crowned in shadow

With a flash of light, Principal Ramuel brought them into his office.

Ramuel Jonus—Asher's grandfather and the last male Angel—stood tall, timeless, an immortal who had witnessed more secrets than stars in the sky.

His voice rumbled with authority.

"So, what does Nightshade want, old man?"

Sr. Nightshade snorted.

"Your Academy isn't a market. I didn't come to sell fruit, no?"

The siblings stood quietly—except Dimitry, who looked stunned. He had never seen these two ancient beings talk like bickering children. The others, used to it, exchanged knowing glances. Ramuel and Sr. Nightshade had been friends for centuries and acted like it.

Ramuel sighed.

"How many more years will you keep acting like a child, Nyxer Nightingale Nightshade?"

Sr. Nightshade huffed.

"I did nothing! You're the one asking stupid questions!"

Michael rubbed his temples.

"Now I understand where Danial gets it from…"

Before the conversation could spiral, Seraphina gently nudged Asher forward.

Asher sighed.

"Grandpa, before we take over the Tower and the businesses… we want to finish our degrees."

Ramuel frowned.

"You three passed the Council's acceptance exams years ago. What more do you need? Don't tell me you're here to play around."

Dimitry's eyes narrowed. Was he the only one still in the dark?

Asher glanced at Seraphina, who stepped forward, her voice steady.

"The Council always saw us as threats. Passing their test means nothing when they ignore it. That's how they trapped Mom. We need something public, untouchable. CAM protects us."

Ramuel leaned back, thoughtful.

"And what do I get in return?"

Asher raised an eyebrow.

"What do you want, old man?"

Ramuel's eyes turned to Dimitry.

"Go to class, child. You have one, don't you?"

Dimitry nodded reluctantly and turned to leave. Glancing back, he met Seraphina's steady gaze and Asher's calm stance. His fists clenched.

"I'll earn her trust. I'll break the wall between us. Now that she's acknowledged me, I won't let her abandon me again."

As he left with renewed resolve, Seraphina discreetly tapped Danial's arm with a flicker of magic. Danial grinned and grabbed Michael's hand.

"Dad! Let's go see your photo on the student board!"

Michael rolled his eyes but followed. Forrest, ever perceptive, slipped away in silence—he had work to do.

Ramuel's gaze turned grave as he looked at the four who remained.

"I want the revival of the Central Tower—with Seraphina as Tower Master and Asher as Archmage."

Sr. Nightshade's eyes widened.

"Do you even hear yourself? Asher is going to be the South's Tower Master. Seraphina is the South's Archmage. You want them to defy the Council?"

To his surprise, Dominic's voice cut through—sharp and cold.

"And what do you put on the line, Ramuel?"

Ramuel chuckled, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"My immortality. My reputation. If Seraphina and Asher fail, I'll take the blame. I'll tell the world I forced them. I'll be the traitor."

Dominic gave a slow, approving smile.

"Then we accept. On one condition: we do it our way."

Seraphina smirked.

"I want the Book of Truth."

Asher grinned.

"And I want access to the Ancient Library."

Sr. Nightshade slammed a hand on the table.

"Have you forgotten what happened to Selena? They killed her over a lie—and now you want to commit real treason?"

Seraphina's voice turned quiet, lethal.

"Mother died for something she never did. If it had been real, she would've brought the Council crashing down."

Asher's grin darkened.

"If they already fear our betrayal, why not give them a reason?"

Dominic's eyes hardened.

"The Central Tower must rise again. Ten years ago, we paid in pain. Now, they'll pay in blood."

Sr. Nightshade shouted,

"You swore not to take revenge!"

Seraphina smiled—arrogant and unshaken.

"This isn't revenge. If it were, the realm would already be ash."

Asher added coolly,

"They wouldn't even know who was left."

Dominic laughed.

"But watching them live in fear? That's much more satisfying."

Seraphina whistled. Asher chuckled.

"They'll beg for death. And I won't grant it."

She finished,

"Let the realm see what happens when you play dirty with the wrong people."

Dominic's voice boomed like thunder.

"They started it. We'll finish it."

And in perfect unison, Seraphina and Asher declared:

"And we'll play it however we want."

Sr. Nightshade sighed. He couldn't stop them—and deep down, he didn't want to. So he chose to stand with them.

Ramuel's expression softened. He understood. His race was gone. The pain was real. And the Council owed them a debt—one soaked in blood.

Seraphina's voice turned commanding, resolute.

"Five conditions.

First: If I lead, no one questions my authority."

Ramuel nodded.

"Agreed. But while you're CAM students, you keep the peace."

She inclined her head.

"Done."

"Second: The Central Tower may interfere with the Council—but not the other way around."

Asher added,

"That suits you, old man. CAM remains neutral, powerful, and untouchable. Anyone who crosses its gate answers to us. The Council can f—"

"Language," Dominic warned.

Asher shrugged. Sr. Nightshade groaned.

"Third condition: I want permission to form a private army," Seraphina said, eyes glittering.

"Not as Nightshade Princess—but as Tower Master. My army. My command."

Asher smirked.

"A Shadow Army. Legal. Hidden. Invisible—right under the Council's nose."

The two elders were stunned.

Sr. Nightshade tried one last time.

"Seraphina—"

Dominic cut in.

"If we'd had our army when Selena was locked up, she might still be alive. So personal Army for Seraphina is non-negotiable."

Both old men nodded reluctantly.

Seraphina stated the fourth condition: The Central Tower stays neutral. No allies. No enemies."

No objections.

"Fifth: I'll form a Shadow Council. A mirror to theirs. A counterweight."

Asher grinned.

"The Council's enemy will bloom in their blind spot."

Silence fell, heavy and charged.

Then Asher added with a smile,

"Danial and I will select our subordinates from the Academy. I trust you'll cooperate?"

Ramuel exhaled and gestured.

"Fill out the forms."

Dominic nodded.

"You two go ahead. I'll handle things here."

Asher paused. Ramuel asked gently,

"Something else, Asher?"

Asher rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"About the dorms… I don't want to be away from Sera."

Ramuel chuckled.

"I'll arrange a private residence, a couple's suite. But behave—people will talk."

Asher nodded and left with Seraphina.

Danial and Michael returned. Danial pulled Asher aside to speak privately.

Seraphina turned to Michael.

"Uncle, Dad's handling things. I'll take care of Danial. You can go back to work."

Michael smiled warmly.

"Butterfly, I don't want anything from you but your happiness. Take care—and be happy. Uncle's heading out, hmm?"

Seraphina nodded silently.