The frostbound oath

500 Years Later[Phoenix Palace - Flavia's Room]

Iris walked through the grand halls of the Phoenix Palace, the ornate architecture reflecting the ancient legacy of the Phoenix clan. The palace walls were adorned with intricate carvings of fiery birds, their wings spread wide in a constant dance of flame. The golden hues of the palace flickered and shimmered, casting a soft glow throughout the corridors. As she passed through the grand foyer, the scent of incense and warm, burning embers filled the air, a reminder of the power that flowed through the Phoenix bloodline.

She finally reached Flavia's room, a sanctuary of peace and comfort that stood in contrast to the wild flames outside. Iris entered, her blue robes brushing softly against the stone floor. The robes were intricately designed, a delicate balance of light and dark hues that symbolized both the power and the tranquility of the Phoenix. The hem was embroidered with golden threads in the shape of flames, each one representing the potential of the Phoenix magic within her. Her mother had chosen these robes with care, believing them to be a symbol of Iris's future strength, though Iris didn't feel strong at all.

Flavia was sitting by the window, gazing out at the horizon where the sun dipped beneath the flames of the distant mountains. She turned as Iris entered, her eyes warm but full of concern. "Iris, you're home," she said, her voice filled with a quiet tenderness. "How was your day at the academy?"

Iris paused before answering, the weight of her emotions too much to bear. "Mumma... I couldn't do it today. I couldn't even perform the most basic magic. I feel useless."

Flavia's heart broke at the sight of her daughter's frustration. She rose from her seat and walked over to her, her movements graceful and fluid, like the calm before a storm. "Iris, listen to me. You are not useless. Your time will come. You're still young, and your magic is simply waiting for the right moment to emerge.

"Iris stared at the ground, her fingers brushing against the hem of her robes. "But Mumma, all the other students are already using their powers. They have control. They don't struggle like I do.

"Flavia smiled softly, placing a hand on Iris's shoulder. "Iris, do you remember the stories I used to tell you about the Phoenix Queens? The strongest of our kind weren't born with their powers fully awakened. They went through struggles, much like you. They had to grow and learn, just as the flame inside them did.

"Iris nodded quietly, but the doubt still lingered." You have a destiny waiting for you, my dear," Flavia continued. "You may not see it now, but the Phoenix flame inside you will burn brighter than anything you can imagine. Just be patient. It will come."

[Royal Spiritual Academy]

The next day, Iris stood before the massive gates of the Royal Spiritual Academy, the academy that housed the most talented students from every corner of the Immortal Realm. It stood like a towering monument, its spires reaching toward the sky, surrounded by grand statues of past immortals.

The academy grounds were vast, stretching over rolling hills dotted with training fields, gardens, and fountains that sparkled in the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of magic, a feeling Iris couldn't shake—like she was constantly on the edge of something immense, something that could either make or break her.

The academy buildings themselves were crafted from pure crystal, their surfaces reflecting the light in dazzling patterns. Inside, the halls were lined with bookshelves filled with ancient texts and scrolls, the walls decorated with vivid tapestries depicting legendary battles, celestial creatures, and gods from long ago. Each classroom had a large, open window that overlooked the academy's gardens, where students practiced their arts.

Iris walked through the grand entrance, her blue robes rustling softly around her ankles. Her clothing was designed to reflect her Phoenix heritage, with flowing fabric that shimmered in the light. The robes were a deep azure, almost as if the very essence of the sky had been woven into them. Around her waist, a silver belt held a small pouch containing magical herbs, and her long, black hair was tied up in a simple yet elegant knot, secured by a single golden clasp shaped like a phoenix. Despite her outward appearance, her heart was heavy.

The Phoenix bloodline was meant to be one of strength and power, but Iris had yet to manifest the magic that should have defined her. She met up with her friends—Liora, Kieran, and Rowan—by the entrance to their next class. "Hey, Iris!" Liora greeted with a wide smile, her fiery red hair catching the sunlight as it tumbled over her shoulders in wild waves. "Ready for today's lesson? "Iris forced a smile, nodding. "I guess so. It's just... hard to keep up." Liora's smile softened. "You'll get there. I know you will. Don't forget, we're all rooting for you!" Kieran, always the calm and composed one, gave Iris a reassuring nod. "You're not alone in this, Iris. We're here to help. "

Rowan, ever the playful one, grinned as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. If all else fails, you can join me in archery! I'm sure you'll be a natural."Iris chuckled at his attempt to lighten the mood, but deep down, she felt a pang of sadness.

She had been trying so hard, yet every day felt like she was falling further behind.The classroom was filled with the hum of magic as the students took their seats. Professor Thalia, a wise and ancient being with silver hair and a robe that seemed to shimmer like the stars, stood at the front, her eyes sharp and calculating.

She gazed over her students, her voice commanding attention as she began the lecture."Today, we will study the Immortal-Demon War," she said, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of history. "This was a war that nearly shattered both realms, a conflict that still has ramifications even today."One of the students raised their hand. "Was this the war from 48,000 years ago?""Yes," Professor Thalia replied. "It was the greatest war in the history of the Immortal Realm. A war that changed everything."The room fell into a hushed silence as the history unfolded."The war began after the fall of the gods. Helint, the Demon King, and Lucius, the Immortal King, were once close friends, disciples of the gods, learning the ways of the realms together. But after the gods' demise, everything changed. Their friendship fractured, and they became rulers of their respective realms, each believing in their own vision for the future."

"Lucius became the ruler of the Immortal Realm, uniting the celestial clans under his banner. Helint, on the other hand, sought to expand the Demon Realm, pushing against the Immortal Realm's borders. Tensions between the two grew, and what was once a brotherhood became a bitter rivalry. The Immortal-Demon War was born from this rift, a conflict that would rage for centuries."Professor Thalia paused, her eyes reflecting the weight of the story. "

"Despite countless attempts at peace, neither side was able to achieve lasting victory. The war has left scars on both realms, and though the battles have quieted, the tensions never fully disappeared."

Iris listened intently, her thoughts swirling. The war had shaped everything, and yet, it felt so far removed from her own struggles. In the academy, she was nothing more than a bystander, watching as others honed their abilities while she struggled to unlock her own potential.

After class, Iris walked alone through the academy's lush gardens. The air was thick with the fragrance of flowers and the faint crackle of magic from the students practicing in the distance. The garden was peaceful, with tall trees lining the paths and a shimmering fountain at the center. Despite the beauty of the place, Iris couldn't help but feel small and insignificant.

She watched her friends practice in the distance—Liora conjuring fire, Kieran manipulating water, Rowan drawing arrows with precision—and she felt as though she didn't belong. But there, in the stillness of the garden, Iris felt a flicker of something within her. A faint warmth, like the first stirrings of a flame.

Maybe, just maybe, there was hope."Don't worry, Iris," Liora said softly, walking up behind her. "You've got this. You just have to believe in your own flame."Iris turned to her friend, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll try. I won't give up."