The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains of Caelum's room, drawing dancing patterns on the stone walls. He slowly opened his eyes, his mind still foggy from the events of the previous night. Velyria's unexpected visit, the troubling revelations, the furtive kiss... Everything mixed in a whirlwind of memories and emotions.
As he got up, an unusual commotion caught his attention. He approached the window and observed the castle courtyard below. Groups of nobles had formed, discussing animatedly. The announcement of the trial's suspension had obviously shaken everyone.
Caelum dressed quickly and went out into the hallway. The atmosphere was electric, charged with palpable tension. Whispers and theories were circulating, some speaking of imminent threats, others of plots within the academy itself.
He spotted Kaela, Raven, and Dorian near an alcove and joined them with a quick step.
"So, have you heard the latest rumors?" Dorian asked as soon as Caelum was within earshot.
Kaela shook her head. "I've heard so many different versions that I don't know what to think anymore."
Raven, leaning against the wall, his face still marked by fatigue, intervened in a low voice. "What's certain is that something serious is brewing. This suspension is not a decision taken lightly."
Caelum nodded, carefully weighing his words. He couldn't tell them about Velyria's visit, not yet. "We should take advantage of this time to prepare," he suggested. "A bit of training wouldn't hurt us."
The group agreed and they headed towards one of the training courts. The fresh morning air invigorated them as they began to warm up.
Caelum unsheathed his sword, savoring the familiar weight of the weapon in his hand. He began a series of fluid movements, his body remembering each gesture with almost supernatural precision. Next to him, Kaela chained sword passes with feline grace, her unique style blending agility and power.
As he pivoted to parry an imaginary attack, Caelum's gaze was drawn to a movement at the periphery of his field of vision. His heart skipped a beat when he recognized Velyria, half-hidden behind a column. Their eyes met briefly before she disappeared, as silently as she had appeared.
Caelum remained frozen for a moment, his mind swirling with questions. What was she doing there? Had she wanted to talk to him?
"Well, looks like someone has a secret admirer," Kaela said with a mischievous smile, having noticed Caelum's distraction.
Caelum felt his cheeks flush despite himself. "I don't know what you're talking about," he mumbled, trying to regain his composure.
Kaela approached, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh come on, Caelum. I saw how the princess was looking at you. There's clearly something between you two."
Caelum, stung to the quick, decided to strike back. "And you then? You don't think I've noticed your sidelong glances at Raven? You blush every time he's around."
The effect was immediate. Kaela's cheeks flamed, rivaling the red of her uniform. "I... it's... you're talking nonsense!" she stammered, suddenly losing all her confidence.
But Kaela wasn't the type to be put off for long. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Be careful, Caelum. I might decide to kick your ass in our next duel to make you swallow your insinuations."
Caelum couldn't help but smile. "I'd like to see that," he replied, happy to have diverted attention from his own situation.
As their friends called them to continue training, Caelum felt the need to isolate himself for a moment. He excused himself from the group and headed towards a quiet corner of the garden.
Sitting cross-legged on the fresh grass, Caelum closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on the strange sensation he had been feeling since his fusion with the Echo Crystal. It was like a current of energy flowing through him, both familiar and totally foreign.
He held out his hand in front of him, concentrating intensely. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, a bluish glow began to dance around his fingers. Caelum held his breath, fascinated by this new power manifesting itself.
Suddenly, the glow intensified abruptly, becoming almost blinding. Surprised, Caelum lost his concentration and the energy dissipated as quickly as it had appeared, leaving him breathless and slightly dizzy.
"Everything alright?" Raven's voice made him jump. His friend had approached silently, his expression oscillating between concern and curiosity.
Caelum hesitated for a moment before answering. "I... I'm not sure. Something has changed in me, Raven. Since that night in the cave..."
Raven sat down next to him, his piercing gaze scrutinizing Caelum's face. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Caelum took a deep breath. "I think the Echo Crystal has fused with me in some way. I feel... a power in me. Something I don't understand yet."
Raven remained silent for a moment, visibly weighing his words. "It's both fascinating and worrying," he finally said. "We'll have to be careful. Such power could attract the attention of ill-intentioned people."
Caelum nodded, recognizing the wisdom in his friend's words. Then, remembering his conversation with Kaela, he decided to change the subject.
"Tell me, Raven," he began with fake casualness, "have you noticed anything different about Kaela lately?"
