In Nyx's chambers in the Imago Cabal base, Nyx and Kinsey stood in the center of the dim, candlelit room, Sylvie on the side.

“Young one, you will now be learning what is known as ‘Dark Void Magic’, a superior upgrade to ordinary Void Magic,” Nyx said to Kinsey in her usual somber voice.

By contrast, Sylvie spoke up in her vivacious, teasing voice, “After all, you can't get revenge on the so-called friends who turned their backs on you, right~?”

Kinsey, her tone low and cold, spoke up after a brief silence. “You're right. I don't need them to save Kairy. I can save her all by myself. They don't need me, I don't need them either.”

"That's the spirit, young one." Nyx said, nodding in approval at Kinsey's determination. She approached Kinsey and placed a hand on her shoulder, her touch heavy with power and authority, "You have a fire within you, a drive for vengeance, and that is exactly what we need."

Nyx motioned for Sylvie to stand back, indicating that she wanted a few moments alone with Kinsey.

"Tell me, Kinsey, why do you seek to save this 'Kairy'?”

Sylvie pouted slightly, but nevertheless went silent and took a few steps back as Nyx requested, watching silently from the sidelines.

Nyx's question hung in the air, expecting an answer from Kinsey. The silence was thick, only being broken by the soft crackling of the nearby candles.

Nyx studied Kinsey intently, reading her facial expression and body language, trying to gauge her answer. Her hand still rested on Kinsey's shoulder, a firm but reassuring presence.

"It would be wise to be honest, young one. Your intentions are as important to me as your abilities." Nyx said, her voice calm, but with an underlying tone of warning.

Kinsey hesitated for a moment, her expression a mixture of defiance and stubbornness, as if she didn't like the idea of opening up. But she took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice low and resentful.

"Kairy has been my friend for years," Kinsey started, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and pain. "She was always there for me, supporting me through everything. We were inseparable.”

As Kinsey continued, her aura began to grow dark and cold, her voice becoming a light growl.

"But then another person came along... Alice and her friends, they forgot all about me. The new girl stole their hearts and, instead of talking things out and helping me get over the feeling of loneliness, they left me all by myself. Forgotten and abandoned.”

Nyx listened to Kinsey's explanation, her eyes never leaving her face. Her expression was a mix of understanding and determination. She understood the feeling of abandonment and betrayal, and she knew how it could fuel someone's motivation.

"I see," Nyx said slowly, nodding her head. "You feel abandoned, and you blame Alice and her friends for the loss of your friend, Kairy."

Nyx removed her hand from Kinsey's shoulder, pacing slowly around her.

"But," Nyx continued, her tone becoming more stern, "Vengeance alone is not enough to ensure your victory. You need discipline, skill, and the knowledge only I can give you."

Nyx stepped closer to Kinsey again, her eyes fixed on her with a challenging look.

"Do you have what it takes, Kinsey? Are you willing to become a dark mage, to do whatever it takes to get revenge on those who abandoned you and save your friend, Kairy?”

Kinsey met Nyx's gaze defiantly, her eyes full of determination and resolve.

"Yes," she said fiercely, her voice firm and steady. "I'll do anything, learn anything, just to show them. They won't get away with abandoning me, making me feel worthless and forgotten."

Kinsey clenched her fists, the fire of her anger burning bright. "Just watch me, Nyx. I'll show them the power of the Darkness, and they'll regret leaving me behind.”

Nyx's lips curled into a satisfied smile, pleased by Kinsey's response. She nodded in approval, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.

"Very well then," Nyx said, holding her hand out towards a nearby shelf. With a flick of her wrist, a few old-looking books floated off the shelf and hovered near Kinsey.

"These books will be your starting point,” Nyx explained, gesturing towards the floating tomes. "They will teach you the basics of Dark Void Magic, the foundation of your power.”

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

There were five tomes in total, each one looking old and worn out, yet still holding a certain air of mystique and power.

"They cover topics such as manipulation of the Dark forces, the summoning of creatures from the Twilight Void, and the art of drawing and channeling the essence of Darkness within yourself."

