When the light faded, Art found himself standing in a massive hall that seemed to radiate both majesty and intimidation. The ceilings soared high above, adorned with intricate carvings and chandeliers made from crystal that shimmered in soft, golden hues. The walls were lined with polished marble and tapestries depicting historical battles, legendary figures, and mythical beasts.The faint hum of magic lingered in the air, evidence of the enchantments that likely protected the room. Or something else.Art barely had time to take in his surroundings when the man stepped forward, his tone sharp and no-nonsense. “Follow me. Do not wander off, and do not stare too much.”The group moved in silence, their footsteps echoing through the hall. Guards clad in ornate armor stood at attention along the walls, their expressions unreadable. They gave Art a passing glance, but their presence alone was enough to remind him of the weight of where he was.They approached a towering set of double doors

Princess Celestia descended the grand staircase with an elegance that demanded silence. Her gown, a cascade of shimmering white adorned with golden embroidery, seemed to capture the glow of every chandelier in the hall. Her golden hair, styled into intricate waves, framed her sharp yet radiant features, and the delicate crown atop her head glinted like a star.As she reached the base of the stairs, her father, the King, stepped forward and extended a hand. She took it gracefully, and together, they stood before the gathered crowd. The room fell utterly silent, save for the rustling of fabric and the faint clinking of glasses.The King’s voice, deep and commanding, filled the hall once more. “My beloved daughter, Princess Celestia, wishes to share a few words with all of you.” He turned to her with a proud smile and stepped aside.Celestia’s gaze swept across the crowd, her poise unwavering. When she spoke, her voice was steady, refined, and filled with warmth that carried to every cor

Having walked for several minutes, Art had covered a good part of the Royal Palace. He even escorted Elora to the sector where her room was located since she wanted to change her clothes. He had to wait outside, though. He hadn’t expected to be dragged around the palace, but he couldn’t complain. This could prove useful later in the future. He briefly considered setting up a teleportation circle somewhere discreet, but it seemed far too risky. The palace had ten times the security of the already heavily guarded Royal Academy. With his current skill level, the likelihood of getting caught was extremely high. Elora emerged in a simpler blue-and-white, knee-length gown that fit her so well it seemed as though it had been made specifically for this occasion. It further accentuated her already abundant beauty. Having spent some time with her, Art realized that she had a playful side that contrasted starkly with the strict demeanor she exhibited at school. That strictness, he assumed, was

The courtyard was vast, its cobblestone floor glistening under the pale moonlight. A dozen guards stood in a loose formation, their weapons glowing faintly with elemental magic. In the center stood a lone cloaked figure, shrouded in black, his head slightly lowered. The air around him was heavy with tension, the faint sound of running water echoing unnaturally in the otherwise silent courtyard. “Surround him!” barked the captain of the guard, his tone sharp. His gauntlet burned with fire magic as he gestured toward the figure. “He’s not leaving here alive.” The guards spread out, their footsteps careful but firm. Fire crackled, earth rumbled, and the soft hum of wind magic buzzed through the air. Yet, the cloaked figure did not move. A gloved hand slowly rose, and the air shifted as tiny droplets began to form around him, glimmering faintly in the moonlight. “Attack!” the captain roared. Two guards launched the first strike, one sending a stream of flames hurtling toward the

Within a large, heavily guarded room, a man sat seething with rage. The King, Eadric, had been moments away from retiring for the night when the sound of an explosion tore through the palace grounds. Before he could fully comprehend the situation, Royal Guards surrounded him, relaying the unthinkable—an attack on the Royal Palace. This was the first time something like this had happened since his reign. ‘They dare to insult me like this,’ he thought, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His fury simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over. Sensing her husband’s turmoil, Queen Cecile reached for his hand, wrapping her delicate fingers around his. She offered no words, but the silent gesture spoke volumes, grounding him amidst the storm of emotions. After waiting a little for Elora and her guest, the attack on the main hall happened less than a minute after she left with Celestia. The room fell quiet as a young man dressed in armor addressed the