Shadow Being System

The golden rays of the morning sun bathed the grand palace as Eleanor's carriage rolled through the grand gates. Her heart raced with excitement at the sight of home—the magnificent Spanish palace with its intricate carvings, sprawling gardens, and tall spires standing proudly against the blue sky.

Eleanor leaned forward, a smile breaking across her face as the familiar scent of roses reached her. Her family's touch was everywhere in the palace, from the warm tones of its walls to the joyful energy it radiated.

As the carriage stopped, the grand doors of the palace opened, and her elder sister, Isabella, came rushing out. She was as radiant as ever, her dark curls bouncing as she ran, her green dress shimmering in the sunlight.

"Eleanor!" Isabella called, arms wide open.

Eleanor barely had time to step out before her sister enveloped her in a tight hug. Find adventures on empire

"You're late!" Isabella teased, pulling back to look at her. "Did you get lost at the academy, little sister?"

"I missed the carriage," Eleanor replied with mock seriousness, "because I was too busy saving the academy from disaster."

Isabella laughed, poking Eleanor in the side. "I'm sure you did. Tell me, did the handsome boys fall at your feet in gratitude?"

Eleanor rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing. "If they did, I didn't notice."

Before Isabella could tease her further, their parents appeared in the doorway. King Felipe and Queen Elizabeth were a picture of elegance and warmth. The king's strong figure was softened by his easy smile, and the queen's eyes sparkled with delight as she walked toward her daughters.

"Welcome home, my darling," Queen Elizabeth said, pulling Eleanor into a gentle embrace. "We've missed you so much."

"And it seems you've grown taller," King Felipe added, his voice filled with pride. "Are they feeding you properly at that academy?"

Eleanor laughed. "They're feeding me well enough, Father, but nothing compares to the meals here."

The king chuckled, patting her shoulder. "Good answer. Come inside; breakfast is ready, and your sister has been eagerly awaiting your stories."

As they walked into the palace, Eleanor felt a surge of happiness. The grand halls, adorned with paintings and tapestries, felt alive with the love and laughter of her family.

Over breakfast, Eleanor recounted her time at the academy—leaving out the darker moments, of course. Isabella listened intently, her chin resting on her hands, occasionally interrupting with dramatic gasps or playful remarks.

"So," Isabella said, grinning mischievously, "no secret admirers? No late-night rendezvous under the moonlight?"

"None," Eleanor replied, shaking her head. "But I did win a sparring match against one of the top students."

"Of course you did!" King Felipe said, pride evident in his voice. "That's my girl."

As the day went on, Eleanor found herself falling back into the rhythm of palace life. She joined Isabella for a walk in the gardens, where they reminisced about their childhood and exchanged stories. Isabella teased her endlessly, but her love was evident in every word.

Later, as the sun set, Eleanor sat with her parents in the drawing room. The king and queen listened patiently as she shared her thoughts about the academy and the things she had learned.

"You've grown so much," Queen Elizabeth said, her voice filled with emotion. "It's clear that the academy has shaped you into a strong and confident young woman."

"But never forget," King Felipe added, "that you have a home here, and a family that loves you no matter where life takes you."

Eleanor smiled, her heart full. She had been nervous about returning, but now she realized that there was nothing to fear. Her family's love was her anchor, and with their support, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

That night, as she lay in her childhood bed, Eleanor gazed out the window at the stars. She thought of the academy, her friends, and the adventures yet to come. But for now, she was content. She was home.

__________________________

Gavin's Arrival at the Football Club

The air was thick with the sound of whistles, shouts, and the steady thud of a football being kicked around. Gavin stood at the entrance of the club, the towering gates decorated with the emblem of his team—a roaring lion clutching a football. This wasn't just a club to him; it was his home, his sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world.

The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the field as players practiced tirelessly. Gavin tightened the strap of his duffel bag on his shoulder and walked through the gates, his cleats clicking softly on the pavement.

As he made his way toward the locker room, a familiar voice called out.

"Gavin!"

He turned to see Coach Morales, his mentor and father figure, standing near the sidelines with a clipboard in hand. The coach's rugged face broke into a smile, his whistle dangling from his neck.

"You're late, kid," Morales said, though his tone was more amused than reprimanding.

"Sorry, Coach," Gavin replied, grinning. "Got held up on the way."

"Well, get changed. The boys are warming up. You know the drill."

Gavin nodded and headed into the locker room. The familiar smell of sweat and leather greeted him as he entered, and the walls were plastered with posters of legendary matches and inspirational quotes.

His teammates were already there, laughing and joking as they laced up their boots.

"Hey, look who decided to show up!" one of them, Lucas, teased. He was the team's striker and Gavin's best friend.

"Better late than never," Gavin shot back, tossing his bag onto the bench.

"You ready for tomorrow's match?" asked another teammate, Marco.

"Always," Gavin replied, a confident smirk on his face.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He changed quickly, pulling on his jersey with the club's logo over his chest. The number 10 was stitched on the back—a symbol of the responsibility and respect he carried as the team's playmaker.

Once outside, the field felt like freedom. The turf beneath his feet, the ball at his toes—it was where he belonged.

"Alright, boys!" Coach Morales shouted. "Circle up!"

The team gathered around, their energy electric. Gavin felt a surge of pride looking at his teammates. This wasn't just a group of players; they were his family.

"Tomorrow's match is a big one," Morales began. "I don't want you going out there thinking it's just another game. Play like it's the final, because that's how we win."

The players nodded, their determination palpable. Gavin met Lucas's gaze, and they exchanged a nod.

After the pep talk, practice began. Gavin moved like he was born on the field—his passes sharp, his control effortless. He orchestrated the team's movements, setting up plays and shouting commands. The younger players looked up to him, and even the older ones respected his skill and composure.

As the sky darkened and the floodlights buzzed to life, Gavin stayed behind after practice. The field was empty now, save for him and Coach Morales, who stood watching from the sidelines.

"You've come a long way, Gavin," Morales said, his voice low but proud. "You've got the talent, but more importantly, you've got the heart."

"Thanks, Coach," Gavin said, kicking the ball lightly.

"You remind me of myself when I was your age," Morales continued. "But remember, this game isn't just about skill. It's about teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Don't forget that."

"I won't," Gavin promised.

As he left the field that night, the cool breeze brushing against his face, Gavin felt at peace. This club wasn't just where he played football—it was where he grew, where he belonged.

The world outside might be uncertain, but here, under the glow of the floodlights and the roar of the crowd, Gavin knew exactly who he was.

(Pls check out my other book, Demon Being System)