The door opened wider, and a tall man stepped inside. He wore white pants and a crisp buttoned polo shirt. A silver sigil gleamed on his shoulder. His light grey hair curled slightly at the ends, and his calm blue eyes scanned the room steadily.
Hello, he said, his voice warm and steady. Sir Nathaniel asked me to assist. He's been delayed with council affairs. I'm sorry he couldn't come himself but it looks like I'm your best hope for now, Gehan. I'm Lucien.
He stepped closer and extended his hand.
I stood at the edge of the glowing circle, hesitating for a second before reaching out.
Hello. I'm Gehan. I really hope you can help me. I truly want these strange things to stop happening to me.
Lucien smiled reassuringly before turning to Zuriel.
Hi, Zuriel. You did well with the protection spell, he said.
Especially considering you don't know many of them. Your focus is more on offensive magic, right?
Zuriel didn't answer. His jaw tightened. Instead, he walked straight past Lucien and deliberately bumped his shoulder on the way to the far wall, where he leaned back again, arms crossed.
Lucien chuckled softly.
I don't know how you handle being around Zuriel, he said lightly. He's the grumpiest mage I know. He's kind every once in a blue moon, but it's rare. Still, you have to admit he's one of Sir Nathaniel's best students.
I know he's grumpy and hot-headed, I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. But he can be kind sometimes. Honestly, I think it's just his magic. Since he uses fire, maybe it makes his head burn all the time---that's why he's always angry. I mean, look at him. Even his crop top has a red flame design, right? It's like he's supposed to be a hothead.
Lucien laughed, clearly amused. I like you already. We should be friends. After all, neither of us are officially Nathaniel's students yet. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit embarrassed. I still haven't passed the final trial. To be honest, I didn't even want to be a sorcerer, so you know how it is.
I look at zuriel and he still Zuriel leaned against the wall and let out a small, annoyed snort.
I didn't say it out loud, but the thought slipped into my mind anyway.
If he hasn't even passed the student trial yet… can he really help me?
I tilted my head slightly. What do you mean you're not exactly a student yet?
Lucien crouched near me and gently took my hand, examining the strange sigil still glowing faintly on my skin. His touch was careful, almost clinical.
Well… I don't do well with structured learning, he admitted. I always wanted to live like a normal human instead of diving fully into magic.
He flipped open a small leather notebook, jotting something down while glancing at the mark.
But the real reason… He paused.
I was born with a powerful spiritual ability. Too powerful, honestly.
He looked at me briefly before returning his focus to the sigil.
When I was young, I once drew a paper doll and cut it out. Then, just by thinking about it, I made it dance. No spells. No chants. Just my mind.
I stayed quiet, watching his expression carefully.
My parents saw it, he continued, his voice softer now. They were deeply religious.
To them, anything that didn't come from their god was evil. Witchcraft. A sign of demons. They started calling me 'child of the demon.' They were afraid of me.
His expression dimmed as he traced the edge of the mark on my hand, his eyes sharp and calculating.
That's why you wanted to live normally,
I said quietly. Because you weren't accepted by your own family.
Lucien nodded slowly. Exactly.
He scribbled a few more notes and gently rotated my hand.
This mark… it's complex. It's not just a curse. There's something watching through it. I'm trying to find a way to remove it safely without triggering whatever's connected to it.
Zuriel stayed silent against the wall, arms crossed. But his eyes never left Lucien's hands.
I swallowed. You really think you can help me?
Lucien gave me a small, steady smile. I'll do my best. Even if I'm not officially a student… I didn't come here to fail.
Lucien gave me a small, steady smile. I'll do my best. Even if I'm not officially a student yet... I didn't come here to fail.
Master Nathaniel trusts me, so I need you to stay still, okay? he added. I'm going to remove the sigil. Sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn't.
I felt a spark of fear at the mention of pain, but I tried to shake it off. Whatever, I told myself. I hope I'll be fine.
