Chapter 19
911 Words
In the morning, I got ready for breakfast.
I tied my hair in a high ponytail, put on a clean uniform, and tried again to speak to my imaginary dragon.
“Aria, are you here? Where did you disappear to?”
No response.
I felt tired not physically, but drained. I had slept well, but everything was happening too fast, too chaotically.
At ten, we were supposed to have a three-hour class on the Origins of Elemental Power.
After that — nothing. At this rate, these students would never learn anything.
This academy seemed more like a place for forging alliances between the Great Houses, which didn’t interest me at all.
I needed answers.
Why was the House of Air destroyed?
Why did Aria appear in my world, save me, and drag me into this mess?
She wanted truth, justice, and vengeance.
So truth would be my starting point.
I needed to learn more about Lea Arn, heir of the House of Air — where she disappeared and what exactly happened on Mount Isaac.
What kind of place was it?
I set my priorities.
By eight, I headed for breakfast.
The dining hall was in the southern wing, with a large open terrace. The buffet looked like something straight out of a five-star hotel — students could pick anything they wanted.
I chose oatmeal with fruit and a strong black tea. I needed carbs, but not too many after my unplanned days of starvation.
I sat at a small table for three at the far end of the terrace.
Tall plants: palms, ficus-like trees partially hid me from view, but from where I sat, I could observe the entire terrace perfectly.
I loved watching strangers; the way people ate could tell me so much about their mood and even their status.
By eight, the place was nearly empty.
Lida arrived first. She noticed me right away but didn’t greet me — just gave an awkward, unsure smile and sat with other first-years from the House of Earth.
A bit later, Noah Aquaris walked in with his friends.
They took a large table in the center. The boys were talking animatedly, while girls at the next table kept glancing at them, all flirty smiles.
Noah sat like some kind of kings, lounging lazily while sipping his coffee.
Thank the gods he didn’t notice me. He sat with his back to my corner.
I finished my oatmeal, leaving just one sip of tea.
I was about to get up when the heir of the House of Fire, Ray Flaming, strode into the dining hall with Dan and another guy.
All three wore black again, just like yesterday.
Unlike Noah, Ray spotted me the moment he walked in.
He took a seat at a large table at the beginning of the terrace. That was probably his usual place.
Not a bad choice, I had to admit.
While Noah positioned himself front and center for everyone to admire, Ray chose the corner, but from there, he had a perfect view of everything.
He sat down and stared at me — sharp, piercing, unblinking.
I could practically feel his energy pressing against my skin.
I grew a little flustered… but I didn’t look away.
A blonde girl approached his table. She was stunningly beautiful.
“Good morning, Ray! What do you want for breakfast? What should I bring you?” she asked, practically glowing with adoration.
He shot her a haughty look, the corner of his mouth lifting in a restrained half-smile.
“Good morning, Eva. Since last night, I’ve been craving toast and orange juice,” he answered casually.
“A minute, just give me a minute,” she replied breathlessly.
“Take your time,” he said and looked straight at me again.
I choked on the last sip of my tea, coughing uncontrollably.
Without wasting another second, I stood up and headed for the exit.
Thankfully, there was a way out through the terrace stairs that led straight into the park right next to my table. I didn’t have to walk past either Aquaris or Flaming.
There was still almost a full hour before my class on the Origins of Elemental Power.
I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air.
The park was beautiful. I decided to take a walk.
I’d barely gone ten meters when someone called out — not my name, but Ariel.
I didn’t respond.
“Ariel! Hey, pathetic one, stop!” the voice insisted.
I turned around.
Dan, the same guy I’d seen in the library with Flaming, caught up to me.
“Here. You were supposed to get this.”
He shoved a peach-colored envelope into my hands and walked away without another word, heading back toward the terrace where the students were eating.
Another peach envelope with the burgundy seal: R.F.
I opened it.
“You forgot to thank me.
I’ll be waiting for you at three, at the Astronomical Tower.
R.F.”
I shoved the note back inside.
So he wanted to wait for me?
A smirk tugged at my lips. Well, let him wait.
First, I had no idea where the Astronomical Tower even was.
Second, I had absolutely no intention of meeting Ray Flaming today. After class, I had far more important things to do. I needed to go to the library and find out more about Lea Arn.
Turning the envelope in my hands absentmindedly, I continued down the alley.
- Writer
