Chapter 26: Whispers of the Past

Rian's footsteps echoed as he wandered the dimly lit halls of Aurora Academy. His thoughts churned after the events of the past few days. The battle in the woods, the dark ritual, Alissa's disappearance—it all left an imprint on him. His connection to the ancient Essentia felt deeper now, more tangible, yet more dangerous than ever. There was something about the magic swirling within him that both called and repelled him. And he wasn't sure how much longer he could contain it.

He passed by the grand stained-glass windows depicting the ancient heroes of Essentia, their faces shadowed in the dim light. His mind raced back to the strange book they had found in the archives during their research with Lyria and Dante. Something about the poem, the cryptic words, and the essence of sacrifice still gnawed at him. The hooded figure they had fought—he was still out there, still hunting for something. And that something was tied to Rian's burgeoning power.

Turning a corner, Rian bumped into someone. A familiar voice broke the silence. "Lost in thought, Ashford?"

It was Seraphina. Her chestnut hair framed her sharp blue eyes, which sparkled with curiosity. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Maybe I have," Rian muttered, shaking his head. "There's just… a lot happening."

Seraphina tilted her head slightly, as if reading more into his words than he meant to reveal. "I've heard whispers, Rian. About you, Dante, and Lyria. There are rumors about the dark spirits returning. People are scared."

"Are you scared?" Rian asked, his voice softer than he intended.

Seraphina smiled faintly, the kind of smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Fear isn't something I let control me. But I am concerned. Things are stirring in the academy—dark things. I've sensed it too, especially around you."

Rian's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

"You've been touched by something, something old and powerful. It clings to you, and your magic is reacting to it." Her eyes flashed with intensity. "You're changing, Rian, and whatever it is, it's not just affecting you. It's affecting everyone around you."

Rian's gaze dropped. He had felt it too—the strange pull in his Essentia, the way it flared unpredictably in his training. But hearing it from Seraphina, someone outside his immediate circle, made it feel more real, more dangerous.

Before Rian could respond, footsteps echoed down the hall. Lyria appeared, her wind-tousled hair wild and her expression urgent. "Rian! I've been looking for you everywhere."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Is this a private conversation?"

"It's fine," Rian said, though he wasn't sure if it was. "What's going on?"

"There's something I need to show you," Lyria said, glancing warily at Seraphina. "But it's not safe to talk here."

Seraphina crossed her arms. "More secrets? You two are making it very hard not to be curious."

Rian exchanged a glance with Lyria. He wasn't sure if bringing Seraphina into this was the right move, but at this point, she was already involved in some way. And if what she said was true, that his Essentia was affecting those around him, maybe it was better to have someone with her abilities on their side.

Lyria hesitated, but then nodded. "Fine. Come with us. But keep an open mind."

Seraphina smirked. "I always do."

The three of them hurried through the narrow, twisting passages of the academy, making their way to the secluded part of the library where Lyria had set up her research. The walls here were lined with old, weathered books and manuscripts, many of which had not been touched in years. A heavy silence filled the room as they entered.

Lyria spread out a parchment on the table, its edges yellowed with age. Runes were scrawled across it, glowing faintly. "This is from the same collection as the book we found the poem in. I managed to translate more of it. It's about Essentia—our Essentia. It explains why the academy was built where it is, and why certain students… are different."

"Different how?" Seraphina asked, leaning closer.

Lyria tapped a passage in the ancient script. "It speaks of an ancient bloodline, those who were chosen by the first wielder of Essentia. Their powers were different from others—stronger, more volatile. They could tap into the very essence of Essentia itself. But there's a warning."

Rian's pulse quickened. "A warning?"

"Yes. The text says that those with this bloodline are susceptible to corruption. They can be consumed by the power if they aren't careful." Lyria glanced at Rian meaningfully. "And I think that's what the hooded figure is after. They want to harness this bloodline—your bloodline, Rian."

Rian took a step back, the weight of her words sinking in. His bloodline? He had never considered his heritage might be linked to something so ancient and dangerous. The power surging within him suddenly felt even more foreign, more terrifying.

Seraphina was the first to speak. "So, what do we do?"

"We need to find more answers," Lyria said, her voice resolute. "There's more to uncover about this bloodline and the ritual. And if we don't act soon, the hooded figure will come for Rian again. Next time, they might not fail."

Rian clenched his fists, his heart pounding in his chest. He had always known his magic was different, but this revelation added a new layer of danger. Whatever lay ahead, it wasn't just about him anymore—it was about the academy, his friends, and stopping the darkness that threatened them all.

And for the first time, Rian wasn't sure if he was strong enough to face it.