Chapter 5: A Growing Darkness

Chapter 5: A Growing Darkness

The days after Alexander's warning felt like a blur to Ethan. Training at Crimson Peak Academy continued as usual, but every sparring match, every lecture, and every moment of silence was colored by an undercurrent of tension. It was as if the entire academy was teetering on the edge of something dangerous, yet no one wanted to admit it.

Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Not just by the academy's instructors or students, but by something unseen, lurking in the shadows. The voice from his dreams continued to echo in his head at night, growing louder and more insistent.

"They are coming."

He couldn't figure out who "they" were, but it seemed tied to the Veilbreakers and the looming threat of the Rift. Every time he thought he was beginning to understand his talent, something new would happen to cast doubt on everything.

One afternoon, Ethan found himself in the academy's library, surrounded by ancient tomes and scrolls detailing the history of the Rift. The Great Rift, as it was called, was far older than most people knew. It was a tear in the fabric of reality that had unleashed monstrous creatures into the world for centuries. But there were parts of the Rift's history that seemed… wrong, as if something had been deliberately hidden.

He scanned through a particularly old manuscript, its pages yellowed with age and the ink faded. His eyes widened as he read a passage describing an ancient prophecy, long forgotten by most.

"When the Rift grows restless, the chosen will rise. Marked by powers beyond understanding, they will shape the future—either as saviors or destroyers."

Ethan's breath caught in his throat. His eyes traced the words over and over again, their weight settling deep in his chest. He felt a pull, a connection to these ancient words, as if they were speaking directly to him.

Before he could dwell further on the meaning, a voice broke through his thoughts.

"You're reading that old thing too, huh?"

Ethan looked up to see Anna standing a few feet away, holding a stack of books. Her expression was casual, but there was a flicker of something behind her eyes—concern, maybe even fear.

"Just… trying to understand some things," Ethan replied, his voice quieter than he intended.

Anna sat down across from him, her books placed neatly on the table. "There's a lot going on that we don't understand. I can feel it too."

Ethan was about to respond when he noticed something—Anna's hand trembled slightly as she reached for one of the books. She noticed his gaze and quickly pulled her hand back, looking away.

"Your talent," Ethan began carefully. "It's been acting up, hasn't it?"

Anna hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Ever since the duel, it's like I'm losing control. The more I try to push it down, the stronger it gets. And… there's something else."

Ethan leaned in, his interest piqued. "What is it?"

She bit her lip, her eyes darting around as if she was afraid someone might overhear. "I've been hearing things. At night. Voices. It sounds crazy, but I swear I'm not imagining it. They keep telling me… that I'm important. That something is coming."

Ethan's blood ran cold. "Voices? What do they say?"

Anna's voice dropped to a whisper. "They call me the 'Catalyst.' They say I'll be the key to something bigger—something terrible."

Ethan's heart pounded. It couldn't be a coincidence. The voices, the prophecy, the Rift—it was all connected. And now Anna was caught in it too.

"Anna, we need to be careful," Ethan said, his voice low but urgent. "There's something going on at this academy—something bigger than just training hunters. Alexander told me about the Veilbreakers. They're watching us."

Anna's eyes widened. "The Veilbreakers? I've heard of them, but I thought they were just a myth."

"They're real," Ethan confirmed. "And they're connected to the Rift. I don't know why, but they're interested in us—especially people like you and me."

Anna was silent for a moment, processing what Ethan had told her. Then she nodded, her expression hardening. "Whatever's happening, we can't face it alone. We need to stick together."

Ethan agreed. He had felt isolated, lost in the growing darkness that surrounded him. But now, with Anna by his side, he felt a spark of hope. Maybe together they could find a way through this.

Later that night, Ethan lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The academy was quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of students fading into the soft hum of the night. But Ethan's mind was far from peaceful.

As he closed his eyes, he felt it again—that creeping sensation, like cold fingers brushing against the back of his neck. The voice returned, louder this time.

"You cannot hide from them, Ethan Caldwell."

His eyes snapped open, his heart pounding. The room was dark, but something was different. The air felt heavier, thicker, as if it was pressing down on him.

He sat up in bed, his eyes scanning the room. And then he saw it—faint but unmistakable—a shadowy figure standing at the foot of his bed. Its form was indistinct, but its presence was undeniable.

"Ethan Caldwell," the figure whispered, its voice a low rasp. "You cannot escape your destiny."

Ethan's throat tightened. He tried to move, but his body felt frozen in place. The figure stepped closer, its eyes—if they could even be called eyes—glowing faintly in the darkness.

"You are marked," the figure continued. "Marked for something far greater than you can comprehend."

Ethan's voice caught in his throat. "Who… who are you?"

The figure didn't answer. Instead, it raised a hand, and suddenly, the room was filled with a cold, oppressive energy. Ethan felt his heart racing, his breath coming in short gasps.

"Beware the Veilbreakers," the figure hissed. "They seek the power within you."

Ethan's vision blurred as the pressure around him intensified. He could feel himself slipping, losing consciousness. Just before the darkness claimed him, the figure's final words echoed in his mind.

"You will be tested. And you will fall."