73 Results in the "A Blossom of Flames" category
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Chapter
Chapter 1 – The Burning Tower
Would she ever get enough of it? Even though she knew she was late again, Valentina stood in awe and admired the view. Although she had been at Bridgewater University for several months now, she still hadn’t lost that sense of wonder. The autumn sun bathed the mighty towers of the university's fortifications in a warm golden light. The massive stone walls, their architecture interwoven with shimmering lines of essence, rose majestically into the sky before her. At the center of the sprawling campus stood…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 18 – Confessions
As she walked down the corridor, on her way to her next class, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind her. She turned and saw Crispin coming towards her, his face a mixture of nervousness and determination. "Valentina," he called, slightly out of breath. "Can I have a word with you?" Valentina stopped and turned to Crispin. The slight young man stood before her, his cheeks flushed, his hands clutching nervously at the straps of his worn leather bag. The dim light from the Essence lamps in the…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 45 – The Red Sash
As Valentina slowly awoke from her slumber, she could already smell a cool whiff of incense that were using during the Martyrium celebrations. "Ah, the smell of religious hypocrisy in the morning," Vyxara whispered in Valentina's head, the demon's voice full of mockery and amusement. "Nothing like a hot stew of guilt and self-sacrifice for breakfast, is there, little Weaver?" Valentina sighed softly and sat up, taking her worn wooden amulet of the Burning Tower from her drawer. "It's more than that,…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 27 – The First Round
Valentina blinked, still dazed from sleep, as the realization hit her: Today was the day. The first round of the Greystone Competition was coming up. She sat up with a soft groan, her body protesting against the abrupt movement. The last few weeks of intensive preparation had left their mark. Dark circles appeared under her eyes, betraying thecountless nights she had spent awake, reading, and learning. "Good morning, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered in her head, the demon's voice velvety and seductive as…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 55 – Unraveled
The next morning, Valentina woke up with a queasy feeling in her stomach. The encounter with Innogen the night before was weighing heavily on her mind. As she got ready for the day, she couldn't stop thinking about it. "You worry too much, little Weaver," muttered Vyxara. "She didn't see anything. You met in a corridor at night, that's all." "I hope you're right," Valentina whispered as she plaited her hair into a neat braid. In the dining room at breakfast, Valentina immediately felt Innogen's gaze on…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 37 – Across the Table
The next morning, Valentina let her eyes wander over the crowd in search of an empty seat for breakfast and froze when she spotted Crispin at the other end of the hall. Their eyes met for a moment and Valentina felt a blush rise to her face. Crispin smiled shyly and beckoned her over. Heart pounding, she made her way through the crowd. "Good morning, Val," Crispin said as she sat down. His voice sounded an octave higher than usual and he avoided looking her directly in the eye. "Morning, Crispin,"…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 64 – Weaving Fates
The next pattern hovered between them, more labyrinthine still than the previous ones. Valentina noticed Faustus' hand twitch to a bulging, misshapen pouch on his belt, probably where he had hidden the Eye of Deceit. "Here it comes," warned Vyxara. "Let's see how he likes our little surprise." Faustus' eyes narrowed in concentration. His fingers moved in precise patterns, obviously activating the artifact. But instead of the expected distortion... nothing. "What...?" he mumbled in confusion and tried…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 19 – Call of Competition
Valentina took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders before knocking on the heavy oak door of the Decanate. Her heart beat wildly in her chest, and she felt her palms grow damp. "Easy, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered in her head. "You have nothing to fear." "Come in!" a deep, authoritative voice sounded from inside. Valentina opened the door with trembling hands and stepped inside. The Decan's office was an impressive room, clearly displaying the power and influence of its occupant. Tall…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 46 – Eve of Martyrium
The Burning Tower, not only Bridgewater University's Flametowerbut one of the largest in the kingdom, was filled to capacity. Hundreds of candles and torches bathed the room in a warm, flickering light that was caught in the beautifully woven tapestries. The scent of incense hung heavy in the air, mingling with the soft rustling of robes and the hushed murmur of the assembled students and professors. Valentina, Innogen and Crispin found seats in one of the back rows. From here, they had a good view of the…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Chapter 28 – The Turning Point
"Spit it out peasant girl," Faustus Boarfend snarled. He broke away from the group and stood in front of Valentina, his face contorted into a condescending expression. "How exactly are you cheating?" Valentina felt her stomach tighten. She had hoped to avoid this confrontation. "I've worked hard, Faustus," she said calmly, trying to keep her voice neutral. Faustus laughed humorlessly. "Worked hard? And under which professor's body did you work so hard? Horne? Veilford? No one makes such progress in such…-
459.3 K • Ongoing
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