.Aeris snored as the warm embrace of sleep clung to her, reluctant to release her into the waking world.
A sharp jab to her ribs shattered the illusion of peace, followed by an exasperated voice.
"Wake up, lazy bones! You’re going to miss our first class”
Aeris swatted blindly at the nuisance, but Talia was nothing if not persistent.
The next thing she knew, her blankets were yanked away, leaving her defenseless against the damp morning air.
"Talia, I swear to the god" Aeris started, but stopped when she locked eyes with the spunky redhead standing over her, hands on her hips.
Talia smirked, but there was a telltale dusting of pink across her cheeks.
"Don't give me that look, sleepyhead. If you didn’t want to be woken up like this, maybe you shouldn’t have slept through the morning chime."
Aeris rubbed the sleep from her eyes, smirking as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
"You just wanted an excuse to see me in my nightwear, didn’t you?"
Talia scoffed, turning her back as Aeris stood up.
"As if. Now hurry up and get dressed. We’ve got a meeting with Sorithra before class."
Aeris grabbed her Black Ravens uniform, slipping it on.
The fitted black coat bore intricate silver embroidery in the shape of raven wings, tapering down into a stylish asymmetrical hem.
The White high-collared shirt beneath was buttoned up neatly, and the tailored pants were sleek yet comfy, perfect for combat.
A deep violet sash wrapped around her waist bringing the uniform together l.
"You should wear this more often," Talia remarked, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. "It suits you."
Aeris adjusted her gloves, flashing a sly grin.
"You just like how I look in it."
"Guilty," Talia shrugged
As they walked to Sorithra’s office, their conversation remained light, filled with teasing remarks and stolen glances.
The moment they entered, however, Sorithra’s expression told them the time for jokes had passed.
"Sit," she commanded. "Tell me everything."
Aeris recounted Thorsten’s assault in meticulous detail, covering the missing student, Sorithra’s strange behaviour and how she stepped in to protect Talia.
Sorithra listened in silence, only breaking it with a quiet sigh once Aeris finished.
"I hate how useless I feel sometimes," she muttered, slapping herself "Follow me. The Headmaster needs to hear this."
They ascended the endless spiral staircase leading to the Instructor’s Ward, stopping before a grand set of double doors. The nameplate read: Circe Sylvain, The Bewitching Moon
Inside, Circe sat behind a massive mahogany desk, her piercing silver eyes assessing them with detached calculation.
Sorithra went to introduce the girls but an outstretched hand told her to remain quiet.
"I will see for myself," she said simply, placing a hand on Talia’s forehead.
Talia gasped as memories flooded into Circe’s mind.
The Headmaster remained impassive, eyes flickering through the visions.
However, when she reached for Aeris, her hand met invisible resistance. The system’s interference.
Circe withdrew, intrigued. "Curious. But no matter. You seek punishment for Vali, correct?"
Aeris’s jaw clenched. "Yes. He deserves to suffer for what he did."
Circe’s cold gaze bore into her.
"I concur but alas that would require us to have him in custody.’
‘You don't know where he is?’ Talia asked anxiously clinging to Aeris who offered her some reassuring headpats.
“He has vanished without a trace."
Aeris’s fingers curled into fists.
"Then I’ll hunt him down myself." She declared her words sharp and caustic.
Circe let the declaration hang in the air before turning to Sorithra.
"Inform the faculty, we’ll need all the eyes we can muster.”
“As you wish, Headmaster”
“Garland, Valcrest, Dismissed."
As they left the office, Circe’s voice followed them.
“Hold a moment, it seems I'm losing my manners in my old age, how are you feeling, Talia?’
Talia grinned.
“Right as rain, Lady Morgana is a miracle worker she even fixed my broken teeth”
Aeris grabbed Talia’s hand, her frustration momentarily forgotten.
"Then let’s celebrate. Race you to the courtyard."
"Loser has to grant the winner a favor though and no complaints,"
Talia added, a competitive glint in her eye.
Aeris had grown exponentially stronger and it showed.
She nearly outpaced Talia, her enhanced agility carrying her across the campus with ease. But in the last moment, Talia pulled ahead, barely touching the courtyard stones first.
They don't call her Quicksilver for nothing
Aeris thought huffing and trying desperately to catch her breath
"Victory!" Talia cheered. "Now, for my prize…"
Aeris groaned, placing a hand over her heart.
"On my honor as a Garland, I’ll grant whatever request you have."
Talia smirked, savoring the moment.
"I’ll think about it and let you know."
That night, exhaustion finally caught up with Aeris as she collapsed onto her bed.
The sounds of mock battle still echoed in her ears, but her thoughts drifted to Talia instead.
Just as sleep was about to take her, a sharp knock shattered the silence.
She blinked, sitting up groggily. "Talia?" she rasped, shuffling toward the door.
She swung it open and froze.
Vali Thorsten stood in her doorway, wearing that same insufferable smirk.
Aeris’s breath hitched, her vision narrowing to a razor’s edge.
Her mind seethed with images of the past of blood, of Talia battered and broken, of the sheer sadism Vali had displayed.
It took every ounce of willpower not to summon her sickle right then and there.
"Relax," he drawled, hands raised in mock surrender.
"I just want to talk. No need for violence."
Aeris inhaled sharply, suppressing the storm within her chest. "Make it quick’
She couldn't afford an altercation it would attract unwanted attention, besides she was stronger but was she strong enough for this monster?
She stepped aside, allowing him entry, though her glare remained lethal.
Vali sauntered in, completely at ease despite the overwhelming malice radiating from her.
"Thanks," he said, settling into the chair across from her.
Aeris crossed her arms, voice like a blade.
"Start talking. Before I flay you alive"
