Chapter 10: Emerge
The chamber beneath the Headmaster's Sanctum groaned with the weight of ancient magic. The Obsidian Gate, now fully ajar, pulsed with an unnatural light that painted the stone walls in hues of violet and black. From within the Gate came a sound—no, a presence—like the heartbeat of a dead god, steady and terrifying.
Valerian stood still, his breath caught in his throat. The Hollow Flame had spoken. Not with words, but with a voice that echoed inside his soul.
"You are mine."
The air around him rippled with heat, and shadows danced across the floor. Something massive and formless loomed beyond the veil of the Gate. He could feel it watching him—judging him—as if it knew every secret he'd buried, every doubt he tried to hide.
His body tensed. The medallion around his neck began to tremble, reacting violently to the proximity of the Hollow Flame. And still, he stood—frozen between defiance and despair.
"Why was I made?" Valerian whispered, his voice trembling. "Who created me?"
The Gate shimmered, and for a brief moment, images flashed through his mind:
—A robed figure, face hidden in shadow, carving ancient runes into the air.
—Chains forged from celestial fire, binding something vast.
—A child wailing inside a ritual circle of blood and ash.
—A hand offering a flame, and another slamming a gate shut.