Whispers of the Eclipse

Midnight shrouded the Academy of Veythar in an eerie stillness, the only sound being the faint rustling of the wind through the towering spires. Raine and Aldric stood before Selene Veymar in a secluded courtyard, the moonlight casting elongated shadows across the stone pavement.

Selene's piercing gaze shifted between them. "How much do you know about the Eclipse Prophecy?"

Raine exchanged a glance with Aldric, both of them uncertain. Raine had heard whispers, rumors that painted the prophecy as an omen of change—some called it destruction, others rebirth. But never had he given it much weight until now.

"Enough to know it's not just a myth," Raine admitted. "But you wouldn't have asked if you didn't have something to reveal."

Aldric remained silent, his expression unreadable. Selene studied them both before nodding slightly. "The prophecy speaks of one who will change the course of the world, whose existence will alter the balance of power."

"And you think it's one of us?" Aldric finally spoke, his voice even but laced with skepticism.

Selene smiled faintly. "I think you're both pieces of a much larger puzzle." She reached into her coat and retrieved two objects, handing one to each of them. Raine's fingers closed around a small, intricately carved obsidian pendant, its surface etched with faint arcane symbols. Aldric received an old, tattered parchment, the writing faded but unmistakably ancient.

"Keep these," Selene instructed. "They may prove useful in the days to come. And be wary—others will seek answers, just as you do."

Before they could press her further, a distant chime echoed through the Academy, signaling the hour's passage. Selene stepped back into the shadows, her presence dissolving into the darkness as if she had never been there.

Aldric unfolded the parchment, scanning its cryptic text. Raine examined the pendant, feeling a strange warmth emanating from it.

Neither of them spoke, but both understood one thing—this was only the beginning.