The carriage rolled steadily down the winding path back to Elitia Academy, its wooden wheels creaking under the pressure of the gravel road. Inside, the air between Kaesy and Professor Vaughn was thick with unsaid thoughts and tension.
Kaesy kept her eyes on the blurred landscape outside the window, trying to ignore how aware she was of his presence just across from her. Silence reigned until she spoke, her voice low but clear.
"Professor Vaughn... what do you want to tell me?"
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned toward her, his deep eyes locking with hers. "Call me Cedric… when we're alone."
Kaesy blinked, thrown off by the sudden softness in his voice. "Cedric?" she repeated carefully, almost like testing the sound of it on her tongue.
He gave a small nod. "Only when we're alone."
Before she could process that further, the carriage hit a rock, jolting hard. Kaesy, caught off guard, lost her balance. She stumbled forward, and straight into Cedric's chest.
Strong arms wrapped around her in reflex, steadying her, holding her close.
For a breathless moment, time froze.
Kaesy's face was mere inches from his. She could feel his heartbeat through the fabric of his coat. His scent earthy with a faint hint of mint was disorienting, intoxicating.
"Careful," he said softly, his voice brushing against her ear.
Kaesy's hands had instinctively gripped his arms, and now she realized how tightly she was holding him. She immediately pulled back, flustered. "S-sorry, I didn't mean to—"
He caught her wrist gently before she could fully retreat. His eyes met hers again warmer this time, unreadable, pulling her in.
"You always fall this gracefully?" he teased, voice just above a whisper.
Kaesy's heart skipped. "You're really starting to sound like Charline," she muttered, trying to recover her composure, though her cheeks had already betrayed her.
Cedric let out a low laugh, then reached into his pocket and handed her something a small silver clock, delicate and adorned with mysterious runes.
"Take this," he said, the mood shifting slightly back to serious. "It's more than it looks. Press the button on the back if you're in danger. It'll send a signal straight to me. I'll come, no matter what."
Kaesy stared at it, the weight of his words heavier than the gift.
"Why?" she asked quietly. "Why would you do this for me?"
He leaned forward again, elbows on his knees, eyes unwavering.
"Because something's coming," he said. "And whether you know it or not, you're in the center of it. I won't let you face it alone."
Kaesy swallowed, her fingers closing around the clock. "…Thank you, Cedric."
A beat passed between them.
"Only use it if you really need me," he added, his voice dropping a little.
She smirked, trying to lighten the intensity. "Did you make this just for me?"
His expression mirrored hers, a soft smirk playing on his lips. "Took me two nights. I don't lose sleep for just anyone."
Kaesy looked away, smiling despite herself her heart fluttering wildly in her chest.
Outside, the academy's towers began to rise in the distance. But inside the carriage, it felt like a moment neither of them wanted to end.
The return of the Alpha students spread through Elitia Academy like wildfire.
By the time they set foot on the academy grounds, whispers had already slithered through every hallway and common room, igniting awe, curiosity, and controversy alike.
"The Alphas went missing in the forest for four days."
"Khierra created a fire so massive it melted steel trees."
"They said Ynah controlled ancient forest beasts with her mind!"
"I heard Winter fought a hooded sorcerer with galaxy-colored eyes, just like a legend."
"They broke a thousand-year-old barrier. No one's ever done that."
The tales grew louder with each telling, and every student had their own version, their own dramatic detail added. The Beta and Gamma Houses were abuzz with excitement and envy.
In the hall, heads turned when the Alpha students entered. Some clapped. Others stared in shock. A few leaned in to catch even a glimpse of the ones who had just survived the forest's wrath.
Winter, Khierra, and Ynah walked in, a little bruised, their uniforms tattered, but their posture proud. They didn't have to speak the mystery in their eyes said it all.
Sebastian followed behind, nodding to a few fellow Beta students who were still stunned to see him back.
On the far side of the room, Ella lay in the infirmary, unconscious but safe. Aella had checked on her the moment they returned.
Back in Alpha House, Chrisha was already shouting, "Did you battle a dragon too?!"
Micko was silent as he passed through the crowd, his gaze catching Winter's for a split second. She looked away first.
In the corner, Avrille leaned against a pillar, watching Ynah and Sebastian exchange a glance that lingered just a moment too long.
Up in the professor's quarters, the faculty debated what the forest incident truly meant. Old tomes were opened, records searched, and eyes grew heavier with concern.
Something ancient had stirred… and the forest knew it.
And though the Alphas were home safe…
The academy would never be the same again.