Amber_Glint

Lila Harper never believed in magic until a glowing, winged creature lured her into the hidden world of Arcanwyn Academy, a school concealed deep within an ancient, living forest. At Arcanwyn, magic isn’t just taught, it breathes, grows, and sometimes breaks the rules.

When forbidden creatures begin vanishing and dark magic awakens beneath the academy’s roots, Lila discovers a prophecy tied to her bloodline. As secrets unravel and powerful forces collide, she must decide whether to protect the ancient bond that keeps the magical world safe or risk everything to unleash what has long been caged.

Magic chose her. But the truth might destroy her.

Whispers of the Forbidden Creatures

Chapter 26: The Breach

A sound like tearing fabric echoed through the heavens, rippling across clouds that had turned the color of bruises. Students poured out onto the balconies and towers, gazes lifted to the shuddering horizon.

Magic sparked in the air..wild, unpredictable, trembling like it knew something ancient had been awakened.

In the Hall of Whispers, the map flickered violently. The rift beyond the forest pulsed wider, veins of black and violet lightning crawling across it like fingers clawing their way into the world.

Lila stood in the center, her heartbeat pounding in sync with the storm. Her veins buzzed with magic—hers, but not. A presence stirred just beneath her skin. Watching, Waiting.

"The Breach is beginning," Headmistress Nyra said, her voice taut with dread.

Professors moved quickly, weaving barriers and battle enchantments into the very stones of the academy. The entire fortress hummed with defensive energy, but it wasn't enough. They all felt it.

A sudden boom rocked the western wall. Dust rained down from the rafters.

"West Watch has fallen!" a student shouted, racing into the chamber, blood on their robes. "The Wraithborn are inside the outer perimeter!"

Gasps erupted. Chaos rippled through the room.

Thorne stepped forward, her staff burning with light. "To your stations! Protect the students! If they break the inner ring"

Niall grabbed Lila's hand. "We have to get to the Obsidian Gate. It's the only path to the Veil's heart. If we don't seal it from the other side"

"You'll be trapped," Thorne said sharply. "You cross that threshold and you may never return."

Lila met her gaze. "I was never meant to stay."

Down the spiral staircase, through tunnels that pulsed with alarm runes. Niall beside her, the sounds of war growing louder—clashes of spells, shrieks of shadow-beasts, the desperate cries of students fighting back nightmares made flesh.

A massive archway carved from obsidian and bone, inscribed with the names of those who once walked between worlds. Beyond it, swirling mist—deep, endless, alive.

He stepped from the threshold, darkness clinging to him like armor, his eyes two endless voids.

Lila froze. The power rolling off him was suffocating. And yet—he didn't raise his hand. He didn't attack.

"To the daughter of the Veil," he said. "We do not come to destroy. We come to awaken what was lost. What was stolen."

"Come, child. It is time to remember your throne."

WHISPERS OF THE FORBIDDEN CREATURES: The Breach