Midnight Requiem

The moon hung low, a silver scythe slicing via violet clouds as I raced across the courtyard. Lilith's command nevertheless rang in my ears: "Sound the Requiem if the wraiths breach once more." In my hand, the ceremonial horn felt heavy, carved from obsidian and etched with the Academy's crest.

I located Seraphina perched atop the eastern battlements, frost glimmering alongside her cloak. She nodded once as I approached. "Are you ready, Architect?" she asked, voice slightly above a whisper.

I nodded, throat tight. "Ready as I'll ever be."

She handed me the horn. "Blow it."

Taking a deep breath, I lifted the horn to my lips and blew. The sound changed into deep—like rolling thunder in a cavern. It echoed off the walls and via the spires, summoning each demon and gargoyle within listening to. From shadowed doorways, college students armed with rune-solid blades and professors wielding crackling magic surged closer to the gates.

Below us, the eastern rift—patched only hours ago—seethed again. Pale forms slithered along the seal's edge, testing its strength. I felt my heart hammer as I lowered the horn.

Yuria seemed beside me in a burst of crackling power. "Don't waste time admiring the scenery," she teased, though her smile trembled. "They're coming."

Lilith joined us, her crimson robes like bleeding roses in morning light. "Architect," she said, voice steady, "use the horn's final note. Seal the breach for good."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Final note?"

She nodded. "One blow. One chance."

Below, the wraiths surged, their hollow cries like frozen winds. I raised the horn again—this time with no hesitation. All the fear, all the adrenaline, and the shard's fierce warmth coalesced inside me.

I blew.

The sound tore through the air—a single, pure tone that split the sky. Light exploded from the horn's bell, golden and inexperienced, carving a dome around the breach. Wraiths screeched because the light engulfed them; the fissure snapped close with a crack like thunder.

Silence followed, absolute and bright. When I lowered the horn, the courtyard was empty. Not a single wraith remained.

A hush fell. Then Seraphina exhaled, frost crumbling from her cloak. Yuria whooped and thrust a fist closer to the sky. Lilith absolutely nodded, satisfaction and remedy warring in her eyes.

I sank to my knees, the horn's weight all of sudden unbearable. Lilith crouched beside me, setting a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Well finished," she whispered.

I closed my eyes, breath ragged. The horn lay still at my feet, its final note spent—but its purpose complete.