He knelt closer, his hand hovering just above mine, faint light gathering around his fingers as he began working on the seal embedded in my skin.
I barely noticed.
My thoughts were already drifting somewhere else, pulling me inward like a tide I couldn't fight.
Why can't I remember…?
I squeezed my eyes shut.
I disappeared… and came back with gaps. Entire pieces missing. How do memories just vanish like that?
A flicker.
The vision returned
unclear, but familiar. A dark place swallowed in shadows. Even now, it made my skin crawl.
Then it came again.
Blue fire.
It burned vividly in my mind, brighter than anything else. Not warm cold. Sharp. Beautiful.
That flame… why does it feel familiar? Like I've seen it before. Or… felt it?
My heart started pounding as I focused harder.
A shape emerged from the fire. A person. A man, maybe----it was hard to tell. The flames didn't just surround him.
They came from him.
Blue fire bloomed from his open palm.
Is that his magic?
A strange thought followed.
Or is it mine?
The moment froze, suspended like a breath waiting to be released.
Then----
A voice.
---
Soft. Sharp. Inside my head.
My voice?
But not exactly.
You forgot what you had to exchange to go back.
My eyes snapped open. My breath caught in my throat.
Lucien glanced up. You alright?
I couldn't answer.
Everything has its price.
My pulse thundered in my ears. That voice—it wasn't just familiar.
It was mine.
But twisted. Warped. Like a memory buried too deep, forcing its way back to the surface
Heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor.
Zuriel.
His steps were sharp and deliberate—each one louder than necessary. Typical Zuriel. He always walked like the ground personally offended him. His golden hair, streaked with teal, caught the flickering lamplight as he rounded the corner, the piercings on his ears and lip glinting faintly.
Without a word, he walked up to Lucien and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
Hey. Did you finally figure it out? It's been over an hour since you started working on the damn sigil,he said gruffly.
Lucien didn't look up. His wavy blond hair fell slightly over his brow as he stayed focused. The glow around his hands pulsed brighter, his lips moving in silent incantation. His light brown eyes never left the runes on my skin.
Zuriel crossed his arms and let out a low, irritated breath. Tch.
A few more seconds passed in thick silence.
Then, with a final flick of his fingers and a sharp crackle of light, Lucien finished the spell.
The mark on my palm faded dissolving like smoke.
It's done, he said quietly.
He looked up at me. You're free now, Gehan. You can step out of the circle.
His gaze shifted to the glowing runes etched into the floor.
Out of Zuriel's magic circle, he added dryly.
Zuriel snorted. Yeah, yeah. You're welcome.
I stood slowly, flexing my hand, staring at the place where the sigil used to be. My fingers trembled slightly. I hadn't realized how tense I'd been.
I looked at Lucien really looked at him.
…Thank you, Lucien. For not giving up.
For a brief moment, the cool steadiness in his eyes softened.
He nodded once. Anytime.
Zuriel rolled his eyes. Sentimental already, huh… he muttered.
Neither of us responded.
The silence felt… lighter now.
---
Zuriel crossed his arms, his wand tapping lightly against his elbow. The flame patterns on his red shirt seemed to flicker in the low light.
Master Nathaniel sent word, he said. We need to move. Now. He's already near some strange town. Didn't explain much. Just said we're supposed to bring you.
His teal eyes settled on me serious, but not harsh.
He was clear about that part. You're coming.
Lucien stepped closer, voice gentler. Are you feeling okay, Gehan? We can't leave you behind. Not like this.
II thought I was going home, I muttered. You broke the seal, didn't you? I should be safe now. Even from... whoever took me.
All I wanted was to rest and figure out where the heck I went when I was missing. But then I remembered what Master Nathaniel said earlier that he would help me. I froze, thinking about it for a minute.
The quiet stretched between us. Heavy. Waiting.controlled.
You're not safe. Not yet. Whatever is happening... you're connected to it. Nathaniel knows it. I know it. Even if you don't remember everything.
He paused, looking even more serious.
