Chapter 21: The Order of the Eclipse

The **Obsidian Spire** stood like a monolith against the horizon, its jagged silhouette cutting into the twilight sky. The journey to the Order of the Eclipse had taken us through dense forests and across treacherous rivers, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer presence of the spire. It wasn't just a building—it felt alive, humming with an ancient energy that made the air around it crackle.

"This place gives me the creeps," I muttered, adjusting the strap of my bag. "It's like the walls are watching us."

Skully, perched on my shoulder as usual, tilted his head. *"Master, if walls could watch, we'd have a lot more problems than just creepy vibes. Like, imagine if the academy's walls started gossiping about us."*

I snorted despite myself. "Yeah, because *that's* the weirdest thing we've dealt with."

As we approached the entrance, a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall and robed, their face was partially obscured by a hood, but their piercing blue eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "Evan Draycott and Skully," they said, their voice calm but commanding. "We've been expecting you."

"You have?" I asked, surprised.

The figure inclined their head. "I am **Elder Nyssara**, one of the leaders of the Order of the Eclipse. Come. There is much to discuss."

We followed Elder Nyssara into the spire, the interior a stark contrast to its foreboding exterior. The walls were lined with glowing crystals, their light casting intricate patterns on the floor. Shelves of ancient tomes and artifacts lined the halls, and the air was thick with the scent of parchment and incense.

"The Order of the Eclipse has existed for centuries," Elder Nyssara explained as we walked. "We are scholars and guardians, tasked with maintaining the balance of power in the world. But the defeat of the Ancient One has disrupted that balance."

"Disrupted how?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Elder Nyssara paused, their expression grave. "The Ancient One was a force of darkness, yes, but its presence maintained a certain equilibrium. With it gone, a new threat has begun to rise—the **Eclipse Dragon**, a being that thrives in the absence of balance. If it awakens, it will consume everything in its path."

Skully's rune flickered, the faint red light I'd noticed earlier growing slightly brighter. *"So how do we stop it?"*

"The Eclipse Dragon can only be defeated by restoring balance," Elder Nyssara explained. "To do that, you must retrieve the **Prism of Harmony**, an ancient artifact capable of stabilizing the flow of energy. It is hidden in the **Shardspire Mountains**, guarded by powerful creatures and ancient wards."

I exchanged a glance with Skully. "Sounds like another adventure."

Skully grinned, his jawbone clacking. *"Adventures are my specialty. Let's do this."*