They all laughed together, gazing up at the drifting clouds, shimmering stars, and the silver moon as a warm, peaceful feeling filled the night around them.
Slowly, sleep began to overtake Sky. She gently leaned closer to Isak, her head resting softly against his shoulder as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.
Erika watched them for a brief moment before quietly looking away.
"I left my clothes on the roof. I need to bring it back," she said softly as she stood and walked inside.
Liam glanced at Isak with a faint smile.
"Let me help you, Erika."
With that, the two of them disappeared into the house, leaving Isak alone with Sky beneath the moonlit sky.
For a long moment, Isak simply looked at her. The wind played gently with her hair, strands dancing across her face. Carefully, he brushed them aside, his touch tender as his eyes lingered on her sleeping expression.
In that quiet moment, she looked almost unreal—fragile, peaceful, and heartbreakingly beautiful.
But only a few minutes later, hurried footsteps shattered the silence.
Liam came rushing back, urgency written across his face.
"We have to leave now."
Isak immediately looked at him.
"What happened?"
"You didn't feel it?" Liam asked quietly. "She tried to contact you."
At once, panic crossed Isak's face.
"Then let's go."
Before leaving, he turned back toward Sky one last time. He didn't want to wake her, so he gently lifted her into his arms and carried her inside. Carefully, he laid her down upon the hall bed, his gaze never leaving her face.
"I don't want to leave you," he whispered softly. "But I have to… I hope we meet again tomorrow."
Just then, Erika appeared nearby.
Isak looked at her quietly.
"Take care of her. We'll return tomorrow."
Erika nodded silently.
A moment later, Isak stepped outside where Liam was already waiting beneath the dark night sky.
"Let's go," Isak said.
Together, they placed one hand across their chests. A faint blue glow surrounded them—then, within seconds, they vanished into the darkness.
Somewhere in Shadowmere Academy
It was the most prestigious — and the only — magic school in the world, hidden deep within the mountains of Veloria, far from the Raven Kingdom. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and endless mist, the academy remained isolated from the ordinary world.
The massive castle-like academy was renowned for training powerful mages and gifted students from noble bloodlines. Its dark stone walls, silver towers, and enchanted halls reflected both wealth and ancient power.
Within the academy grounds stood a separate residence reserved for the teachers. Unlike the lively student dormitories, the teachers' quarters were quiet, elegant, and protected by strong magical barriers.
Among the academy's most respected instructors was Selene Raven.
At twenty-eight years old, Selene was admired for her striking beauty and cold elegance. Standing at 5'9", she possessed piercing blue eyes and long brown hair similar to her brother's. Her calm voice, graceful presence, and sharp intelligence naturally commanded attention wherever she went.
Selene was the elder sister of Isak Raven, heir to the Raven Kingdom. Yet unlike her brother, she chose to remain within the secluded walls of Shadowmere Academy, far from royal attention and political affairs.
To the students, she was known as a gifted and respected teacher.
But behind her composed smile and graceful demeanor, Selene carried secrets no one within the academy suspected. Hidden beneath her elegant appearance was a dark mission — and dangerous truths buried deep within....
.
Selene sat alone within the great hall of her chamber, the room dimly illuminated by enchanted lanterns that cast flickering shadows across the cold stone walls.
.
Silence filled the air as she slowly closed her eyes, focusing her magic in an attempt to contact her brother.
A faint silver glow formed around her fingertips.
But moments later, the spell faltered.
The magical connection slipped away before it could fully form, vanishing into silence.
Selene's breathing grew uneven. A trace of worry crossed her face as she steadied herself and shifted her focus toward Liam instead. This time, the magic responded faintly.
Minutes passed in tense silence before the air inside the chamber suddenly shimmered with pale blue light.
Within seconds, Liam and Isak Raven appeared in the center of the hall.
Relief instantly crossed Selene's expression. She rose quickly and moved toward her brother. Isak stepped forward, pulling her into a tight embrace before she finally turned toward Liam with a faint smile.
But the warmth of the reunion vanished almost immediately.
Isak's voice lowered with concern.
"What happened? Is everything alright?"
