The black stone Eveline received weighed in her hand as if it carried the weight of her entire future. The ancient runes etched on its surface pulsed softly with an energy that Eveline still didn't fully understand but recognized as part of something much greater than herself.
The days that followed were marked by a sense of impending expectation. The fencing festival continued with its final competitions and demonstrations, but Eveline felt distant, focused on the new mysteries that had become part of her life. Even her interactions with Aria and the other students became brief, as if an invisible chasm was growing between them.
She spent her nights in silence, studying the stone, trying to decipher the runes and understand the message behind them. What exactly was approaching? Who were these "Guardians of Balance" they spoke of so often? And, above all, what was Eveline's role in this game of ancient forces?
---
On the morning of a new day, as the rays of the sun began to illuminate the academy, Eveline was summoned to the director's office. She knew this call was not trivial. Since her fight with Cedric and the revelation of her abilities, attention had shifted towards her, and the faculty seemed unsettled by her recent achievements.
Upon entering the director's office, she found not only the director himself but also several important members of the academy council and Varian, who leaned against one of the walls, observing silently. Varian's expression was inscrutable, but Eveline knew he was there for her.
"Miss Eveline," the director began, his voice calm yet tinged with evident concern. "There are rumors circulating through the academy, and we cannot ignore them. Your recent performance has attracted attention not just here but beyond the academy walls."
Eveline remained silent, allowing him to continue.
"We know you've demonstrated exceptional skill in manipulating both light and shadows," he said, his gaze fixed on her with intensity. "This combination of powers is rare, if not unprecedented, among our students. And as such, it has raised concerns about what this may signify."
Before Eveline could respond, a member of the council, a gray-haired woman with a stern expression, intervened. "You're aware of what this implies, aren't you, Miss Eveline? Magics of this kind have deep roots in ancient forbidden arts."
"Forbidden?" Eveline raised an eyebrow. "I didn't choose this path. The power simply awakened within me."
"Regardless," the woman continued, "the academy cannot afford to be associated with powers that are beyond our control or understanding. There are forces at play that should not be disturbed."
Eveline felt the pressure mount but maintained her composure. "So what do you want me to do? Renounce this power?"
The director regarded her for a moment, thoughtful, before speaking again. "It's not about renunciation. We are considering your temporary removal from the academy for your own safety and so we can better understand what is happening."
Before Eveline could protest, Varian, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. "That's a mistake."
All eyes turned to him.
"If you remove Eveline now," Varian continued, his voice firm, "you will be handing her directly into the hands of the forces that are searching for her. Something greater is happening here, something you seem unwilling to see."
"Explain yourself, Varian," the director ordered, his tone authoritative.
"She has already been marked," Varian said, turning to Eveline. "The shadows and light within her are no coincidence. She has been chosen. And removing her from the academy now won't solve the problem—it will only make her more vulnerable."
The silence that followed Varian's words was heavy. Eveline felt the eyes on her, as if she were being judged. But instead of feeling oppressed, something within her grew stronger.
Finally, she spoke, her voice firm and determined: "No matter what you decide, I won't run from this power. If there's something I need to face, I will face it. I won't hide."
The director exchanged a look with the council members before sighing. "Very well, Miss Eveline. You will remain at the academy, but under strict supervision. We hope you understand the seriousness of this situation."
Eveline nodded, knowing that this was the only answer she could give. However, she also knew she couldn't rely solely on the academy's protection. Something much greater was at stake.
---
That same night, Eveline returned to her quarters, and before she could lie down, she heard a knock at the door. When she opened it, she found Varian once again.
"I knew you'd be here," he said with a slight smile.
"Varian," Eveline began, "what did you mean when you said I was 'marked'?"
He entered the room, closing the door behind him, and approached her. "What you're experiencing isn't just a manifestation of magic. You are at the center of an ancient war, Eveline. A war that began long before you were born. The Guardians of Balance were the line of defense between two opposing forces—light and shadows. They were the ones who kept the world in harmony. But when they were destroyed, that balance was lost."
"Then why me?" Eveline asked, her voice heavy with frustration. "I didn't ask for this."
"You didn't ask for it, but you were chosen," Varian replied. "The power of the Guardians hasn't completely vanished. It lay dormant, waiting for someone worthy to carry it. And now it has found you."
Eveline felt an even greater weight on her shoulders, but at the same time, something within her began to clarify. "And what do I need to do?"
"First, you need to learn to control this power. Understand its origins. And then… you will have to choose which side you are on."
That word—choice—resonated in Eveline's mind. She had always known that, at some point, she would have to make a decision. And now that moment was approaching rapidly.
"The festival is almost over," Varian continued. "But the real challenge is yet to come. The forces watching you will make their move soon. And when that happens, you must be ready."
Eveline looked at the black stone she still carried, the runes glowing softly in the darkness of the room. The journey she had begun as a simple count's daughter had taken unimaginable proportions.
And now, the fate of the world could rest in her hands.
---
When Varian left her room, Eveline sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the stone for a few more minutes before lying down. Her thoughts raced, but at the same time, she felt an unexpected clarity.
The decision she had feared so much was no longer a shadow in the distance. It was here, now. And Eveline knew that when the moment came, she would be ready to make her choice.
On which side of the balance would she stand? Only the future would tell.