Raven raised an eyebrow, surprised by this unexpected question. "Different? How so?"
Caelum carefully chose his words. "I don't know... She seems more... attentive to you. Haven't you noticed anything?"
A glimmer passed in Raven's eyes, too fast for Caelum to interpret. "Kaela is a precious friend," he answered cautiously. "But times are too uncertain to think about anything other than our mission."
Before Caelum could dig deeper, they were interrupted by the arrival of Dorian, who seemed agitated.
"Guys, you should come see this," Dorian said, out of breath. "The Solar Blades are back!"
Caelum and Raven exchanged an excited look before following Dorian. They met Kaela near the main entrance of the castle, where their old friends in shining armor were waiting for them.
Cadian stepped forward first, opening his arms wide. "My friends! What a pleasure to see you again in these troubled times!"
Kaela stepped forward to embrace him warmly. "Cadian! I hope you have new songs for us to hear."
"Always, my dear," he replied with a wink. "But first, serious business."
Soju spoke up. "We bring news from Solara. King Jeffrey Solarius is deeply concerned about recent events."
Over the next hour, the Solar Blades shared their information, each bringing their unique perspective.
Picaia turned to Caelum. "Do you remember those strange movements we had spotted at the border during our last mission? They have intensified."
Caelum nodded gravely. "I feared it would get worse. Were you able to learn more about their origin?"
Tholdir intervened. "Not directly, but our research in the ancient chronicles suggests a link with the Seal of Abnegation."
Raven, intrigued, leaned forward. "The Seal? What exactly do these chronicles say, Tholdir?"
While Tholdir explained, Kitto Lumenheart, the healer with the benevolent face, approached Dorian. "I've heard about your recent exploits. How are you feeling after all this?"
Dorian smiled, grateful for the attention. "Tired, but determined. Your teachings in healing have been precious to me, Kitto."
"It's not just Solara," added Soju, his gaze sweeping across the group. "Our observations extend across all kingdoms. Lunaris, Terra Nova, Noctis... A growing threat seems to affect them all."
Caelum felt his heart tighten. The situation was even more serious than he thought.
"King Jeffrey and Princess Areathy are working tirelessly to maintain unity and peace," Cadian continued. "But they fear it may not be enough in the face of what's coming."
Kaela, her face somber, spoke up. "We've also noticed worrying changes here. The trial has been suspended, and rumors of betrayal are circulating."
The Solar Blades exchanged concerned looks. Picaia placed a hand on Caelum's shoulder. "It would seem that our past battles were just a prelude, my friend."
As the discussion continued, each bringing their knowledge and concerns, Caelum felt the weight of responsibility fall on his shoulders. Their friends' revelations confirmed his worst fears: the threat hanging over them was far more vast and complex than they had imagined, extending far beyond Myralis and affecting the very balance of the world.
Once the meeting was over, the enlarged group gathered to discuss their next move. Theories and plans were flying, each bringing their unique perspective to this complex puzzle that seemed to involve all nations and perhaps even divine forces.
"We need to learn more," Caelum finally declared. "About the Order of the Veil, about the Seal of Abnegation, about everything that's happening in the shadows. It's the only way to prepare for what's coming."
His friends nodded, their faces reflecting a mixture of determination and apprehension. They knew that the coming days would be crucial, and that each of their actions could have important consequences.
As the sun began to set, tinting the sky with orange and purple hues, a very different scene was unfolding in the depths of a forest not far from the castle.
Zephyr emerged from a thicket, his scythe glowing with an unhealthy glint in the twilight. He stopped in a small clearing, his eyes scanning the shadows around him.
"You're late," hissed a female voice. Nyx materialized almost as if by magic, her movements as fluid and deadly as those of a snake.
"I had to be careful," Zephyr replied, a hint of irritation in his voice. "Our plans have been disrupted by recent events."
Nyx approached, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "Perhaps. But it also offers us unexpected opportunities."
The two lieutenants of the Order of the Veil exchanged a look charged with murderous complicity. "The Master will be satisfied," Zephyr whispered. "Soon, very soon, the Seal will be broken, and the world as we know it will cease to exist."
As the last glimmers of twilight faded on the horizon, plunging the forest into growing darkness, Zephyr and Nyx's sinister laughter echoed in the clearing, a harbinger of the dark designs that were brewing in the shadows.