Nyx looked at Kinsey, expecting her to grab a book. "You may choose any of them to start.”

Kinsey eyed the floating tomes with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. She was eager to learn the basics of Dark Void Magic, yet a part of her hesitated. This would change her forever.

After a moment, she reached out and gingerly took one of the tomes, feeling the texture of the worn leather cover and the weight of the pages as she opened it. As she looked down at the first page, Kinsey couldn't help but shiver, the power of the Darkness already palpable in her hands.

As Kinsey opened up the book, she was met with a rich black ink against the cream-colored paper. The first page was a simple introduction, outlining the basics of Dark Void Magic and what to expect from the tome.

Nyx watched Kinsey as she flipped through the book, a satisfied look on her face. "Remember, young one," Nyx said, her tone a mix of warning and encouragement, "the journey you're about to embark on will not be easy. It will test your limits, push you to the brink and expose the darkest corners of your soul. But it will also reveal your true potential, the untapped power lying dormant within you. Embrace the Darkness, Kinsey. Let it fill you, guide you, and shape you into the dark mage you were meant to be."

Sylvie, who had silently been observing the scene, spoke up in her usual teasing tone. "Just remember, little Kinsey, the Darkness won't hold your hand and make things easy for you. It demands sacrifice and dedication.”

Kinsey looked up from the tome in her hands, her gaze meeting Sylvie's taunting eyes. Her fingers clenched the pages a bit tighter, her jaw setting in determination.

"I know it won't be easy," Kinsey shot back. "But I'm not some fragile little girl that needs her hand held. I'll do whatever it takes, pay whatever price is necessary, if it means I can get my revenge and save Kairy.”

Nyx chuckled softly, her gaze flickering to Sylvie. "A feisty one, isn't she?" Nyx commented, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Sylvie grinned, her tone still playful. "Oh yes, she's certainly got spunk. Perhaps a bit too much for her own good."

Nyx returned her attention back to Kinsey. "You've got fire in you, Kinsey," Nyx said, her tone more serious. "But be warned—the power of the Darkness can be intoxicating, and it has a way of consuming those who wield it without proper discipline. The more you embrace the Darkness, the more it becomes a part of you, until you can't tell where you end and it begins," Nyx continued. "It's a thin line between control and becoming a slave to your own power. Are you sure you're ready for that responsibility, young one?"

Sylvie's eyes lingered on Kinsey, studying her expression and gauging her response to Nyx's words.

Kinsey's expression wavered momentarily, a flicker of doubt passing through her eyes before she hardened her resolve again.

"Yes," she said, her voice firm. "I am ready. I have to be. I've made up my mind, Nyx. I'm not backing down. I know the risks, I know what this could do to me. But I don't care, as long as it gives me the power to get my revenge."

Kinsey's grip on the tome tightened, her knuckles turning white.

I'm ready to embrace the Darkness, no matter the cost, she thought.

Nyx and Sylvie exchanged a glance, both of them knowing that Kinsey's determination was undeniable.

"Very well then," Nyx said, a hint of respect in her voice. "We'll begin your training right away. But remember, young one, this path will test you in ways you can hardly imagine. Are you prepared to face those challenges?"

Sylvie chuckled, her tone slightly mocking. "Think you can handle the Darkness, little Kinsey-Kins?”

Kinsey clenched her jaw, her eyes narrowing at Sylvie's mocking tone. Her frustration simmered just beneath the surface, but she managed to keep her voice even as she responded.

"I'm ready," she said, her voice betraying a hint of irritation. "And I can handle it. I can handle anything that comes my way. I'll do whatever it takes to make those idiots regret ever forgetting about me.”

Nyx's lips curled into a smirk at Kinsey's response. She could sense the anger and determination radiating from the young girl. "Impressive," Nyx praised, her tone holding a hint of admiration.

Sylvie's smirk widened at the sight of Kinsey's frustration. She delighted in taunting her, enjoying the way she riled her up. "That's the spirit, Kinsey! Let the edginess and angst fuel you! The Darkness loves a burning passion!”

