The garden behind House Serevas was vast and vibrant—blossoms of every color swayed with the breeze, glowing faintly with magic. Winding stone paths led through flower beds, mana vines shimmered from tall hedges, and silver-leafed trees whispered secrets only those attuned to magic could hear. At its heart stood an ancient stone fountain, its waters laced with gentle enchantments. This was where Elira brought Mike.
She knelt before him, brushing her silver cloak behind her. "Here," she said, her lavender eyes steady, "we begin with the basics—not power, but control."
Mike stood still, taking in the surreal moment. A reincarnated soul in a toddler's body, hand in hand with a magical beauty who could outshine any of the elf maidens or goddess disciples from his past life. He tried to stay focused—but her gentle voice, her elegance, her presence—it all stirred something more than just magical curiosity.
Elira raised one hand. Starlight wove around her fingers like silk threads.
"This is Lightweave," she said. "A spell that lets you craft illusions or summon radiant threads of protection. It's delicate—subtle—but versatile."
Mike nodded slowly, trying to push aside the fact that her hair shimmered like a dream and she smelled like moonlit flowers.
"Repeat after me," Elira said, her voice low, almost like a lullaby.
"Stellaria lumina. Enchora vel'thira."
Mike repeated it perfectly. The air around his hand began to flicker with glowing strands.
He grinned. "I did it!"
Elira's eyes widened slightly. "You have natural affinity," she said quietly, almost to herself. "But it's more than that. The Book of Echoed Shadows… it left a mark."
Mike tilted his head. "Can you tell me what that book really is?"
Elira hesitated. "A relic. A forbidden archive of spells, emotions, and memories… It doesn't just teach magic. It binds to you. It remembers your fears, your dreams. It can warp a mind—or awaken its true form."
Mike felt a shiver crawl up his spine. "So it's not just a book…"
"No," she said softly. "It's alive."
Suddenly, the garden wind changed.
A dark chill passed through the air.
Elira stood quickly, placing herself between Mike and the fountain. "Stay behind me," she said, voice suddenly sharp and commanding.
From the shadow of the tree beyond the fountain, a ripple of darkness slithered out—a figure cloaked in tattered gray robes, its face hidden beneath a cracked porcelain mask.
"Elira Vael'thyrin," the figure hissed. "Celestial blood… still walks this world."
Elira narrowed her eyes. "You shouldn't be here, Shadeborn."
The Shadeborn took a step forward, the ground beneath his feet withering. "The boy bears the Book's scent. We come to collect him."
Mike clenched his fists. "You'll have to go through me."
Elira held out a hand to stop him. "No, Mike. Let me show you why you must learn control."
With a single motion, Elira drew a sigil in the air—starlight spiraling outward like a constellation wheel. "Astralis Bindra."
Chains of radiant energy burst from the air, wrapping around the Shadeborn. It screamed in fury as the light pierced its shadows. In a final desperate motion, it shattered its mask and vanished in a flurry of black petals.
Silence fell.
Mike blinked. "That was… insane."
Elira turned, calm once again. "You're safe. For now."
He looked up at her, awe in his eyes. "You're more than just a teacher. You're a guardian."
A faint blush touched Elira's pale cheeks—but she quickly looked away. "Let's continue our lesson. You'll need more than awe to survive."
Back inside the manor…
Selene watched from the window, arms crossed beneath her chest. Her eyes lingered on Elira's graceful form, but her thoughts were elsewhere—haunted by the return of the Shadeborn.
Leon stood behind her. "They've come sooner than expected."
Selene nodded. "The book's magic is stirring something ancient. We need more than Elira… We need the full council."
Leon smirked. "Then it's time I call in a few favors from old lovers and older enemies."
Selene arched a brow. "Starting with the one who trained you?"
He grinned. "Exactly. Master Liora won't resist a challenge—or a dinner invitation."
Selene rolled her eyes. "Just don't flirt too hard in front of Elira. Mike's already enchanted by her."
Leon chuckled. "Like father, like son."
The moon hung high above the Serevas estate, casting a silver glow through the grand dining hall's tall arched windows. The chandeliers overhead flickered gently with enchanted flame, bathing the long table in a warm, golden hue. The soft clinking of cutlery against porcelain plates filled the air, accompanied by the occasional crackle from the fireplace nestled in the stone wall.
Leon sat at the head of the table, sipping from a crystal goblet filled with red wine, his expression calm and thoughtful. Selene, graceful as ever, sat beside him, quietly savoring a delicate dish of roasted duck and honey-glazed carrots. Her soft hum blended with the music of a harp playing faintly in the background—another enchantment cast upon the hall.
Mike sat across from Elira, who had changed into a deep blue evening gown lined with silver threads, her silver hair now braided more loosely over one shoulder. The glow around her had dimmed to a soft shimmer, like starlight beneath velvet.
Mike was trying very hard not to stare. Not because she looked out of place—but because she looked... breathtaking. So she's not only powerful, but elegant too...
His small fingers poked at a pile of buttery mashed potatoes, trying not to blush when Elira gently offered to cut his meat for him.
"I can do it," he insisted, his reincarnated pride still very much intact.
"I'm sure," Elira replied softly, handing him the knife with a slight smile.
Leon chuckled under his breath and leaned back in his chair. "So, how did the first lesson go?"
Elira glanced at Mike, then gave a small nod. "He's quick. Eager. His mana flow is... unique."
Selene raised a curious brow. "Unique how?"
"He channels emotion through his magic, even unconsciously. It's raw, but powerful." Elira looked back at Mike with a subtle warmth in her eyes. "I can work with it."