Aria, Elijah, and Lyra stood back-to-back, ready to face Kael's onslaught.
But as Kael unleashed his dark magic, the air seemed to thicken with malevolent energy.
Lyra's eyes flickered with concern. "We can't hold out much longer."
Aria's grip on her dagger tightened. "We have to try."
Just as Kael's attack was about to overwhelm them, a figure emerged from the shadows.
He was tall, with silver hair and piercing brown eyes that shone like stars in the darkness.
"Ah, Kael," the stranger said, his voice low and commanding. "I see you're still struggling with your temper."
Kael's face twisted in rage. "Nightshade!"
Professor Orion Nightshade stepped forward, his eyes blazing with ancient power.
"You've forgotten the lessons I taught you, Kael," Nightshade said, his voice dripping with disappointment.
With a flick of his wrist, Nightshade summoned a shield of shimmering silver energy.
The dark magic recoiled, repelled by the pure energy.
Aria, Elijah, and Lyra took advantage of the reprieve, launching a counterattack.
Kael stumbled back, his powers faltering.
Nightshade joined the fray, unleashing bolts of silver energy that struck Kael with precision.
As the battle raged on, Aria felt an strange connection to Nightshade's magic.
It was as if his power resonated with her own, amplifying her strength.
With renewed confidence, Aria struck the final blow, sending Kael fleeing.
As the darkness dissipated, Nightshade turned to Aria and Elijah.
"Well done, young ones," he said, his eyes warm with approval. "You've shown great potential."
Lyra's gaze narrowed. "Who are you, exactly?"
Nightshade smiled. "I am Professor Orion Nightshade, a teacher at Ashwood Academy.
And I've been watching you, Aria and Elijah. You have a crucial role to play in the battles to come."