Arcane Dominion: The Rise of Shadows

"Past"

The early morning light filtered through the high, arched windows of the Obsidian Tower’s training room, casting long shadows across the polished black stone floor. Nerina stepped inside, her boots echoing faintly in the cavernous space. She had woken early, restless from the swirl of emotions and thoughts that had plagued her dreams the night before.

As she approached the center of the room, she froze. Solaria was already there. The apprentice mage stood poised in the center of the room, her silvery-white hair glowing faintly in the morning light. She moved with practiced precision, her staff spinning in intricate arcs around her, its golden runes flashing with every movement. Her focus was absolute, her golden eyes narrowed in concentration as the room seemed to hum faintly with residual magic.

Nerina hesitated, watching Solaria finish her sequence with a flourish. The staff planted firmly into the ground, and the magic dissipated like embers fading into the air. Solaria straightened, her expression softening when she noticed Nerina at the doorway.

“Good morning,” Solaria greeted, her tone calm but warm. She adjusted her grip on her staff and inclined her head slightly. “You’re up early.”

“I thought I’d get a head start,” Nerina replied, stepping further into the room. Her eyes darted briefly to the staff in Solaria’s hands. “Didn’t expect anyone else to be here.”

Solaria smiled faintly. “Discipline doesn’t take breaks,” she said, leaning her staff against the wall. “Though I suppose you know that better than most. You’ve been working tirelessly these past few days.”

Nerina shrugged, folding her arms. “Guess I just want to prove I belong here.” Her gaze flickered briefly toward Solaria, who was watching her with an unreadable expression. After a pause, Nerina decided to voice the question that had been gnawing at her since yesterday. “Solaria, can I ask you something?”

Solaria tilted her head, curiosity lighting her eyes. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

Nerina hesitated, then took a step closer. “Yesterday, when that woman arrived... Kaelis, I think her name was. Who is she? And what’s her connection to Lyriana?”

Solaria’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of something akin to discomfort crossing her face. She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms as she considered her words.

“Kaelis is... someone from Lyriana’s past,” Solaria said carefully. “A powerful sorceress in her own right. She was once Lyriana’s partner—both in battle and in life.”

Nerina’s stomach tightened. “Partner? You mean... they were together?”

Solaria nodded, her golden eyes watching Nerina closely. “Yes. They fought side by side during the Mage Wars. Kaelis was a fierce warrior, but also cunning and ambitious. Their relationship... well, it was as intense as the battles they fought.”

Nerina’s mind raced, piecing together the fragments of what little she knew. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease. “And now she’s back. Why?”

Solaria’s gaze sharpened slightly. “That’s a question only Kaelis can truly answer. But I’d be cautious around her, Nerina. She’s not the kind of person who does anything without a reason.”

Nerina frowned, her thoughts swirling. “Did you know her? Back then, I mean.”

Solaria hesitated before nodding. “I was still an apprentice when she and Lyriana were... involved. But I saw enough to understand what kind of person Kaelis is. She’s dangerous, Nerina. Not just because of her power, but because she knows how to get inside people’s heads.”

Nerina’s jaw tightened. “Do you think she’s here to... to rekindle things with Lyriana?”

Solaria’s gaze softened slightly, and she stepped closer to Nerina, her voice lowering. “I don’t know. But I do know this: Lyriana cares about you, Nerina. Don’t let Kaelis make you doubt that.”