Chapter 7: Whispers in the Dark

Everyone was having breakfast in the Great Hall. Lyla, Nova, and Livra were sitting together, chatting softly, though Lyla looked a bit down. Her usual brightness had dimmed, and her thoughts seemed far away.

Meanwhile, at another table, Ilisha, Aurelia, and Celestia were deep in conversation. From the Verdentide table, Keal couldn't stop staring at Ilisha.

Lavya leaned toward Adien and whispered, "Look at Keal. He's totally staring at Ilisha like a madman. He's gone crazy."

"He really likes her," Adien said, smirking.

Ilisha noticed the look and felt a bit awkward. Aurelia leaned over and said, "Someone's watching you."

"I don't know why everyone's staring at me today," Ilisha said softly. Then her gaze drifted to Lyla. She paused. "She looks... a little sad."

. But sometimes, the things that scare us the most lead us to something good. So take a deep breath and relax. Things will be okay."

She smiled gently. "Alright, I have to go. I'm running late for class. Take care of yourself."

As she walked away, Livra turned to Nova. "She's so kind. Always helping people. And not a trace of arrogance, even though she's beautiful."

Nova nodded. "She really is."

Later that day, after all the classes were over, everyone returned to the Solburn common room.

Lyla was about to step into the corridor when suddenly, a terrifying voice echoed in her mind:

 "Lyla… I will destroy you.

I will take all your powers…"

Her heart pounded. She dropped to her knees, covering her ears in panic.

Teachers rushed over and helped her back to her room. Nova and Livra came to sit with her. Eventually, all the students returned to their dorms and drifted off to sleep.

But that night…

A door creaked open.

Mona stepped out of her dorm room. Her face was calm but her eyes, thoughtful.

She walked quietly down the corridors, heading downstairs. Her steps were silent as the castle slept.

She exited through the back doors and entered the forest.

There, under the moonlight, stood a boy.

He turned, his eyes shining with eerie light.

 "My sweet sister," he said slowly. "Think… just think what I've brought for you."

"What did you bring?" Mona asked.

 "You wrote Dad a letter, didn't you?

Asking if you're truly his daughter?"

She nodded.

 "He sent you a task.

A way to prove you're truly his blood."

"A task?" Mona said. "What do you mean?"

 "You have to kill someone."

Mona's eyes widened. "Ki–kill who?"

 "Rive Windgrove."

Mona froze. "But… why?"

 "You'll understand tomorrow," he said calmly. "A letter will arrive. Everything will be written there. Just read it… my sweet sister."

And with that, he vanished into the shadows.

Mona stood frozen.

She slowly turned and walked back toward the castle. Her footsteps felt heavy.

She reached her bed and lay down, but her eyes remained wide open, staring at the ceiling.

"Rive has to die, but how will I kill him? He's my friend."

That night, she didn't sleep.

She could only think about one

thing—

How would she ever bring herself to kill someone…

…someone who once meant the world to her?