{Elira}
~**^**~
I didn’t make it very far down the hallway.
Halfway between the dining hall and the grand stairs, my legs simply refused to carry any further. My chest squeezed, and sothing inside broke.
Uncontrollable tears burst free, spilling hot down my cheeks. I couldn’t hold them back this ti.
I fell to my knees on the marble floor, burying my face in my palms as sobs racked my chest. The pain felt bottomless, raw.
Why can’t anything good co to ?
Why is it always disappointnt, always rejection?
In my haze of grief, I barely heard it at first — the quick, heavy footfalls behind .
"Elira!" Rennon’s voice, soft but filled with worry.
"ELIRA!" Lennon’s, sharp, urgent.
I tried to swallow my sobs, tried to stop crying so they wouldn’t see how broken I truly felt — but my tears wouldn’t obey.
Their steps stopped beside , one on each side.
"Elira..." Rennon’s hand ca to rest gently on my shoulder. Even through my sha, the warmth of it settled sothing trembling inside .
"I’m so sorry," I choked out imdiately, voice muffled behind my wet palms. "To you both..."
"Why are you apologizing to us?" Lennon asked, voice roughened by emotion.
"Because..." My shoulders shook. "You invested so much ti, so much knowledge in , and I wasted it. I let you down."
The sha burned hotter than my tears.
Lennon let out a long sigh. "Co on, Elira, get up. Who told you that?"
Rennon gently guided back to my feet. His hand stayed on my shoulder, steadying , reminding that I wasn’t alone.
"Stop crying, Elira," Rennon murmured. "You’ve done nothing wrong."
But the tears kept coming. My hands stayed over my face, too ashad to et their gaze.
Then, footsteps echoed in front of us. I pulled my hands away, blinking past the tears.
It was the butler, Daris. He ca to a respectful stop in front of us, a very unique envelope in his gloved hand.
"Pardon the intrusion, sirs, miss," he said, voice calm and formal. "This letter ca just over an hour ago, addressed to Miss Shaw."
Lennon stepped forward and almost snatched the letter from him. "Where from?" he demanded.
"From ESA," the butler answered. "It was hand-delivered, and I waited until breakfast was over before bringing it as instructed."
My breath caught. ESA?
Rennon spoke gently, "Thank you. You may go."
The butler bowed slightly and departed, his shoes clicking quietly down the hallway.
Lennon turned to , eyes bright with hope. "Elira... this is it. This could be it!"
But fear clamped tight around my ribs. "What if..." I hesitated, my voice small, "What if the content isn’t good? I don’t want to hope and then—"
"Elira," Rennon interrupted softly. His voice carried calm certainty. "Rember what Zenon said? Only those who passed and were admitted receive a letter from ESA. So, open it."
My hands shook as Lennon held out the envelope, indicating for to take it.
I wiped my tears on my sleeve, then wiped my wet palms against my skirt. The envelope felt weighty, elegant, printed with ESA’s colours and crest.
’Please... let it be good news,’ I prayed silently.
I drew in a shaky breath, then broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
Lennon and Rennon leaned in, reading over my shoulders as my eyes moved over the elegant script.
---
Elite Supernatural Academy
Office of Admissions
Dear Miss Elira Shaw,
We are delighted to inform you that, following your recent entrance examination and careful review by the Admissions Council, you have been offered a place at the Elite Supernatural Academy for the current academic year.
Your performance, dedication, and the promise reflected in your application have distinguished you among many worthy candidates. We comnd your efforts and welco you warmly into our academic community.
At ESA, you will join a lineage of scholars, warriors, and leaders who have shaped the history of our kind. We look forward to supporting your continued growth — both in knowledge and character — as you prepare to take your place among tomorrow’s leaders.
Next Steps:
1. Your admission is effective imdiately for the current sester.
2. Please complete the enclosed Enrollnt Confirmation Form and return it within three days of receipt.
3. Orientation for new supplentary students will be held in seven days; attendance is mandatory.
4. A list of required materials and texts is attached for your convenience. Uniforms will be delivered to your doorstep ahead of your orientation.
Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions.
Once again, congratulations on your acceptance into Elite Supernatural Academy.
We look forward to witnessing your journey and the unique mark you will leave within these walls.
Yours sincerely,
Amara Evandros,
Dean of Admissions,
Elite Supernatural Academy.
---
My breath hitched. My lips parted. The letters swam before my wet eyes.
"I... I got in..." I whispered at first, voice breaking.
Then louder, it tore out of , raw and unrestrained — "I GOT IN! I GOT INTO ESA!"
It felt unreal. One second ago, I’d been sobbing on the floor. Now my voice was shaking the walls with laughter and relief.
Lennon whooped, face splitting into a wide grin. Rennon’s eyes lit with a warmth that made my chest tighten.
They both closed in, gathering in a hug, each of them wrapping an arm around , solid and reassuring.
Rennon bent his head, his breath warm against my skin, and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. "Congratulations, Elira," he murmured, voice gentle as sunlight.
My heart flipped, catching the scent of jasmine, mint and citrus. My gaze t his for a mont, and I saw nothing but pride and kindness in his eyes. Then his hand ca up, patting my head softly.
Before my racing heart could steady, Lennon leaned forward and planted a playful, feather-light kiss on my lips. His grin was wicked, eyes sparkling. "Congratulations, my girl!"
The rush of happiness was almost too much to hold. My tears had turned to laughter, my heart hamring with disbelief.
But then — like a chill over warm skin — we all froze.
A strong presence brushed our senses. Slowly, as one, we turned our heads.
Zenon stood a few paces away, hands buried in his trouser pockets. His gaze unreadable, his face carved from cold marble.
The air held for a heartbeat.
Then Lennon, ever bold, chuckled. "Brother, you’re the only one left," he teased. "Co on, congratulate her."
Zenon’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
I swallowed, nerves twisting inside .
He saw them kiss ... does Lennon an for him to—?
For one impossible mont, I wondered if Zenon would step closer. But instead, his gaze darkened, and he muttered, "I’m going to inform Father."
Then he turned sharply and walked away, his steps clipped and fast.
Lennon called after him, half-laughing, "Wait a second, is he running away? From this?"
Rennon exhaled softly. "Let it go," he murmured, still smiling.
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