The night over the Academy hung heavy, darker than usual. Clouds blanketed the sky like mourning veils, obscuring moon and stars. Lanterns flickered along the walkways, casting faint golden halos that barely pushed back the creeping gloom.
Inside the infirmary, Riven sat beside Lira's bed. Her breathing had stabilized, but she hadn't stirred since the encounter with the Abyssal Reaver. His knuckles were white from how tightly he gripped the edge of his chair.
Doctor Yareth moved silently through the room, checking on her every few minutes."She's fine physically. But… her mind walked paths no child should ever tread."
Riven nodded, though the words didn't ease the ache in his chest.
A soft knock came at the door.
It was Kael. The Spellblade's left arm was bandaged, his usually sharp eyes shadowed with worry.
"They're summoning you," he said. "The Council wants answers."
Riven stood. "They can wait. My sister—"
"They'll brand her an anomaly if you don't go," Kael interrupted. "You need to defend her, Riven. Now."
The walk to the Central Chamber of the Academy Council felt longer than usual. Every step echoed. Every whisper behind closed doors felt louder. When he entered, silence fell like a blade.
The Council's chamber was a circular room layered with enchantments. Twelve seats surrounded a floating dais, and tonight, all twelve were filled. The veiled figures from earlier now sat in stony silence, the air thick with expectation.
Riven stepped into the center.
"Name," one asked, though they all knew it.
"Riven Aestarin."
"Relation to Subject 017?"
"My sister. Lira."
One of the Council members tilted their head. "She is not registered. Her awakening doesn't conform to any known class protocols. She displays behavior consistent with pre-First Code remnants."
"I don't care what she is to you," Riven said, voice low. "She's a child who protected this Academy when none of you lifted a finger."
A murmur passed between the Council.
Another spoke, older and colder. "There are only two beings in recorded history who ever altered code mid-manifestation. One was sealed beyond the Rift. The other became the first Sovereign."
"She's not either of those," Riven said.
"Then what is she?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "But I know she's my sister. And I'll stand between her and anyone who calls her a threat."
A pause. Then:
[System Update: Provisional Status Applied – Guardian of the Forgotten][System Warning: Access Level Breach. Protocol Overridden.][You have gained Authority: Lira's Bond (Unique Passive)]
The Council fell into silence once more.
Finally, the Headmaster, who had remained silent until now, stood. "Riven will bear responsibility for her actions. She stays in the Academy. Under watch, but not in chains."
It was a victory. Small. Fragile. But it was enough.
Far from the Academy, in the Eastern Gravefront beneath twisted roots and the remains of old wars, the Sleepless Ones stirred. Seven coffins bound in black chains cracked open.
A voice soaked in malice echoed through the caverns, ancient and cruel.
"She woke the Echo. Find her. Claim the remnant."
The Sleepless did not walk—they glided, shadows given hunger and form. Their destination was clear.
Back in the Academy infirmary, the candlelight flickered. Lira's eyes fluttered open. She sat up slowly, her fingers twitching.
Her reflection in the glass shimmered. One eye glowed faintly gold, the other a void-like violet.
Something inside her whispered:
"They will come for you. They always come for what they do not understand."
She whispered back, "Then I'll make them understand."
Outside, the wind howled, carrying with it the scent of ash.
And in a realm between thoughts and time, an ancient eye blinked open.
The Sleepless were coming.