Inkbound realm

Chapitre 5 Sebastian's Shadows

I knew my path was set, not by choice but by blood. The Blackwoods have ruled over the Shadow Realm for centuries, our power and influence unmatched. Yet, with that power comes darkness—a darkness that has seeped into every aspect of my life, shaping me into who I am today.

My earliest memories are of the grand halls of Blackwood Manor, a place steeped in history and secrets. My father, Lord Alaric Blackwood, was a stern man, his presence commanding and intimidating. He rarely showed affection, believing that strength came from discipline and control. My mother, Lady Evangeline, was a delicate figure, her beauty marred by a perpetual sadness. I often wondered if she had ever truly loved my father or if she was merely another pawn in his game.

Growing up, I was groomed to take over the family's duties, to uphold the traditions and ensure the Shadow Realm remained under our control. I was taught the ancient arts of magic, the manipulation of shadows, and the power of fear. My father was a harsh teacher, never satisfied with anything less than perfection. Each failure was met with punishment, each success with a cold nod of approval. I learned quickly that emotions were a weakness, something to be buried deep within.

It was during my time at Crestwood Academy that I first met Alex. He was everything I despised—bright, charming, and effortlessly likable. He came from Avalon, a realm of light and beauty, so different from the oppressive darkness of my world. His presence at Crestwood felt like an intrusion, a reminder of what I could never have. But it was more than that; there was something about Alex that I found deeply unsettling.

From the moment he arrived, Alex and I were at odds. He excelled in his studies, quickly becoming popular among the students and faculty. I watched as he formed friendships with ease, while I remained an outsider, respected but feared. My father's teachings had made me strong, but they had also isolated me. I could never be like Alex, and that realization fueled my hatred.

One night, in the depths of the library, I discovered something that changed everything. I had been researching the ancient texts, searching for knowledge that could give me an edge over Alex. Hidden among the dusty tomes was a journal, old and worn, written by a Blackwood ancestor. It spoke of a pact made with a powerful entity from Avalon, a pact that granted our family control over the shadows in exchange for a terrible price.

According to the journal, our ancestors had betrayed Avalon, stealing their light and binding it to the Shadow Realm. The entity, once a guardian of Avalon, had been corrupted and enslaved, its power twisted to serve the Blackwoods. The journal hinted that the bloodline of this guardian still existed, and that one day, a descendant would come to reclaim their power and seek vengeance.

The pieces fell into place, and I realized that Alex was that descendant. His very presence at Crestwood was a threat to my family's legacy, a danger I could not ignore. My hatred for him deepened, no longer just a personal vendetta but a battle for survival.

I confronted my father with the journal, demanding answers. His reaction was one of cold indifference. He confirmed the pact, explaining that it was necessary to ensure our dominance. He dismissed my concerns about Alex, insisting that I focus on my training and let him handle any threats. But I couldn't shake the feeling that my father was underestimating the danger Alex posed.

Determined to protect my family, I began to monitor Alex closely. I watched his interactions, studied his habits, and searched for any weakness I could exploit. My nights were filled with restless dreams, visions of shadows and light battling for supremacy. The darkness that had always been a part of me grew stronger, threatening to consume me entirely.

One evening, as I was patrolling the grounds, I overheard Alex speaking with one of the professors. They were discussing the history of the realms, and Alex mentioned his desire to uncover the truth about his heritage. My heart raced as I realized he was getting closer to discovering the truth. I knew I had to act quickly.