And the cult that kidnapped you? There's still no sign of them. If you leave now, they might just take you again.
I looked away, my jaw tightening.
Then he added, quieter this time
I'm not letting you face it alone.
I blinked.
That didn't sound like him.
For a moment, I searched his face, expecting sarcasm. But there wasn't any. No smirk. No teasing edge.
Just honesty.
…Fine, I said finally. Can I borrow your phone again?
Let's go, I said. But I need to call my mom and tell her I'm going somewhere with my new friends.
I knew it would just make her worry all over again. She'd probably think the people who kidnapped me earlier were the 'friends' I was talking about now. But whatever
He rolled his eyes. Oh, great. Can't wait to meet the whole family.
Lucien let out a quiet laugh. Try not to scare her, Gehan. She probably thinks you're still at the hospital recovering.
Zuriel muttered under his breath, She's about to think her daughter joined a cult.
And somehow… despite everything
I almost smiled.
I wonder what is Sir Nathaniel is doing now?
The council chamber shimmered with candlelight and layered magic. Carved stone walls glowed faintly with ancient protective sigils, their light pulsing like a quiet heartbeat beneath the surface.
At the center stood Sir Nathaniel calm, composed, dressed in a deep blue robe lined with intricate Siquijor water patterns. At his waist hung a round blue gemstone streaked with veins of gold, glowing softly. It was the core of his healing power, born from the waters of his island home.
Beside him stood Eris of House Vermilion.
Her long violet-to-pink hair fell over a fitted pink corset and skirt, black shorts visible beneath. A slender rapier rested at her side. She stood tall and steady no longer just a student, but Nathaniel's most trusted aide. Her sharp gaze studied the council with quiet precision.
You were summoned, the eldest councilor spoke, his voice echoing through the chamber. About the village.
Nathaniel bowed respectfully. Yes, Councilor. There is a settlement on the edge of the city. The sick travel there seeking treatment. They return healed but some… begin to change.
A faint tension stirred in the room.
Change how? another councilor asked.
They wander at night, Nathaniel replied evenly. They develop a craving for meat. Some lose fragments of their memory. One was found consuming raw flesh and could not explain why. He paused briefly. There is a pattern forming. I believe we may be dealing with Yanggaw.
A low murmur rippled through the chamber.
Eris leaned slightly toward him, her voice barely above a whisper. Do you want to elaborate?
Nathaniel kept his gaze forward. Not yet. If we say too much without proof, it will cause panic.
A younger councilor frowned. There were no bite marks?
No,Nathaniel said grimly. That is precisely what makes this dangerous. If my suspicions are correct, the transformation is being triggered through food. Someone may be mixing aswang saliva into meals creating a delayed ritual infection. The victims feel nothing… until it's too late.
A heavier silence followed.
And then? the elder pressed.
The old accounts speak of a black chick hatching within the body, Nathaniel said carefully. Once the infected taste blood of an animal or human flesh the change accelerates. Reversal becomes nearly impossible. Especially if the transformation completes at night.
The eldest councilor's eyes narrowed. And who will you send to investigate?
I have already spoken with my top student, Zuriel, and with trainee Lucien, Nathaniel replied. They will travel to the town. They will not go alone.
The girl, another councilor muttered. Gehan.
That girl is unstable.
She is alive, Nathaniel answered calmly. And she may be key to understanding what is unfolding.
He did not mention the Book of Nephilim.
He did not speak of the way her reflection once failed to mirror her eyes.
Some truths were just too dangerous for this room.
Eris glanced sideways at him. Are you truly sending them without you?
Nathaniel's gaze shifted briefly to meet hers. Steady. Certain.
I will follow shortly, he said. But I need to observe how they move without my presence first.
Because of her? Eris asked quietly.
Nathaniel did not respond.
He didn't have to.
We expect answers, Sir Nathaniel,the eldest councilor said. This infection cannot spread.
Nathaniel's expression remained controlled.
But before he could reply, Eris murmured under her breath
It already is.