The book burned with red fire. Pages curled and blackened. A strange wind circled around it, cold and sharp.
From the center of the fire, a shadow began to grow.
It was tall. Thin. Its body made of dark smoke. Its eyes—two glowing red dots—stared at Leon and Astha.
Leon stepped back. "What is that?"
Astha didn't move. Her hand glowed with magic. "A Wraith. A creature made from cursed spells. This shouldn't be here."
The shadow hissed, its voice like cracking glass.
"The Flame... must be destroyed..."
Leon froze.
The flame? It was talking about him.
Astha stepped in front of Leon. "Run."
He grabbed her arm. "No. I can fight."
"You don't know how."
"I'll learn."
The Wraith struck.
A blast of dark smoke flew toward them. Astha raised a shield just in time.
The impact shook the room. Bookshelves fell. Sparks flew.
Astha's voice was calm, focused. "Buy me a few seconds. I'll prepare a seal."
Leon nodded. He grabbed a broken chair and faced the shadow.
"Come on, then," he growled.
The Wraith rushed at him. Leon dodged left, then swung the chair.''
It passed through the creature, but it slowed it down.
One step.Two steps.He jumped back—too slow.
The Wraith's claw scratched his shoulder. Blood stained his sleeve. But Leon didn't fall.
He raised his hand, heart pounding.
"Come on... Ignite…"
A flicker. A spark.
BOOM!
A burst of flame exploded from his palm. Wild. Untamed. But real.
The Wraith shrieked and pulled back.
Astha slammed her hand to the ground. Glowing symbols lit up under the shadow's feet.
"Sealing Light: Circle of Purge!"
A beam of silver light fell from the ceiling and struck the Wraith. It screamed, twisted—and then vanished into ash.
Silence.
Books lay everywhere. The air smelled like smoke and old magic.
Leon dropped to one knee, breathing hard. "Is it gone?"
Astha nodded. "For now."
She helped him up.
"You really can use magic," she said quietly.
"I guess," Leon replied. "But I don't understand it."
Astha looked into his eyes.
"Then we'll figure it out. Together."
For the first time, Leon didn't feel alone.
🌙 Later That Night
In the highest tower, the headmaster stood beside a glowing mirror.
Inside it, he saw Leon and Astha in the ruined library.
He frowned.
"The flame has awakened," he said softly."And the girl… is already near him."
Behind him, shadows shifted and moved.
"The prophecy is unfolding."