Kinsey's eyes darkened at Sylvie's continued taunting. Her temper was nearing a boiling point. But she tried to keep her cool, channeling her anger into a steely determination.

"Shut up, you annoying, half-demon, faerie wannabe," Kinsey snapped back. "You don't know anything about me, or what I'm capable of."

Nyx watched the exchange between the two, enjoying the little sparring match between them.

"Oho, feisty one!" Sylvie exclaimed, her laughter ringing out in the chamber. She clearly enjoyed riling Kinsey up, finding great entertainment in her reactions.

"You have a sharp tongue," Nyx commented, her tone amused. "Be careful though, young one. Anger can be a powerful motivator, but it can also be your downfall."

Sylvie chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Aw, don't be so salty, Kinsey," she mocked. "I'm just having a bit of fun with you, that's all~”

"Your definition of 'fun' is annoying and aggravating," Kinsey shot back, her eyes narrowing at Sylvie once more. The half demon/faerie's smug expression and taunting words were only serving to make her angrier.

"And I'm not salty. I'm just sick of you acting like you're better than me. You're not. You're just an annoying pest.”

Sylvie feigned shock, her hand flying to her chest in mock hurt. "Oh wow, Kinsey, such harsh words!" she exclaimed, her tone filled with theatrical distress. "I'm wounded, truly wounded by your scathing remark. However, I'm pretty sure Cassie has me beat in the ‘annoying’ department; perhaps your anger is misguided~”

"We're not talking about that damn demoness right now, just save your dramatics for someone else," Kinsey retorted, her eyes rolling at Sylvie's over-the-top reaction. "I'm not falling for your little act, show me the ropes already and stop wasting my time."

"Ah, young one," Nyx sighed, "always in a hurry and eager to prove yourself."

She chuckled, amused by Kinsey's impatience. "Patience is a virtue, you know. But I suppose I'll give you a taste of what you're seeking, since you are so eager to get started."

Nyx turned her attention to Sylvie, a small smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Sylvie, be a dear and fetch me the tome on Dark Void Magic."

Sylvie rolled her eyes, but a hint of excitement flickered in her gaze.

"Sure thing, Nyx," Sylvie said with a hint of sarcasm, her tone light. She turned to retrieve the specified book from a nearby shelf, her wings flapping quietly as she moved.

After a moment, she returned to the center of the room, holding the tome on Dark Void Magic in her arms.

"Here you go, boss," she said, presenting the thick, leather-bound book to Nyx, "One how-to guide on harnessing the power of darkness and all that jazz~”

Nyx took the tome from Sylvie, her fingers gently tracing the worn leather cover.

"Thank you, Sylvie," Nyx said, her tone betraying her amusement at the half demon/faerie’s sarcasm.

She looked back at Kinsey, the young mage's gaze fixed on the book in Nyx's hands.

"Now, Kinsey," Nyx said, her tone more serious now. "Before we begin the training, we need to establish a few ground rules.”

"First, and most importantly, you will not use the power of Dark Void Magic impulsively. It is a force that can be very dangerous, and must be controlled and unleashed with care and intention. Do you understand?"

Kinsey nodded, her eyes never leaving the tome, her desire to learn and master its contents burning bright.

Nyx continued, her tone firm. "Good, now secondly, I will be the one deciding how much and what you learn. I need to ensure you're ready and capable before you delve too deeply into the more advanced spells and techniques.”

"And finally," Nyx said," there will be no room for mistakes or disobedience. The world of Dark Void Magic is unforgiving, and it will not hesitate to punish the careless and arrogant. I expect you to follow my instructions without question, no matter what I ask of you. Is that clear?"

Kinsey nodded again, her expression serious and determined.

Sylvie chuckled, shifting on her feet, clearly enjoying watching Kinsey's eagerness to learn.

"Very well," Nyx said, her tone satisfied with Kinsey's agreement. "Then let us begin your training."