đŻïž Nighttime, hidden corridor to Aethelred's Forbidden Library
> "Your footsteps are too loud," Alexa whispered, glancing behind.
> "These are ceremonial shoes. You told me to come straight from the formal hall," Thalionric muttered, half annoyed.
> "And I didn't invite you to come," Eiden added flatly from her right side.
The three of themâAlexa, Thalionric, and Eidenâwalked through the dark corridor, guided only by a tiny glowing crystal in Alexa's hand. Their destination: the ancient scroll vault, the deepest part of the library, sealed and only accessible by royal blood⊠and a Zevarelis.
> "Here it is," Alexa murmured. A wall engraved with the symbol of a dragon and light.
She touched the center of the symbol.
Suddenlyâice and light fused, splitting the wall open into a new hallway. The air inside was frigid and heavy, as if holding a thousand years of secrets.
Within⊠stone shelves filled with ancient books and scrolls, some bound with spirit threads.
Thalionric pulled one marked with the burning sigil of Arelthia.
> "This talks about the prophecy of 'The Crownless Rose'âŠ"
Alexa took one sealed with a snow-twisting dragonâan ancient sigil of her Zevarelis ancestors.
> "This isn't just prophecy⊠it's a warning."
---
đ„ The next morning, Advanced Magic Class
Lady Miraven stood at the center of the training hall.
> "Today's duel will be more complex. We won't just test strengthâbut perception and mental resilience."
Alexa was called forward.
Her opponent: Averin Liorence, from a Viscount family known for high-level illusion magic.
> "Don't believe what you see," Eiden whispered from his seat.
> "I always believe in myself," Alexa replied.
The duel began.
Purple fog enveloped the arena. Sounds turned faint.
Alexa saw Thalionric with a swordâcharging at her.
Then he became her brother.
Then her mother.
Then⊠herselfâwounded and broken.
> "You're weak."
"You only grew strong because your brothers protected you."
"Without them⊠you're nothing."
Alexa closed her eyes.
> "You're just a shadow," she whispered.
Her fist clenchedâ
And ice erupted from the ground, shattering the illusion into crystal dust.
Averin was thrown back, his spell broken.
Alexa stood tall, golden eyes blazing. Her gaze pierced through him.
> "Don't make me hate shadows. Because I can freeze even what can't be touched."
---
đ Afternoon â In her room
Another spirit bird arrivedâthis time with green-gold feathers.
Symbol of her second brother, Luvian Zevarelis.
The letter read:
> Dearest little sister,
You've shattered illusions, read forbidden scrolls, and danced with the heir to the throne. You really didn't plan to have a peaceful academic year, did you?
> I can't join you right nowâstill on a mission. But you should know: the shadow organization beyond the palace is moving. They've started calling you the 'Frozen Successor'.
> If something feels wrong⊠it's because it is. Trust yourself. But also knowânot everyone who loves you⊠will survive.
> Luvian
Alexa stared at the letter for a long timeâŠ
Then burned it slowly with a flicker of blue frost.
> If this is destined to end in blood⊠then I'll make sure it's never my family's blood that's spilled.
---
đ To Be ContinuedâŠ