Author’s Note: Chapter 41-48 have been heavily edited. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience caused.
Also, thank you "Grace_Archuleta" & "Jennifer_Rea" for all the support you both have shown to the story. It ans a lot!
* * *
Evaline:
The last class of the day finally ended, and I exhaled as I stepped out of the lecture hall.
It was friday afternoon, and unsurprisingly, it was chaotic as students celebrated the end of the long week full of classes. The next two days, were to relax and enjoy.
"Are you going to the library, Eva?" Mallory asked, "How co you are turning out to be even more nerdy than Kyros?"
Kyros just sighed while I chuckled softly. "No. I’m not heading to the library. But I need to drop by one of the Professor’s office. I’ll et you in the dorm later."
I didn’t ntion Professor Kieran’s na because I didn’t want her to pester with questions about the so-called ’dream Professor’ of every girl at Silver Moon.
"Alright. We will be waiting. Let’s play so indoor gas to relax in the evening." Noah suggested. Being Kyros roommate, he had beco almost a permanent part of our group for most of the days.
I gave a nod of approval before separating from the group and making my way toward the administrative wing of the Academy where most professors and senior staff had their offices.
Professor Kieran’s office was tucked away in the far west corridor, away from the general student traffic, which didn’t surprise . He never seed to like attention, despite the authority and fan following he carried.
I knocked gently on the wooden door and my heart skipped a beat when his deep but gentle voice replied, "Co in."
He was standing near the window with his hands tucked in the pockets of his tailored slacks. The sunlight was slanting across his long blonde hair and calm expression. His familiar scent greeted as I stepped inside.
"Evaline," he said with a small smile. "I was expecting you."
I gave a hesitant smile before speaking, "I have made my choice."
He tilted his head. "And?"
"I’ll take the internship," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "I want to make best of this opportunity."
He studied for a long mont, nodding slowly as if trying to read between the lines. "That’s a wise choice," he finally said. "And possibly the most difficult one."
"I know," I said softly. "But I’m prepared."
He walked over to his desk, picked up a sealed folder, and handed it to . "These are all you will be needing. Your work will start from next weekend and you’ll be escorted on your first visit. Take the next two days to enjoy a bit because you won’t get this privilege again."
I accepted the folder while nodding my head in understanding. "Thank you... for giving a choice."
His gaze softened. "You are a capable student. You deserved it."
I nodded, then turned to leave, not trusting myself to speak more without my voice betraying .
* * *
Saturday arrived with a cool breeze and a golden sky. It was a perfect day for a break.
After breakfast, the six of us - Mallory, Kyros, Selene, Noah, Ria, and I made our way to the academy gates. Ria was Mallory’s roommate, with sharp wit and easy confidence. And in the few days we had known each other, we had bonded more than I expected.
"I can’t believe we survived week one," Selene groaned as she stretched her arms above her head.
"Barely," Noah added with a grin.
"You guys think this was tough?" Ria laughed. "Wait until midterms."
We took the academy transport shuttle to the nearest town - Blackwood Hollow. It was a cozy, slightly rustic town nestled at the foot of the north of the mountain, full of cobbled streets, tiny cafes, bookstores, and boutiques.
And for the first ti in what felt like months, I let myself breathe.
We had coffee at a corner café, I obviously got herbal tea. Then we wandered into a quirky shop that sold handmade trinkets and herbs, and shared slices of warm apple pie at a bakery that slled like cinnamon and childhood.
"So... have you decided yet?" Kyros suddenly asked as everyone was busy taking photos in front of a beautiful fountain in town’s square.
I glanced up at him. "Decided?"
"Your reward," Mallory chid in as she joined us. "We have been dying to know!"
I hesitated, then said softly, "I chose the internship at the council."
Selene blinked. "Wait, that was one of the options?"
Kyros gave an impressed look. "Bold move. But that’s exactly what I was expecting from you. I wish you all the luck in the world."
"We too!"
The others chid in, and as I looked at their sincere smiles, my throat almost felt heavy with emotions.
"Thank you."
That was all I could muster. We spent another hour wandering through the twon before returning to the academy. The dinner was just as lively and when we were back in our rooms, I realized that my roommate was still absent.
I curled under my blanket and fell asleep almost imdiately as I was feeling tired after having fun the entire day.
But then, I was pulled awake... again.
The door creaked open around midnight, and the faintest rustle of movent reached my ears. At first, I thought it was just the usual - him returning late as always.
But then, I caught the scent of blood which forced to shot up, my heart pounding.
Moonlight was streaming through the balcony, painting him in silvery hues. His back was to as he tried to move silently across the room. But he was slower tonight. Stiff. Struggling.
"Turn on the lights," I said quietly.
And he paused.
I saw his shoulders tense, and for a second, I thought he might ignore . Then the soft click of the switch filled the silence, and the room was flooded in soft yellow light.
And my breath caught once again as I took in his half-torn shirt which was stained crimson. Cuts were slashing across his arms and back, and there was a dark bruise blooming near his temple. His hands were trembling slightly as he placed a small pouch on his desk, trying hard not to make any noise.
"You are hurt," I whispered.
He turned then... slowly, like he was debating it. His face was pale, lips pressed tightly together as his piercing icy-blue eyes t mine.
I didn’t miss the blood dripping near his wrist. But before I could say another word, he simply said in a low and hoarse voice, "Go back to sleep, Eva."
But sleep was the last thing on my mind now.
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