Page 1 of Darkness and Deceit (Obsidian Academy #2)

Shadow —the energetic manifestation of a Protector’s powers.

The Shadowing —the first awakening of the Protector’s Shadow.

Practitioners —anyone with the ability to practice magic.

Keepers —first-tier practitioners. They carry the blood of the oldest known warlocks and witches and are granted special powers. Their main focus is maintaining the Balance within the realm.

Protectors —second-tier practitioners. They serve the Keepers and are split into two groups.

Predators —in charge of protecting the Keepers and maintaining the law. Bodyguards and law enforcers. They are known for their protection spells and physical strength. Their Shadows are predatory animals.

Preys —they’re known for their healing magic. Residences of the Keepers or any law enforcement facilities usually have an in-house Prey. Their Shadows are nurturing, softer animals.

Commoners —third-tier practitioners. Magic users with less important magical abilities (enhancing soil, alchemy, clairvoyance, etc.). Their powers are crucial to keep the realm running, but they’re usually not in contact with the Keepers.

Non-practitioners —at the bottom of the pyramid. While they’re still able to lead normal lives, they’re looked down on, since magic skipped their generation.

Rogues —brainwashed practitioners, now a threat to the realm.

The Dual —a rare type of Protector capable of summoning both a Predator and a Prey Shadow. Considered highly dangerous due to their raw magical potential and instability.

Tether(s) —invisible magical threads that connect individuals emotionally, spiritually, or magically. Some tethers are active (felt), others dormant (visible during scrying). Tethers may signify romantic bonds, deep loyalty, or rare magical connections.

Tether Scryer —a Keeper relic used to reveal existing or potential magical bonds. It shows tethers as threads of light, with varying intensity depending on the bond’s status.

The Balance —the magical system upheld by the Keepers. Seeks to maintain harmony between Prey, Predator, and the broader realm. Said to be fragile—and possibly broken.

The Darkness —a force that’s said to tied to imbalance.