows."
With that, he walked away, leaving Eveline with even more questions. She knew she couldn't just sit idly by. Something much bigger was happening, and the shadows around her were moving faster than anyone could imagine.
---
That night, when the festival finally quieted down, Eveline returned to her room, but sleep was far out of reach. Umbra's voice continued to whisper, more persistent than ever.
"You feel it, don't you? The power in the shadows, the darkness approaching. They don't know how to deal with it. But you do. You have the power within you."
She closed her eyes, trying to find peace, but she knew that would be impossible. Something was coming—something big. And somehow, she would be a crucial part of it.
The sword festival had begun as a contest of skill, but now it was clear it would be much more than that.