The air in the knights academy was still, an uneasy quiet hanging over the land. The world felt different, as though it had shifted in the wake of the Dark Lord's disappearance. The fear that had once gripped the realm seemed to have receded, but an unsettling emptiness remained. Lysandra was gone, she was swallowed by the abyss, and with her, the promise of an end to the chaos that had consumed the kingdoms. But the silence was not a comfort. It was the silence of something waiting to break.Gideon stood at the edge of the academy grounds. He could feel the weight of the Shard of Dawn in his hand, though its light had dimmed in the days since the battle. It felt as though the sword’s power was fading, leaving him with a hollow sense of dread. And yet, that wasn’t what weighed on him most. The other nations, the ones already ravaged by the Dark Lord’s forces, kept him awake at night. He couldn’t shake the thought of those who had suffered, those who still needed help.“I should leave,

The air around them was heavy, the oppressive darkness clinging to their skin like a second shadow. Gideon stared at the figure before them, its form flickering like a flame caught in the wind. It was neither beast nor man, and the unnatural stillness it carried sent chills down his spine. The bracelet on Gideon’s wrist grew warm, its faint glow pulsing steadily. Whatever this creature was, it wasn’t of this world. Beside him, Seraphina tightened her grip on her sword, her knuckles white. “Gideon,” she said quietly, her voice laced with unease. “This isn’t just another minion of the Dark Lord.” “I know,” he replied, his gaze never leaving the figure. “Stay close.” Jareth snorted, stepping forward with his sword drawn. “Close? You’re supposed to be the chosen one. Shouldn’t you have a plan for this kind of thing?” “Not the time, Jareth,” Seraphina snapped, shooting him a glare. “Fine,” Jareth muttered, his eyes narrowing at the figure. “But if you freeze up, don’t expect me