Chapter 19

A few weeks had passed since the meeting with the Council, and during that time, Eveline remained focused on honing her skills, both in magic and swordsmanship. The constant training served not only to increase her control over her powers but also as a distraction from the shadows that silently lingered around her.

The buzz in the academy now revolved around the Sword Festival, one of the most anticipated events of the year. It was a competition that gathered not only the academy's best duelists but also spectators from across the kingdom who came to watch the battles. For Eveline, however, the festival meant more than just an opportunity to test her skills against other students. It would be a chance to prove that she still had control over herself, despite the constant threat of Umbra.

As Eveline walked through the academy halls, she observed the excitement on her peers' faces. Everyone was busy preparing for the big event. Some practiced tirelessly on the training grounds, while others debated tactics and strategies for the duels.

Alaric and Aria, who were always by her side, shared in the excitement. Alaric, with his competitive spirit, had signed up for the competition, while Aria, always more cautious, preferred to watch from the sidelines, offering strategic support to her friends.

"You're going to participate, right?" Alaric asked, a challenging smile on his face as they met in the training room.

Eveline glanced at him while sharpening her sword. "I don't have a choice. After what happened in the past few weeks, I need to prove I can handle my own powers, and the festival seems like a good opportunity for that."

"You'll do great," Aria said, sitting on a nearby bench, watching them. "Just be careful. Don't let Umbra influence you during the duels."

"I know," Eveline responded, her tone serious. "He's been quiet lately, but I know he's waiting for the right moment to catch me off guard."

"You've already proven you can control him," Alaric said confidently. "You just need to remember that he has no power over you unless you let him."

Eveline nodded, but deep down, there was a part of her that couldn't ignore the silent presence of Umbra. Even with all the training, she felt that the darkness was only dormant, waiting for the right moment to manifest again.

That night, as Eveline prepared to rest, she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The festival was just a few days away, and the anxiety was starting to take hold of her. The possibility of Umbra trying something during the duels lingered in her mind. But there was something else... a strange feeling that the festival could be more significant than it appeared.

"Do you think you can keep fighting me?"  Umbra's voice whispered in her mind.

Eveline closed her eyes, trying to ignore him, but he continued.

"The festival will be the perfect stage for our next battle. No matter how many blades you wield, your darkness is the most powerful weapon you have."

She gripped the sheets tightly, trying to maintain control. She knew that giving in to the darkness during the festival would be catastrophic, both for her and for others. But on the other hand, she also knew that Umbra was getting stronger. It was becoming harder and harder to resist.

"I won't lose to you," she whispered to herself, with determination.

The next day, preparations for the festival were in full swing. Stalls were set up around the training grounds, and colorful banners fluttered in the wind. Students from all the academy's houses participated in the setup, and an atmosphere of anticipation filled the air.

Eveline arrived early at the training grounds for another practice session. Her strikes were precise, but her mind was elsewhere. The echo of Umbra's voice still lingered in her head. She knew the festival would be a test — not just of her skill with the sword, but of her ability to resist the darkness.

As she practiced, she noticed a group of senior students watching her from a distance, murmuring among themselves. Since the incident with Umbra, she felt that many at the academy saw her differently. Some with respect, others with fear.

"They think you're going to lose control," Alaric said, approaching, noticing the stares.

"Let them think what they want," Eveline replied, not taking her eyes off her sword. "The important thing is that I won't."

Alaric smiled, satisfied with her response. "That's the spirit. But remember, during the festival, there will be a lot of pressure. All eyes will be on you, and not just from the students."

Eveline knew he was right. The sword festival wasn't just an internal academy event. Nobles from across the kingdom would attend, and her actions would be closely observed. Any sign of weakness — any slip — could compromise her reputation and her safety.

Aria appeared shortly after, bringing some important news. "I heard that one of this year's participants is someone from outside the academy. A famous duelist from another city. It seems the Council is interested in seeing how he fares against our best students."

"Interesting," Alaric commented. "But I think the one who will steal the show will be Eveline."

Eveline couldn't help but smile slightly, but a worry remained in her heart. She knew that to win the festival, she would have to overcome not only the other participants but also the internal battle she waged against Umbra.

In the days that followed, preparations continued, and the festival's date quickly approached. Eveline spent hours upon hours training, polishing her skills and trying to stay focused. Alaric and Aria were with her, and their support helped keep her grounded. However, Umbra's presence was never far away.

Finally, on the eve of the festival, Eveline found herself alone on the training field, practicing her final moves. The twilight painted the sky orange and purple, and the silence around her was calming.

As she practiced, she felt a sudden shift in the air. A familiar and unpleasant sensation. She stopped, her senses alert, and looked around.

"It's coming, Eveline," Umbra whispered, his voice clearer than ever. "At the festival, you will have to choose. Light or darkness. There is no more room for middle ground."

She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to find calm within herself.

"I've already made my choice," she murmured, gripping her sword firmly. "And I won't let you control me."

"We'll see," Umbra replied, laughing darkly before fading once again into the depths of her mind.

With one final strike, Eveline ended her practice. The festival was coming, and with it, the greatest challenge of her life.