Selene's expression darkened looking at liam and isak .
"I have bad news."
For a moment, silence filled the chamber.
Then Isak gave a slight nod.
"I was already expecting it."
Selene looked directly at him, urgency clear within her blue eyes.
"You were right about the possibilities you mentioned before."
Liam and Isak exchanged a brief glance before answering quietly together,
"We know."
Selene stepped closer.
"We have to do something. This is far greater than we imagined."
"I know," Isak replied calmly. "That's why we're already working on it… and so are you."
Selene folded her arms, frustration and unease mixing within her expression.
"But who is behind this? And why?"
Isak's gaze darkened.
"That," he said quietly, "is what we're trying to uncover."
The hall fell silent once more.
The lantern flames flickered violently, as though unseen eyes watched from the shadows surrounding them.
Finally, Selene spoke again.
"Have you discovered anything yet?"
Isak said,
"Not yet?
Selene said,
"Look what I have found."
She moved into her study room, where ancient sketches lay scattered across the desk. Opening a heavy tome, she whispered incantations, her fingers tracing glowing runes as she read fragments of forgotten quotes.
Selene's voice carried urgency.
"It happened earlier too… look."
Liam leaned closer, nodding.
"You're right."
Selene sighed.
"You know how much time I invested to uncover this, and now I realize I don't even know the smallest truth of it."
Isak's tone was grave.
"Yes… it's very big."
"At least we know it existed," Liam added quietly.
Selene straightened.
"Let me search outside the veloria...
Isak shook his head.
"No. I will handle that part. You must continue searching here — find whatever more you can."
Selene frowned.
"But I can help too."
Isak interrupted firmly.
"You've already done a lot, my elder sister."
Selene smiled faintly, tugging at his cheek.
"My little brother has grown into the man the whole world fears."
Isak's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.
"Sister, don't make fun of me."
Selene laughed softly.
"Yes, brother. You know my students speak of you — their kingdoms fear your name."
Isak smirked.
"And you enjoy those conversations, don't you?"
Selene's eyes gleamed.
"Of course. Because they don't know that the man they fear is my brother."
She poured wine into a silver goblet and suddenly added,
"Well… I forgot to mention. Most of the kingdoms are planning to attack you."
Liam's voice was calm.
"We know."
Selene narrowed her eyes.
"You both know everything… then why ask for my help?"
The two men exchanged a silent glance.
She turned sharply.
Her gaze shifted to Liam.
" tell me — any business are you guys hiding?"from me ....
Liam hesitated, glancing at Isak.
Isak's eyes hardened.
"If you speak, I will kill you."
Selene stepped closer, her voice protective.
"Don't fear him, Liam. I'm here to protect you. Tell me."
Liam stammered.
"No … we are—"
Selene cut him off, staring at Isak.
"She loves you. You know that."
Isak, mid-sip of wine, choked as it spilled from his lips.
"What? No."
Selene's tone sharpened.
"The whole kingdom knows that Siren wants you."
Liam turned to Isak.
"Siren… Isak…"
Isak exhaled slowly.
"Yes… Siren. She does. But I don't like her."
Selene's eyes narrowed.
"Are you hiding something from me?"
Both men answered quickly.
"No."
Selene's voice was firm.
"If you are, I will find out anyway."
The three sat together as the tension eased.
Selene leaned forward.
"Tell me, brother… why don't you like Siren? She is beautiful, daring, and claims to love you. You won't find another woman like her."
Liam laughed lightly.
"Maybe there is someone else?"
Selene shook her head.
"I don't think so. Siren is—"
Isak interrupted sharply.
"She is not my type. Not even one percent."
Selene raised her hands in surrender.
"Alright, brother. I understand."
They laughed together, the wine softening the weight of their words.
But in the midst of the conversation, Isak's expression grew distant. His thoughts drifted to Sky Frost — wondering if he would meet her tomorrow, or if fate would force him to wait for months.
Isak's cold eyes turned toward Liam.
"we have to go. It's time already."
He looked at Liam, and together they said their farewells to Selene.
Moments later, both vanished into the night.