The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the palace of the Luminari. Emperor Calix sat on his throne, his eyes clouded with worry as he gazed out at the crumbling city beyond the palace walls. The once-great dynasty was faltering, and he knew it was only a matter of time before the Shadow Empire struck.
The palace was a labyrinth of marble corridors and opulent chambers, but it was a hollow shell of its former self. The Luminari had ruled Selûnia for centuries, their power and magic unmatched. But now, the empire was crumbling, and the Shadow Empire was waiting in the shadows to strike.
Aria, his youngest daughter, stood before him, her eyes flashing with determination. "Father, I won't let the Shadow Empire take over," she vowed, her voice firm.
Calix's eyes softened as he looked at his daughter. Aria was a talented young sorceress, with a natural affinity for the forbidden arts. He had been grooming her to take over the throne, but he knew that she was not yet ready to face the Shadow Empire.
"Aria, you're not yet ready to face the Shadow Empire," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You need to master the forbidden arts, and-"
A commotion at the door interrupted him. Lady Lirien, Aria's mentor, burst in, her face pale. "Emperor, the Shadow King has made his move. He's taken the eastern provinces, and his armies are marching towards the capital."
Aria's heart skipped a beat as she realized the gravity of the situation. The fate of the Luminari dynasty hung in the balance, and she was the only one who could save it.
Calix's eyes hardened as he stood up. "We will not go down without a fight," he declared. "Aria, I want you to begin training with Lady Lirien immediately. You must master the forbidden arts if you hope to-"
But Aria was already gone, racing out of the throne room to begin her training. She knew that she had to be ready to face the Shadow Empire, no matter the cost.
As she left the throne room, Aria felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would save her dynasty, and she would save Selûnia. The Shadow Empire would not take over, not while she was alive.