THE LAST SEMESTER

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE_ THE PROPHECY

Late that night, Professor Kael stood outside the Headmaster's office.

‎"Enter," the old man called.

‎Kael stepped inside.

‎"You wished to see me?"

‎The Headmaster looked out the window overlooking the academy.

‎"Tell me about Olivia."

‎Kael was silent for a moment.

‎"She's improving."

‎"But not fast enough."

‎The Headmaster sighed.

‎"Can she survive what's coming?"

‎Kael's expression darkened.

‎"If she continues growing... yes."

‎"And if she doesn't?"

‎Kael lowered his eyes.

‎"Then we lose her."

‎Silence filled the office.

‎After a long pause, the Headmaster spoke again.

‎"You allowed her to attend the Founder's Ball."

‎"I did."

‎"Why?"

‎Kael looked out at the brightly lit ballroom in the distance.

‎"Because destiny won't wait until she's ready."

‎The Headmaster slowly nodded.

‎"Then may the gods have mercy on us all."

‎Kael turned to leave.

‎Just before he reached the door, the Headmaster spoke one final time.

‎"And Kael..."

‎"If the prophecy begins tonight..."

‎"...protect the girl at all costs."

‎Kael's eyes hardened.

‎"Even if it costs me my life."

‎Without another word, he disappeared into the darkness.

‎

‎

‎

‎The moon hung high above the academy as Wyatt slipped into the abandoned royal chapel.

‎A hooded figure stood waiting in the shadows.

‎His father.

‎"You came," Wyatt said.

‎"I've been waiting for this night," his father replied. "The time to claim the throne has come."

‎Wyatt's eyes narrowed.

‎"What do you mean?"

‎"The prophecy has begun to unravel."

‎"The balance is shifting."

‎"Soon... nothing will be the same."

‎He stepped closer.

‎"The final-year students are the future of this kingdom."

‎"So divide them."

‎"Turn friend against friend."

‎"Let distrust become hatred."

‎"When they destroy each other..."

‎"...the throne will be yours."

‎Wyatt listened in silence.

‎His father continued.

‎"And the new girl..."

‎"Olivia."

‎Wyatt frowned.

‎"Why her?"

‎His father's expression grew serious.

‎"Because she is far more powerful than anyone realizes."

‎"Do not make her your enemy."

‎"Win her trust."

‎"Bring her to our side."

‎"For when her true power awakens..."

‎"...even kings will kneel before it."

‎A cold smile spread across Wyatt's face.

‎"And if she refuses?"

‎His father looked toward the brightly lit ballroom in the distance.

‎"Then make sure she's too broken to stand against you."

‎He turned to leave, pausing only once.

‎"Remember this, Wyatt."

‎"The Founder's Ball is not a celebration."

‎"It's the turning point."

‎"And by sunrise..."

‎"...the first cracks in the kingdom will have already begun."

‎

‎

‎

‎

‎Flames.

‎They swallowed the academy whole.

‎Students screamed as smoke filled the sky.

‎Olivia searched desperately through the chaos.

‎"Omar!"

‎No answer.

‎She turned and froze.

‎Omar lay motionless on the ground, a bloodstained crown beside him.

‎A shadow stood over his body.

‎Then a familiar female voice whispered from the flames.

‎"See you at the Ball."

‎Olivia gasped awake.

‎Her heart pounded violently as she sat upright in bed.

‎"It... was just a dream."

‎She took a shaky breath and reached for the glass of water beside her.

‎Instead, her hand brushed against an ivory envelope.

‎Confused, she picked it up.

‎On the front, written in elegant handwriting, were the words:

‎For Olivia.

‎She turned it over.

‎The royal seal of House Ardent.

‎Omar.

‎Her eyes widened as she slowly broke the seal.

‎Just before she could read the letter—

‎A loud knock came from the door.

‎"Olivia!" Becca called. "We'll be late!"

‎Olivia quickly folded the letter and slipped it into her pocket.

‎Whatever Omar had written...

‎It would have to wait.