Cinders of Conquest

Chapter 10: The Gathering Clouds

The rain fell in heavy sheets, drumming against the stone walls of the academy as the storm rolled in from the north. Elowen sat by the window in her room, watching the lightning streak across the sky, her mind a maelstrom of thoughts. The storm outside felt like a reflection of the turmoil building within her. Since her meeting with Arithan, she had been unable to find peace.

His words had unsettled her.

"You are a weapon."

The phrase replayed in her mind, twisting and turning, warping into something darker each time. She had never wanted to be a weapon. She had come to the academy to become a master of magic and swordsmanship, not to be a tool for some unknown war. But Arithan's cold certainty, the way he had spoken about the darkness coming—there was no mistaking the seriousness of his warnings.

Elowen shivered despite the warmth of the room, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders. The academy had always been her sanctuary, a place of learning and growth. But now, the shadows seemed longer, the whispers in the hallways heavier with secrets. Something was changing, and she could feel it in her bones.

A soft knock at the door startled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, expecting one of her fellow students or perhaps a messenger.

To her surprise, it was Seraphina.

She stepped into the room, rainwater dripping from the edge of her dark cloak. Her usually pristine appearance was marred by the storm, her auburn hair damp and disheveled. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the weight of everything unspoken between them hanging in the air.

"Elowen," Seraphina said quietly, her voice lacking its usual edge. "We need to talk."

Elowen blinked, still caught off guard by Seraphina's presence in her private quarters. They hadn't spoken much since the Trial of Ascension—not beyond the formal exchanges required during training. Their rivalry had morphed into something more complicated, but neither of them had acknowledged it. Until now.

"Come in," Elowen said, gesturing toward the small table by the fireplace. "You're soaked. Sit down before you catch a cold."

Seraphina gave her a brief nod, brushing past her to sit by the fire. As she sat, Elowen noted the tension in her posture, the way her hands gripped the edges of her cloak. Something was bothering her—more than just the storm or their unspoken rivalry.

Elowen sat across from her, waiting for Seraphina to speak.

For a few moments, there was only the crackling of the fire and the distant rumble of thunder. Seraphina stared into the flames, her expression unreadable.

"What's on your mind?" Elowen finally asked, breaking the silence.

Seraphina's eyes flickered up to meet hers. "You spoke with Arithan, didn't you?"

Elowen's heart skipped a beat. "How did you—?"

"I overheard some of the other masters talking," Seraphina interrupted. "They said he summoned you after the trial. That he... has plans for you."

Elowen felt her chest tighten. Of course, rumors had spread. The academy was a cauldron of gossip, especially when it came to anything involving Master Arithan. "He didn't tell me much," she admitted, though she wasn't sure why she felt the need to share anything with Seraphina. "Just... cryptic warnings about a darkness coming. He seems to think I'm part of some grand scheme."

Seraphina's jaw clenched. "You aren't the only one."

Elowen's eyes widened in surprise. "He spoke to you too?"