The Spell Thief Vol.1

Chapter 5: The Alliance of Shadows

Aldara stood at the center of the Council of Magi chamber, the air thick with tension. The room, a vast circle of ancient stone, was dominated by towering columns and intricate magical runes that flickered with faint energy. Around her, the members of the Council watched from their elevated seats, their faces obscured by the shadows cast by their hoods. The atmosphere was heavy with centuries of tradition, power, and, at this moment, palpable suspicion.

She had presented her case—her findings, her fears—but it was clear from the silence that followed that her words had not had the desired effect. Archmage Vorius, the head of the Council, sat in the central seat, his sharp blue eyes fixed on her with a calm, almost detached gaze. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest of his chair, a subtle display of impatience.

"Vaelor's magic is not a myth," Aldara repeated, her voice firm but not pleading. She wouldn't beg these men for help, no matter how much she needed it. "I've seen it with my own eyes. The power he wielded is returning, and his disciples are working to reclaim it."

Vorius leaned forward slightly, his expression neutral. "You are speaking of an ancient legend, Aldara. One that has been investigated numerous times over the centuries. And each time, there has been no proof—only rumors, fear, and stories meant to frighten apprentices."

A murmur rippled through the council chamber. Some of the magi exchanged glances, but most remained still, their expressions inscrutable. Aldara had expected resistance, but the weight of their skepticism felt heavier than she had anticipated.

"The signs are all there," she continued, her voice rising with determination. "Strange magical anomalies, disappearances, the Crypt of Whispers—it's all connected. I'm telling you, if we don't act now—"

"Enough." Vorius raised a hand, cutting her off with a single, measured word. His gaze hardened, the earlier disinterest replaced with a cold authority. "You have presented your findings, but they are inconclusive. The Council cannot allocate resources based on the claims of one mage chasing ghosts."

Aldara clenched her fists at her sides, her frustration threatening to boil over. "This isn't about chasing ghosts. Vaelor's magic is real, and it's dangerous. If we don't—"

"We will not debate this further." Vorius's tone left no room for argument. "Until you can provide concrete evidence, the Council will not act. That is our final decision."

Aldara stared at him, her pulse pounding in her ears. She had come here hoping to rally support, to convince the Council to take action. But now, it was clear that they had no intention of helping her. To them, she was just another overzealous mage, chasing after forbidden knowledge.

As she turned to leave, a voice from the far side of the chamber broke the tense silence.

"Be careful, Aldara."

She stopped, glancing back over her shoulder. Councilor Marcellus, a man known for his quiet but influential presence in the Mage Guild, was watching her with a strange intensity. His eyes glinted in the dim light, and though his expression was unreadable, the warning in his voice was unmistakable.

"Not everyone on the Council is what they seem."

Aldara held his gaze for a moment, then gave a curt nod before walking out of the chamber. His words echoed in her mind as she descended the spiraling stairs of the Tower of the Arcane, the cold stone beneath her feet doing little to calm her racing thoughts. The Council had turned their backs on her, just as she feared. But worse, there was a traitor among them. Someone was helping Vaelor's disciples, and if she didn't find out who, it would be too late.