Daywalker Part 1: Lucian Moonshade and the Sunlit Prophecy

Chapter 13: The Elders' Verdict

The journey back to Solara Academy was a blur of cold winds and dark thoughts. Lucian, Lyra, and Elowen made the trek in silence, each of them haunted by the events that had unfolded in Morvath's Tomb. They had stopped Kieran, but the victory felt hollow. The Daystone's secrets had been partially revealed, but Kieran now understood its true power. It was only a matter of time before he struck again.

By the time they arrived at the academy, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the grounds. The academy felt strangely quiet, as if it, too, was bracing for the storm that was coming.

"We need to see the Elders immediately," Lucian said, his voice low but urgent as they reached the main gates of the academy. "They have to know what we found in the tomb—and how close Kieran is to controlling the Night Gates."

Lyra, her expression still grim from the fight in the tomb, nodded in agreement. "And they need to understand that we can't wait any longer. Kieran's already too far ahead."

Elowen, clutching the ancient book they had recovered from the tomb, looked worried. "I just hope they listen. The Elders aren't known for acting quickly, and if they don't take this seriously..."

"They will," Lucian said, though his heart was filled with doubt. The Council of Elders had been cautious from the beginning, reluctant to believe the full extent of the danger they were facing. But after what had happened in Morvath's Tomb, there was no time left for hesitation.

The three of them made their way to the Elders' chamber, a grand hall where the most powerful and respected members of the magical community gathered. As they approached, the heavy stone doors loomed ahead, etched with ancient runes that seemed to shimmer in the early morning light.

Lucian hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. This was it—the moment they had to convince the Elders that the threat of the Night Gates was real and imminent. His hand moved to the pendant around his neck, the crescent moon symbol a reminder of the burden he carried. His father had known about the prophecy, had known about the power of the Daystone, and now it was up to Lucian to finish what his father had started.

Elowen placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "We're with you."

Lucian nodded, his resolve hardening. Together, they pushed open the doors and stepped into the chamber.

The Council of Elders was already assembled, their faces grave as they sat in a semicircle at the far end of the room. At the center sat Lord Arcturus Moonshade, Lucian's uncle, and the head of the vampire faction. His red eyes gleamed with authority as he watched Lucian and his companions approach, his expression unreadable.

The other Elders—representing the witches, fae, werewolves, and other magical factions—sat in silence, their gazes fixed on the trio as they came to stand before them.

"You return from Morvath's Tomb," Lord Arcturus said, his voice cold and commanding. "I trust you have brought us news of importance?"

Lucian swallowed hard, his eyes meeting his uncle's stern gaze. "We found the tomb... and we weren't the only ones."

The room tensed, a ripple of unease passing through the Elders as they exchanged wary glances.

"Kieran Blackthorn was there," Lucian continued, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "He followed us, and he now knows the true power of the Daystone. He's closer than ever to unlocking the Night Gates—and if he succeeds, both realms will fall into darkness."

There was a murmur of concern among the Elders, but Lord Arcturus raised his hand, silencing them.

"Kieran's ambitions are no secret," Arcturus said, his eyes narrowing. "But the question remains—what did you find within the tomb? What proof do you have that the Night Gates are indeed real, and that Kieran has the means to control them?"