Chapter 23: A Game of Shadows

Chapter 23: A Game of Shadows

The tension surrounding Aetrial’s display of talent in dark magic had not yet abated. Days after the rain-drenched encounter at the pastry shop, whispers of her unusual demeanor and burgeoning abilities circulated the academy. Aetrial, however, was focused on maintaining her facade as the irritable and aloof Ranolf heir, suppressing any slip-ups that might reveal her true nature—or the secret of her transformation.

Yet, as much as she tried to stay under the radar, others seemed intent on drawing her into the spotlight.

---

A Visit from Orlan

Orlan, the academy instructor renowned for his sharp intuition and no-nonsense demeanor, called Aetrial to his office after class one afternoon. The room, lined with bookshelves and magical relics, felt suffocating to her.

“You’ve been drawing quite a bit of attention lately, Ranolf,” Orlan began, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

Aetrial shrugged, feigning disinterest. “It’s not my fault they’re obsessed with gossip.”

Orlan’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “Gossip or not, you’ve proven yourself more capable than anyone anticipated. That barrier spell in the training hall wasn’t ordinary—not for someone your age, at least.”

“I practiced,” she said flatly, hoping to end the conversation.

“Did you?” Orlan leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. “I’ve seen prodigies before, Ranolf. But your magic—it carries a precision and depth that even seasoned mages struggle with. Have you been training in secret?”

Aetrial hesitated. She couldn’t very well admit that her sudden competence was the result of being merged with someone else’s soul. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, adopting a bored expression. “I’ve always had talent. It’s not my fault people underestimated me.”

Orlan studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Very well. But remember, talent is both a gift and a curse. Be careful how you use it.”

---

Unwanted Encounters

After leaving Orlan’s office, Aetrial headed toward the library, hoping to find some peace among the quiet stacks of books. She needed a moment to think—to piece together the fragments of her new life and the strange circumstances she found herself in.

Her solitude was short-lived.

“Ranolf!”

Aetrial turned, her shoulders tensing as Lilliana approached. The heroine’s presence was a beacon of light in the dim corridors, her golden hair glowing faintly under the magical sconces lining the walls.

“Lilliana,” Aetrial greeted coolly, taking a small step back.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you,” Lilliana said, her tone bright but tinged with curiosity. “You’ve been… different lately.”

“Different how?” Aetrial asked, careful to keep her expression neutral.

“You’re quieter. More thoughtful.” Lilliana tilted her head, her brows knitting slightly. “It’s not a bad thing. But I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.”

Aetrial stiffened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lilliana smiled softly. “Alright, keep your secrets. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

Aetrial nodded curtly, mumbling a quick excuse before escaping to the library. She didn’t notice Lilliana’s lingering gaze as she walked away.

---

Cain’s Observations

Unbeknownst to Aetrial, her every move was being observed. Cain, the enigmatic stranger she had encountered during the rain, sat in a shadowed alcove of the library, his crimson eyes tracking her movements.

She had piqued his interest in a way no one else had before. The contradictions between the rumors of Aetrial Ranolf and the person he had seen—first in the training hall and then in the pastry shop—gnawed at him.

“You’re quite the puzzle,” he murmured to himself, leaning back against the chair.

As Aetrial settled into a corner of the library, unaware of his presence, Cain’s thoughts drifted back to their encounter. Her genuine smile, the way she carried herself despite the evident weight of the rumors surrounding her—there was more to her story.

And he intended to uncover it.

---

The Demon’s Shadow

Later that evening, as the rain began to fall once more, Cain stood on the academy’s highest balcony, overlooking the sprawling grounds. The wind whipped through his dark hair as he gazed into the distance.

“My lord,” a voice echoed behind him.

A shadowy figure materialized, kneeling at Cain’s feet.

“What is it?” Cain asked, his voice cold and commanding.

“We’ve confirmed that Aetrial Ranolf is being closely monitored by the academy staff,” the figure reported. “Her recent actions have drawn suspicion.”

“Good,” Cain said, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Let them watch. It’ll make her eventual fall all the more satisfying.”

The shadow hesitated. “But… there’s something unusual about her magic. It’s stronger than expected.”

Cain’s eyes narrowed. “Stronger how?”

“It’s as if two separate energies are at play. One familiar, the other… foreign.”

Cain’s smirk faltered. “Foreign?”

“Yes, and there’s one other detail,” the shadow continued, its tone hesitant. “We reviewed records and rumors about Aetrial Ranolf. My lord, the heir of the Ranolf family… he was always known as male.”

Cain stiffened, the revelation sinking in. “Male?”

The shadow nodded. “Yes. Yet, what we observed… If this is the same Aetrial Ranolf, something has changed—drastically.”

Cain’s eyes glowed with a dangerous light. “A man, you say?”

“Yes, my lord.”

Cain turned back to the horizon, his mind racing. Aetrial Ranolf was proving to be more intriguing than he had anticipated.

“Keep watching,” he commanded. “But do not interfere. I’ll unravel this mystery myself.”

The shadow bowed and disappeared, leaving Cain alone with his thoughts.

“So, you’re not only hiding power,” he murmured, his smirk returning. “You’re hiding your very identity.”