A Royal Summons

The courtyard of the academy was silent as everyone processed the elven princess’s words. A prophecy? The Seven Thrones? Priyam had barely come to terms with his powers, and now he was being tied to a fate older than time itself?

Evelyne was the first to react, stepping in front of Priyam protectively. “Princess Lyria, with all due respect, what exactly does your kingdom want with Priyam?”

Lyria’s violet eyes didn’t waver. “The Elven High Council has long known of the prophecy concerning the Nameless One’s return. However, recent magical disturbances—like the storm Priyam unleashed—confirm that events are accelerating. We believe he may be the one foretold to either break the cycle… or become its greatest pawn.”

Priyam let out a bitter laugh. “So I’m either a savior or a disaster waiting to happen?”

Lyria’s expression softened, if only slightly. “That depends on the choices you make. That is why I have come. The elven kingdom of Sylveria invites you to our lands, where you will learn the truth of your existence.”

Malakar, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. “Sylveria is not an easy journey. The forest is alive, and it does not take kindly to outsiders.” His gaze turned to Lyria. “Are you saying the council is willing to let him enter freely?”

Lyria gave a slight nod. “Not just him. I extend the invitation to one companion of his choosing. However, be warned—once we cross into the heart of Sylveria, there is no turning back.”

Priyam felt Evelyne’s hand tighten on his sleeve. She didn’t say anything, but he could tell she was worried.

A part of him wanted to refuse. He barely understood his situation, and now an entire kingdom wanted him to step into their ancient lands?

But deep down, he knew he couldn’t ignore this. If the elves had answers, then he needed to hear them.

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He took a deep breath and looked at Lyria. “Alright. I’ll go.”

Lyria’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “Good.”

The Journey to Sylveria

Two days later, Priyam and Evelyne stood at the edge of the Emerald Veil, the legendary enchanted forest that surrounded Sylveria. The trees stretched impossibly high, their leaves glowing softly in the twilight. Strange, luminescent creatures darted between the branches, their forms shifting like wisps of magic.

“This place looks straight out of a fairy tale,” Priyam murmured.

Evelyne, still on edge, kept her staff ready. “A fairy tale that can kill you if you step in the wrong place.”

Lyria, who had been guiding them, chuckled softly. “A fair warning. The forest chooses who it allows passage. If you stray from the path, you may find yourself walking in circles for eternity.”

Priyam gulped. “Great. No pressure.”

As they walked deeper, the air changed. It felt… alive. Every step they took, the trees seemed to shift, as if watching them. The wind carried whispers—too faint to understand, but impossible to ignore.

Suddenly, a soft chime rang through the air, and the trees parted ahead of them. Beyond lay a city unlike anything Priyam had ever seen.

Sylveria.

Golden bridges wove between massive trees, forming pathways in the air. Crystal-clear waterfalls flowed from floating islands, their waters feeding into glowing lakes below. The buildings, carved from living wood and embedded with magical gemstones, pulsed with a faint energy. It was as if the city itself was alive, breathing with the forest.

Priyam couldn’t help but stare in awe. “This is… unbelievable.”

Evelyne, usually composed, was also wide-eyed. “I never thought I’d see it in my lifetime.”

Lyria turned to them. “Welcome to the heart of the elven kingdom. And now, your true journey begins.”

The Test of the Oracle

Priyam barely had time to process everything before Lyria led them to a towering structure at the city’s center—the Oracle’s Sanctum.

Inside, a massive tree with silver bark and glowing blue leaves stood in the middle of the hall. It radiated a presence so powerful that Priyam could feel his very soul tremble.

An elderly elf, draped in robes of stardust and moonlight, stood before them. Her eyes, pure white with no pupils, locked onto Priyam immediately.

“You have finally arrived,” she said, her voice layered with echoes.

Priyam felt a shiver run down his spine. “You were expecting me?”

The Oracle nodded. “The prophecy foretold your coming. But before we reveal what lies ahead… you must prove yourself.”

Priyam narrowed his eyes. “Prove myself how?”

The Oracle raised her hand. “By stepping into the Well of Memories and reliving the past.”

Before Priyam could question further, the ground beneath him glowed, and he felt his body being pulled into a swirling vortex of light.

His consciousness faded.

And then—

He saw a war. A war that should not have been possible.

A battlefield of burning skies, where dragons clashed against angels. Where elves and humans fought side by side against an unseen enemy.

A name echoed through the void.

Priyam.

Not his voice. Not his name.

But a name that had belonged to someone before him.

A name that had been forgotten.

And a name that should have never been remembered.

To Be Continued…