The soft glow of dawn crept through the high arches of Solthar's palace, casting a pale light over the stone halls. Yet, the stillness of morning did little to ease the tension simmering beneath the royal walls.
Arian stood in the secluded training yard, his breath steady as he focused on the movements Seris had begun teaching him. His boots barely kissed the ground as he shifted, vanishing in a blur before reappearing yards away. The Infinity Void Footsteps were no longer a mystery but a growing extension of himself—though far from mastery.
From the balcony above, Seris watched silently, arms folded. A glint of approval flickered in her eyes. "You're improving. But you're still too grounded. This technique isn't about speed alone—it's about unpredictability. Make them guess where you'll be."
Arian smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Easier said than done."
Before Seris could respond, a cloaked figure appeared at the edge of the yard, moving with deliberate grace. Arian's hand instinctively dropped to his sword, but Seris raised a hand to halt him.
"Wait. I know him."
The figure pulled back his hood, revealing a lean man with sun-kissed skin and sharp, calculating eyes. "Princess Seris. Prince Arian. It seems danger isn't waiting for us to act."
Arian's grip tightened. "Who are you?"
"Call me Kael. I bring word from Arvalis. The Hollow has begun to move."
Seris's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Kael's expression darkened. "A noble house loyal to your kingdom was slaughtered last night. No survivors. Their sigil burned into the walls—but not by fire. By void magic."
Arian's heart sank. Void magic—forbidden and deadly—was the signature of the Hollow.
Kael continued, his voice low. "Worse still, rumors say the Hollow seeks an ancient relic hidden beneath Solthar. Something that could turn the tide of any war."
Arian exchanged a grim look with Seris. "What relic?"
Kael hesitated. "A weapon forged in the First Age—a blade that devours magic itself. If the Hollow obtains it, no kingdom will stand."
Silence hung between them, heavy and suffocating.
Seris broke it first. "Then we must find it before they do."
Arian's mind raced. The nobles bickered over petty power while darkness clawed at their gates. He couldn't wait for their approval. Not anymore.
His voice was steel. "Kael, you're with us now. We'll prepare in secret. We'll find this relic and end the Hollow's game before it begins."
Kael gave a slight bow. "As you command. But beware, Prince. The Hollow is not the only enemy lurking in Solthar."
The wind stirred, cold and sharp. Shadows stretched long across the palace grounds, as if reaching for them.
Arian tightened his grip on his sword. "Let them come."
And so, under a setting sun, a prince, a princess, and a shadowed ally prepared for the battles ahead—where ancient secrets and deadly enemies awaited.