The Opening Ceremony of the academic year took place in the Grand Hall of the Academy. The air was filled with the scent of spiced flowers and magical drinks. Students listened to the mentors' speeches while sipping light elixirs—some whispering among themselves, others offering reserved smiles. Later, once the official part concluded, the ball began—elegant and solemn, a symbol of entering a new chapter of life.
Anris and Fayra stood by a decorated column, admiring the hall and discussing the upcoming classes. Soon, honored guests began to appear among the crowd.
"Faira, who are all these people?" Anris asked quietly, examining the new faces.
"Oh, right, you haven't met most of them yet. That girl with curly chestnut hair—that's Selina Veldt. She's from a baronial house and studies with me in the Earth Campus. Very talented—she's a poison master, and her family artifact is the Dark Rose. I'm sure you'll get along," Faira said with a smile.
Their conversation was cut short as Crown Prince Caelin Luxar and Liam Volhelm, son of the Duke of the North, entered the hall. The prince radiated confidence as always—golden hair, deep navy eyes, and a formal dark uniform with golden accents. Beside him walked Liam—silent, pale-skinned, dressed in a silver suit. His dark red eyes contrasted sharply with his black hair, and his calm, almost detached presence drew more attention than any eloquence could.
Anris froze for a moment, watching closely.
"Let's go greet them," she suggested to her friend. On their way over, she asked quietly, "Who's the young man beside the prince?"
"You didn't recognize him?" Faira sounded surprised. "That's Liam Volhelm, the Duke of the North's son. He and the prince have been studying at the Water Campus for four years now. But since they possess all four elements, they also attend classes in the other campuses. Just like me now—though I haven't mastered them all yet. I'm still just a Keeper, not a full Master."
Anris gave a faint nod.
"I met Liam ten years ago… I didn't recognize him at first. He's changed a lot."
She didn't say aloud how striking he had become. But the thought was clear in her mind.
As the girls approached, they offered graceful bows.
"We greet you, Your Highness, and you as well, my lord duke," Anris said respectfully.
The prince smiled warmly and replied,
"A pleasure to see you at the ceremony. You must be Anris Eyrinar. The Academy has long awaited your arrival. And you, Lady Quintess, remain as radiant as ever."
"You're too kind," Faira replied softly.
They exchanged a few polite phrases. Liam said little, only nodding occasionally, though his gaze kept drifting toward Anris—as if he saw something more in her.
When the girls moved away, Caelin chuckled and nudged his friend with an elbow.
"Didn't think I'd ever catch you staring at a girl, Liam. What was that? Have you fallen?"
"Don't be absurd," Liam replied dryly. "I was looking at her artifact. That's it, isn't it? The Artifact of Dragon Power?"
Caelin's expression turned serious.
"Yes. She's the last one connected to the dragons. But… she has no totem creature. The dragons gave their lives to protect the Empire. Her bloodline was left without a guardian. That's why she's called… the Chosen."
Liam remained silent. But his eyes once again found their way to where Anris stood laughing among the guests. Something stirred in him—too deep for him to admit.
And just then, as the ball reached its height, the sky above the Academy suddenly darkened. For several seconds, the light vanished. The magical crystals in the hall flickered, as if suppressed by an unseen force.
A murmur spread through the crowd. Guests whispered in alarm. Then, just as quickly, the light returned, and the music resumed as if nothing had happened.
"What was that?.." Faira whispered, clutching Anris's hand.
"I don't know," Anris answered, frowning. But deep inside, she felt something awaken—a fear not her own, but one embedded in the very essence of her blood.
On the far end of the hall, Liam also tensed. His pupils narrowed. He turned to the prince.
"Did you feel that?"
Caelin nodded slowly.
"A magical pulse… like the breath of something ancient. Very old. And very dangerous."
"It came from the Silvaran Thicket," Liam said quietly. "I can feel the connection. Something woke up."
The prince frowned.
"We need to report this to the Council. And… we need to keep an eye on Eyrinar."
"You think she's involved?"
"She's the only one without a totem. That means she's unprotected. But maybe… maybe she's part of a much older protection we still don't understand."
The ball came to an end.
The girls returned to their room after the strange incident at the ball.
Feyra closed the door immediately and leaned against the wall, clearly shaken.
"Anris… do you have any idea what that was?" she asked in a whisper, her eyes filled with worry.
"No," Anris shook her head slowly. "I don't know. But it was… strange. Still... let's just forget it. Nothing really unusual happened," she added, turning over in bed.
Feyra didn't say anything else. Soon, both girls fell asleep, and silence filled the room.
Outside, a cool breeze drifted through the quiet paths of the Academy. The moon lit up the ancient walls and rooftops. Everything was still.
The Academy slept.
But the dream came again.
Anris found herself once more in the forest.
Soft moss beneath her feet.
The trees swayed overhead, casting dancing shadows.
A voice was calling her. Louder than before. Not a whisper, not an echo — a command.
"Find me... and set me free."
And then, silence. The forest disappeared.
Anris sat up suddenly, her breath sharp, her body covered in cold sweat.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
She got up quietly, careful not to wake Feyra, and pulled a black cloak over her light, snow-white nightdress that resembled a long linen gown.
She opened the window and took in the night air. But it wasn't enough.
She left the room in silence.
At night, the Academy looked different — quieter, deeper, like it was holding its breath.
She passed the training arena, walked down the stone path, and stopped at the edge of the Sylvaran Thicket.
She remembered Feyra's words about the ancient forest… and its living creatures.
Without realizing it, her feet carried her into the woods.
Not far from the lake, she sat beneath a wide tree.
Tiny magical creatures — glowing, translucent — approached her playfully.
Anris smiled, reaching out her hand to them, letting herself enjoy this rare moment of peace.
She laughed softly, feeling truly free for the first time in a long while.
At that same moment, Liam was patrolling the Sylvaran Thicket.
A lingering unease from the ball refused to leave him.
He had found nothing strange so far, but something kept pulling him deeper into the woods.
He stopped near the treeline, eyes narrowed.
"I should check the lake," he muttered, walking toward it.
The mermaids weren't there. Not one.
That alone was suspicious — they usually surfaced even at night.
He circled the lake, alert, ears sharp.
Then he heard it.
Laughter.
Soft and clear, like a bell.
He moved silently through the trees, stopping in the shadows.
Through the branches, he saw a girl in white, surrounded by shimmering creatures.
She was laughing, her guard completely down.
He watched without a word, his expression unreadable.
Then she stood, ready to leave.
She turned — and saw him.
Startled, she flinched and nearly fell, but Liam stepped forward and caught her by the shoulders.
"Apologies, Duchess," he said coolly, his voice detached. "I didn't expect anyone to be here."
Anris froze. Embarrassment rose to her cheeks, and she looked away quickly, giving a small, awkward bow.
"I… couldn't sleep. I just needed some air."
He let go and straightened.
"The forest is no place for a stroll. Not at this hour."
"Sometimes… the silence helps," she replied quietly, still avoiding his gaze.
"If something were to happen to you, the Academy would consider it my failure," he said calmly. "Allow me to escort you back."
"Thank you, but I'll be fine," she replied quickly. "I should go. Good night."
She turned and walked away, leaving him alone under the tree.
Liam stood there for a few more seconds, unmoving, watching her disappear into the darkness.
No surprise showed on his face.
No interest.
He simply whispered into the night,
"Foolish. This has nothing to do with me."
And vanished into the shadows, as if he had never been there.