The Prophecy of the Seven

Chapter 2: The Legends of Etherea

Lyra, hand in hand with Edrin, observed Kaelen, whose gaze seemed perpetually tinged with challenge, curiosity, and mystery. Around them, the landscape of Etherea stretched vast and endless, bathed in golden light entwined with mist. It felt like a dream suspended in time, and the whispers of the wind seemed to carry ancient legends, brushing Lyra's skin with a gentleness she had never known.

"Where are we going?" Lyra asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Kaelen sighed, his gaze distant, showing no hint of an answer. "You'll know when the time is right," he replied calmly, though his tone carried a note of mystery. He cast a quick glance at Edrin, who was smiling with nearly contagious enthusiasm, clearly amused by Lyra's curiosity. Kaelen, however, wore a mask of weariness. He bore each day the weight of his father's expectations; the King of Vampires, demanding and strict, had mapped out the path of a perfect prince for him. Yet deep down, Kaelen doubted his own desire to follow that destiny. He was pulled from his thoughts when Lyra spoke again.

"Where are we going?" Lyra pressed, her voice betraying a worry she struggled to hide.

Lyra could feel the tension emanating from him—a tension that, paradoxically, only fueled her curiosity. It was as if, beneath that facade of mystery and restraint, Kaelen held deep secrets and perhaps even thwarted aspirations.

A blend of frustration and fascination grew within her at Kaelen's enigmatic attitude. She had never met anyone like him—distant yet filled with an intensity that was hard to grasp. Beside him, Edrin walked with a lightness that sharply contrasted with his, as if this unpredictable adventure was nothing but an exciting game.

Suddenly, the path of golden mist widened to reveal a valley framed by majestic mountains, their peaks disappearing into clouds tinged with gold. At the center of this valley stood an immense structure, resembling a castle but with elegant, flowing lines, illuminated by floating crystals that glowed with a soft light. The architecture harmonized natural and magical elements, as if the building itself had been crafted by a benevolent deity.

Unable to contain her excitement, Edrin stopped, proudly pointing at the building. "This is the Academy of Etherea," she announced with a triumphant smile. "It's here that all people coexist, learning from each other to maintain balance and peace."

After a moment of silence, Lyra murmured as if to convince herself, "So, if I understand correctly, I'm in a utopian world where supernatural beings like... you, I assume, exist?"

Edrin burst into laughter, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "That's exactly it! Insightful, I must say!"." She approached Lyra with a conspiratorial air before adding an important detail, "But it wasn't always like this. Five hundred years ago, this world was far from peaceful."

She glanced at Kaelen, seeking silent approval. He stood still, his eyes closed, as if lost in thought, but gave no sign of disagreement. Edrin understood that she could continue.

"Five hundred years ago, Etherea was a world torn apart by hatred and fear. Each species, blinded by mistrust and prejudice, waged bloody battles to dominate the others. The once-fertile lands had become fields of ruin. Then, in this endless chaos, something incredible happened. A handful of courageous beings, each representing a different species, chose to unite despite their differences. They gathered to attempt the impossible: to bring hope and peace to Etherea."

She paused briefly, searching for the right words to honor these ancient heroes. A subtle, almost nostalgic emotion crossed her face, and when she resumed, her voice softened, tinged with gravity and respect.

"They weren't simply warriors," she said in a solemn tone, "they were symbols of hope, beings who transcended the conflicts and fears of their time. Each of them carried within the dream of a better world, even when everything seemed lost. They defied established laws and boundaries, and through their union, they proved that Etherea could be saved."

Edrin paused again, letting her words sink deep into Lyra and Kaelen. She lowered her eyes, as if she could see the silhouettes of the ancient heroes forming in her mind. When she raised her head, her face lit with a proud smile, and she continued, this time pronouncing their names with reverence.

"There were seven, each representing a unique species and strength," she said in a soft and respectful voice. "Names that still resonate in the hearts of every inhabitant of Etherea today: Valen the vampire, Eledris the hybrid, Elara the sorceress, Seraphiel the angel, Nyxara the demon, Liora the fairy, and finally, Thalion the elf."

She paused once more, her eyes shining with respect for these legendary figures.

"Together, they transcended their differences and forged the peace we know today. The Academy of Etherea is their living legacy, a place where every being, regardless of origin, can learn and contribute to preserving harmony. That is where we are going, Lyra. Where the dreams and courage of these heroes come to life."

Lyra, speechless, observed the academy rising before her. Was this a dream? she thought. She who had dreamed every day and night of a moment like this—to leave her old life behind and finally be happy. Had this moment finally come? Once again, someone spoke, but it wasn't Edrin; it was Kaelen. He had emerged from his thoughts to add something to the legend.

"Yes, that's practically it, but the legend doesn't end there. Few people know this part of the story. It is said that there was an eighth member, forgotten—he was a type of hybrid, but not like any we know, not like you, Edrin. He was of all species and yet of none at the same time. He possessed monstrous, powerful abilities, and if he wasn't careful, they could turn savage. His name was Zephyr, and it is said that he managed to acquire powers that could be called divine. The day he returns to this world will mark the end of peace. Furious at being forgotten, he will unleash war again, and with it, the end of the world."

Lyra and Edrin exchanged a wordless glance, and Edrin spoke with hesitation. "Well, fortunately for us, it's just a simple legend, and even if it were a prophecy, it's not happening now." From the slight tremble in her voice, Lyra understood that Edrin knew there was a chance her words might not be true.

Exhausted by so much information, Lyra sat on one of the benches adorning the academy's entrance, frowning slightly. Kaelen, who was talking with Edrin about the so-called prophecy, noticed that something was wrong. He sighed before sitting near her, keeping a respectful distance. Lyra could feel Kaelen's intense gaze upon her. She immediately realized that he was interested in her. After all, beneath his aloof air, he seemed to care about those he valued.

"Right, it's amazing to know all this, but... why are you bringing me here? If I understand correctly, this is an academy for supernatural beings. And I'm nothing special. So, do you know how..." She paused, her words seeming to tear at her heart. "...how I could go back home?"

Edrin sat down beside Lyra, gently taking her hands, her expression soft but slightly sad. "I'm afraid it's impossible. I'm sorry, Lyra."

A look of relief crossed Lyra's face; she didn't want to return home. Not at all. Once this anxiety faded, something else surprised her. "I don't remember introducing myself. How did you know..." She was cut off by Kaelen, who simply replied that they had known her name before she arrived, though they didn't quite know why.

Full of questions, Lyra was interrupted again. Kaelen stood calmly, followed by Edrin, who rose with enthusiasm. Lyra followed them without fully understanding what was happening, observing her surroundings with wonder at the beauty of the place. When she passed under a large stone arch carved with magnificent details, she noticed that the engravings told the story that Edrin and Kaelen had shared just minutes before. She was so captivated by the arch that she didn't realize Kaelen and Edrin had stopped. She bumped into Kaelen, who was slightly annoyed but remained calm. Lyra apologized before standing beside Edrin, taking in the sight of the Academy.