Shadows and Invitations

Chapter 2

Elara's heart pounded as the words echoed in the great hall.

"Umbra Noctis."

The Shadowborn.

The ones feared for wielding magic that blurred the line between reality and the abyss.

She swallowed hard, keeping her expression neutral as whispers spread through the gathered students. Some sounded impressed. Others… wary.

Then a voice cut through the noise.

"Well, well. A cracked mirror. That's a first."

Elara turned. A boy leaned against one of the marble pillars, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips. He looked a year or two older than her, with tousled dark hair, sharp silver eyes, and a confident air that bordered on arrogance.

"Name's Kieran Vael," he said smoothly. "Looks like we're in the same Order. Welcome to Umbra Noctis."

Elara studied him. "You're my… guide?"

Kieran let out a short laugh. "More like babysitter. First-years don't exactly get a say in it. But don't worry, I'm not the worst they could've stuck you with."

She wasn't sure if that was reassuring.

Selene Varathis gave Kieran a look before turning back to Elara. "Kieran will show you to the Noctis Wing and explain the Academy's rules. Do not test my patience, Miss Nightshade. You are here because you belong here—but belonging does not mean you are safe."

Elara nodded stiffly.

Kieran gestured for her to follow, and they stepped out of the great hall into a sprawling corridor lined with floating lanterns that flickered with eerie blue fire.

"Alright, first things first," Kieran said. "Astralis isn't like other magic academies—no houses, no common dorms, none of that soft crap. You're assigned an Order, and that determines everything—where you sleep, what you study, and how much respect you get around here."

Elara raised an eyebrow. "And Umbra Noctis?"

His smirk widened. "We're the ones everyone watches when their backs are turned. Some think we're dangerous. They're not wrong."

She didn't press further. Something told her she'd learn soon enough.

The Dormitories

They crossed a bridge of shimmering black stone suspended over a void. The moment Elara stepped on it, she felt something shift in her chest, like an invisible thread tugging at her.

Kieran noticed. "Yeah, you feel that? The Academy's alive. It knows who belongs and who doesn't. The bridge won't let outsiders cross."

Beyond the bridge stood a towering structure unlike anything Elara had seen before.

The Noctis Wing was carved from onyx, veined with silver runes that pulsed faintly. Balconies jutted out at impossible angles, and shadowy figures moved within, barely visible.

Kieran pushed open the heavy doors, revealing a vast common hall with arched ceilings and floating candles. Velvet couches surrounded a massive stone fireplace, where dark purple flames crackled. Students lounged in various states of exhaustion or quiet scheming.

"Welcome home," Kieran said.

Elara barely had time to take it all in before he led her up a spiraling staircase. The dorms were lined with doors, each marked with silver runes.

"This one's yours," Kieran said, stopping before a door that bore her name—Elara Nightshade.

She hesitated, then pushed it open.

The room was… unexpected.

A high, arched window overlooked the academy grounds, and a massive four-poster bed sat against the far wall. Bookshelves lined the sides, already filled. A wardrobe stood open, revealing dark, elegant robes embroidered with silver thread.

"Rooms adjust to their owner's magic," Kieran explained. "Seems like the Academy already knows your taste."

Elara traced a finger along the desk, feeling the faint hum of magic beneath the wood.

"It's… nice," she admitted.

Kieran leaned against the doorframe. "Enjoy it while you can. Classes start at dawn, and Umbra Noctis students don't get an easy ride."

The Classes of Astralis Academy

The next morning, Elara barely had time to eat before Kieran dragged her through the Academy's labyrinthine halls, listing off subjects she'd be forced to master.

Thaumaturgy & Arcane Theory – The foundation of all magic. Professor Aldric Fenmore, a gaunt man with hollow eyes, had little patience for those who couldn't grasp complex spells instantly.

Necrotic Studies – Umbra Noctis students were required to understand the balance between life and death. Professor Belladonna Graves, a regal woman with unsettlingly pale skin, led this class.

Hexcraft & Curses – Forbidden magic, taught under strict conditions. Professor Malakai Thorne, a former warlock, made it clear that this class was not for the weak-willed.

Shadow Weaving – Exclusive to Umbra Noctis, this course taught how to manipulate darkness itself. Kieran smirked as he mentioned it. "You'll like this one."

Combat Enchantments – Battle magic. The training yard was ruled by Master Dain Ironwood, a hulking figure with a scar running down his jaw.

Divination & Prophecy – A controversial class. Some saw visions. Others saw madness. Taught by Professor Lysandra Vale, who never seemed entirely present.

Astral Navigation – The art of stepping between realms. Rarely mastered. Professor Orion Starfell, a man who spoke in riddles, led this subject.

The Rivalries and Power Struggles

Kieran led her to the dining hall, a grand space with enchanted ceilings reflecting the shifting skies. As they sat, she noticed how students clustered in unspoken hierarchies.

Umbra Noctis sat in the shadows, speaking in hushed voices. Feared. Respected.

Lunaris Aeternum occupied the brightest corner, their scholars lost in ancient texts.

Ignis Dominion was the loudest—fire-mages, warriors, competitive and reckless.

Aetheris Pactum remained the most composed, their pale-cloaked students watching everything with quiet amusement.

Elara felt the weight of their stares.

"Some will want to test you," Kieran said. "Especially after what happened at the Vailis Rite. Cracking the mirror? That's going to get you attention—wanted or not."

Elara met his gaze. "Let them try."

Kieran chuckled. "Good answer."

A New Beginning

As the day ended, Elara returned to her room, exhaustion creeping in.

She had survived her first day.

But the real trials had yet to begin.

As she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she whispered the words from the letter again.

"The night of your initiation draws near."

She didn't know what awaited her in Astralis Academy.

But one thing was certain.

She was never going back.