Capítulo 1: Chapter 1: Julian Edelman
A faint, rhythmic tapping echoed in Julian's ears, blending seamlessly with the warmth of soft, silken sheets beneath him. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim morning light that seeped through the curtains. The first thing he noticed was the scent—sweet and floral, like jasmine. Then came the voice, delicate yet edged with urgency.
"Julian! Wake up!"
He blinked, disoriented for just a moment before the fog cleared. The girl beside him—slim, with chestnut hair cascading in wet waves over her shoulders—was shaking him, her wide brown eyes filled with panic. She was wrapped in nothing but a towel, her skin still damp from the shower.
"Come on, Julian! You have to get out of here!"
Julian's lips curled into a lazy smile. "You know, Claire, it's a bit early for all this excitement."
Claire huffed, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she tugged at his arm. "This isn't a joke! Marcus is here! He's knocking on the door!"
That snapped Julian into full awareness. He sat up, taking a moment to admire the girl's flustered expression. "Marcus, huh? You do realize this isn't the first time he's caught us?"
Claire bit her lip, the guilt evident in her gaze. "I know, I know… but I just…"
"Couldn't resist?" Julian finished for her, his voice teasing as he leaned closer, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I can't really blame you."
Claire's blush deepened, but she didn't pull away. Instead, her eyes darted toward the door as another series of knocks echoed through the room, louder this time, more insistent.
Julian sighed, slipping out of bed with practiced ease. "Alright, alright. I guess I'll make my exit." He stood, stretching lazily before grabbing his clothes from the floor. "Though, I must say, your boyfriend's timing is impeccable."
Claire's expression softened, but there was still that undercurrent of worry. "Please be careful."
Julian chuckled, pulling on his shirt with an air of nonchalance. "I always am."
The door rattled as Marcus's voice boomed from the hallway. "Claire! Open up!"
Julian's smile never wavered. He finished dressing and moved toward the balcony, but not before placing a quick kiss on Claire's lips. "See you around, Princess."
Claire watched him with a mix of relief and regret as he slipped out onto the balcony. Julian didn't even bother looking back as he vaulted over the railing with the agility of someone who had done this far too many times before. He landed on the street below with a soft thud, dusting off his hands as if nothing had happened.
He strolled away casually, blending into the crowd, his mind already spinning with possibilities. The shouts and banging from above faded into the background, replaced by the usual hustle and bustle of the city. Julian's face, with its gentle smile and honest eyes, was the very picture of innocence—something that never ceased to amuse him.
He had always been good at wearing masks, and the one he wore now was his favorite. The kind, considerate student; the helpful friend; the boy next door who could do no wrong. People saw what they wanted to see—a harmless, gentle soul. But underneath it all, Julian was something else entirely.
He thrived on manipulation, on the thrill of bending others to his will without them ever realizing it. Watching their lives unravel while they still smiled at him, trusting him, was a game he never grew tired of. But games like these came with a price. Once his cover was blown, it was time to move on, to start over in a new school, with new faces to deceive.
He sighed, slipping his hands into his pockets as he walked. "Well, looks like it's that time again. Another transfer, another fresh start."
The thought didn't bother him in the slightest. In fact, it excited him. Each new beginning was a blank canvas, just waiting for him to paint whatever picture he desired. And if he happened to ruin a few lives along the way, well, that was just a bonus.
Julian was eighteen, young enough to be underestimated, yet old enough to know exactly how to play the game. His good looks helped, of course—his angelic features and soft-spoken nature disarmed even the most cautious of people. But it was his mind, sharp and calculating, that truly set him apart. He knew exactly how to twist the truth, how to exploit weaknesses, how to make people dance on the strings he held.
As he continued down the street, lost in thought, something strange happened. A tingling sensation crept up his spine, making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He paused, frowning as he glanced around, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Then, suddenly, the ground beneath his feet began to glow. A circle of light appeared, intricate symbols etched into the pavement, swirling around him. Julian's heart skipped a beat. He opened his mouth to speak, to shout, but the words died on his lips as a voice—a woman's voice—filled his mind.
"By the ancient pact, we summon thee, O Hero, to deliver us from darkness and despair…"
The light grew blinding, forcing Julian to shield his eyes. He felt the world tilt, as if the very fabric of reality was being pulled away from him. For the first time in a long while, Julian felt something close to fear.
And then, just as quickly as it had begun, it stopped.
Julian slowly lowered his arm, blinking against the sudden darkness. His breath hitched as he realized he was no longer standing in the street. The city, the noise, the familiar sights—all of it was gone. Instead, he found himself in a dimly lit room, the air thick with the scent of incense. Candles flickered on stone walls, casting eerie shadows that danced around him.
He looked down at his feet, where the glowing magic circle was slowly fading, its light dimming until it vanished completely. Julian's eyes widened, taking in the robed figures that surrounded him, their faces hidden beneath deep hoods. He was in the center of the room, on a raised platform, with dozens of eyes watching him intently.
"What the…"
Before he could finish, a figure stepped forward. A girl—no, a young woman, with flowing blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She wore a pink dress adorned with gold, and despite the intimidating surroundings, she looked at him with a smile that was nothing short of radiant.
"Welcome, O Hero," she said, her voice as gentle as a breeze. "I am Princess Amira Carlan, second princess of the Kingdom of Carlan. You have been summoned to the world of Eteria, to aid us in our darkest hour."
Julian stared at her, his mind racing to catch up with what was happening. Hero? Eteria? Summoned?
He glanced around, taking in the medieval decor, the solemn expressions of the robed figures, the ornate tapestries that lined the walls. This wasn't a dream, and it certainly wasn't the world he knew.
Princess Amira stepped closer, her smile never faltering. "Please, do not be afraid. We have called upon you because we believe you are the one who can save our world."
Julian's lips parted, but no words came out. He was too stunned, too disoriented to form a coherent thought.
A hero, she called him. But if only she knew the truth.
The last remnants of the magic circle faded into the stone, leaving only the echoes of her words in his mind.
A hero… or perhaps something far more dangerous.
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
Wet_Noodle
Wet_Noodle 08/15/2024
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder