VALOR_30

At the Academy of Veythar, where nobles and commoners clash in duels of steel and 
sorcery, Raine Vaelor, a former outlaw, becomes an unexpected contender for power. 
When an ancient prophecy claims he is destined to shape the world’s fate, nobles seek to 
control him, rivals vow to break him, and unseen forces move in the shadows. 
But what if the prophecy is wrong? 
As assassins close in and forbidden magic resurfaces, Raine must uncover the truth before 
he becomes a pawn in a game centuries in the making. In a world where power is an 
illusion, will he forge his own path—or be destroyed by a destiny that was never his to begin 
with?

Eclipse of Fate

The library of Veythar Academy was a towering labyrinth of knowledge, its ancient tomes holding secrets few dared to uncover. At this late hour, only the dim glow of enchanted lanterns lit the vast halls, casting long shadows between the towering bookshelves.

Raine, Aldric, and Selene sat around a polished oak table, a single book laid open before them. The worn leather cover bore no title, but its pages held whispers of a forgotten past.

"The Eclipse Prophecy isn't just some legend," Selene began, her fingers tracing an aged passage. "It's been recorded in various forms throughout history, always linked to times of great upheaval."

Aldric leaned back, arms crossed. "And yet, no one truly understands its meaning."

Raine remained silent, studying the passage before him:

When the twin moons darken the sky and the blood of kings is spilt, the harbinger shall rise.

Bound by fate, divided by truth—two shall stand where one should fall.

The world will turn on their choices.

He frowned. The words were vague, but there was an undeniable weight to them.

"Two shall stand where one should fall," Aldric muttered. "What do you think it means?"

Selene hesitated before answering. "Some believe it refers to a single prophesied figure with two conflicting destinies. Others think it speaks of two individuals entwined by fate. Either way, one thing is clear—Vaeloria stands on the edge of something dangerous."

Raine finally spoke. "Why show us this?"

Selene's silver eyes met his. "Because the Academy isn't as safe as it appears. Forces are already moving, and those tied to this prophecy will be the first caught in the storm."

Aldric exhaled sharply. "And you think we're involved?"

Selene didn't answer directly. Instead, she slid a folded parchment toward them. "This was intercepted by one of my contacts. It was meant for an unknown recipient within Veythar."

Raine unfolded the parchment. The message was brief, but its meaning was chilling:

The harbinger has emerged. Watch the Academy. The pieces must fall into place.

The three exchanged uneasy glances.

Selene stood. "We don't have much time. If the prophecy is in motion, so are those who wish to control it. And trust me—whoever sent this message is already watching."

A distant bell tolled the hour. Midnight had passed, and with it, the certainty that their lives would remain unchanged.

Whispers of the Past