Into The Dark World

Ch 2 : Echoes in the Shadows ( Edited )

Three Days later :

Dawn unfolded across the hills of Manali like a breath held too long. Finally exhaled, the SKY HIGH ACADEMY , nestled within dense pines and hidden away from human eyes , stood tall-a fortress of secrets . Gothic spires pierced the clouds above , fused with modern architecture of glass and steel , shimmering faintly with enchantments. It was a place where old bloodlines met new destinies , where magic pulsed in the very stones.

A convoy of two sleek black cars made its way up the cobbled driveway, their presence shifting the very air . Inside lead vehicle , he sat in silence , his sharp profile cast against the mist -blurred glass. Crimson eyes stared ahead , but his thoughts drifted elsewhere - Far into memory , or perhaps a dream , of fire , of silver -blue eyes and a voice of promising forever .

two millennia has past his mind chided yet he could not forget that memories - some memories are carved in the soul for life .

Besides him Abhay stretched his arms and yawned. " Sky High at last . Heard they've upgraded the aura shielding . No more accidental combustions in potions class ".

His brother besides him did not responded anything , just a slight nod , finger tapping an idle rhythm on the leather armrest .

" Neil you've been week for quite a while , still having those dreams ?".

"They're just dreams ", Neil said eyes closed

"Neil come on . You woke up with your shirt soaked in blood sweat and your aura sparkling like hellfire . That's could not be just a dream . That's something older , clawing its way back ".

Neil didn't respond . He rolled down window , letting the icy air hit his face . A scent caught him off guard - lavender and woods , the same earthy rainy smell , Familiar haunting .

Behind them , the second car stopped , Ranveer stepped out , sniffing the air , "change ". He muttered , almost to himself . "its in the wind ". he said cheerfully .

The wrought -iron gates creaked opened , guarded by a tattooed witch , Her Amber eyes lingered on Neil a little too long as the cars passed inside , The academy courtyard buzzed with new energy - werewolves arriving in packs , witches teleporting with crackling sigils , vampires in sleek uniform gliding with eerie grace .

----------------

Elsewhere , across the other end of the academy in the Cottage -

Avni is having a far less graceful morning ,

She was late -

"Why didn't you wake me up ?" She shouted yanking her jacket as she bolted down circular stairs of the cottage .

"I did Three times ! You hurled pillow right on my face !" Riya shouted back .

Riya her new room mate & friend apparently she was also Siya's sister .

Avni groaned regret and frustration she could not sleep the dreams she was haunted since her childhood were more darker now , biting into her barely toasted slice of bread , she muttered - " My brains fried , Those dreams .... Riya ... they're getting worse ."

Its been only few hours that Riya had stepped in but she felt comfortable Avni for the first time could share her dreams with someone without being judged ... Riya squeezed her hands

" Same fire girl dream ?"

" And symbols, Always the same - 3 circles , interlocked , it burns like branding me ".

Riya looked at Avni she knew maybe it was sign of what she is thinking but she did not press it on .

" That's too normal " Riya tried to joke ..