Days after the attack, the academy began to rebuild. Students and teachers worked together to repair the damage, but Eveline knew that peace was temporary. Khaen was still lurking, waiting for the right moment to make his next move.
It was during one of those nights of assistance that an unexpected invitation arrived for her. A letter, delivered by a black raven, fell into her hands while she was training alone in the arena. The seal was a mark she recognized immediately: the emblem of the Veiled Alliance.
Eveline opened the letter carefully, her heart racing.
"Eveline,
The Dark Night approaches. Come alone to the ancient castle in the mountains before the next full moon, or all those you love will be swallowed by the shadows.
— Khaen."
She gripped the letter tightly, feeling a mix of anger and fear. Khaen was forcing her hand. If he weren't, he wouldn't hesitate to attack the academy again, or worse, her friends.
Alaric and Aria returned a little later and noticed her worried expression.
"Did you receive something?" Alaric asked, taking the letter from her hands.
As they both read its contents, their expressions turned equally grim.
"You can't go alone," Aria said immediately. "It's a trap. He's trying to force you to act impulsively."
"I know," Eveline replied, clenching her fists. "But I have no choice. He knows how to draw me in."
"If he wants a confrontation, you need to be prepared," Alaric said, trying to think of a solution. "We need to train more, study more about him. If you face Khaen, you need to be at your best."
Eveline nodded. "I have only a few days until the full moon. I'll need all the help I can get."