The faint morning light filtered through the academy's tall windows, casting long shadows along the stone floors as Valen, Lian, and Aylara met in a secluded study room. The atmosphere was heavy, each of them aware of the growing threat posed by the Black Vow.
Valen laid the Eclipse's cryptic note on the table. Its edges were singed, the crescent mark in the corner faded but still visible.
"They're watching me," he said, his voice laced with frustration. "The Eclipse claims to be an enemy of the Black Vow, but they haven't offered direct help—just warnings and cryptic messages."
Aylara studied the note, her fingers tracing the crescent symbol. "Perhaps they want you to act independently, as a test. The Eclipse doesn't tolerate divided loyalties, Valen. If they're interested in you, they'll want to see how you handle the Black Vow on your own."