The Rescue Council
650 Words
Arcadia Academy no longer felt like a school.
It felt like a fortress preparing for war.
Torches burned brighter along the corridors, protective runes glowed across walls, and instructors moved with urgency. Students gathered in anxious groups, whispering.
“They took them…”
“Alexa and Ariella…”
Sarah paced back and forth in the courtyard. “We have to do something.”
Wendy nodded, eyes worried. “They can’t just be gone.”
Mia said softly, “The academy won’t leave them.”
Stella crossed her arms. “They better not.”
Ferah added quietly, “They won’t.”
Nearby, Valerina stood unusually silent — clearly shaken.
—
Inside the council chamber…
Principal Elowen Maris stood at the head of a circular stone table etched with glowing symbols.
Headmistress Seraphine stood beside her.
Instructor Kai and several senior instructors filled the room.
Tedros stood near the entrance, posture firm.
Elowen spoke first.
“We have confirmation. Alexa and Ariella have been taken to Duchannes territory.”
A heavy silence followed.
Kai said quietly, “The creatures were only a diversion.”
Seraphine nodded. “A calculated strike.”
An instructor asked, “Can we track them?”
Elowen replied, “Their magical signature is faint — masked by shadow.”
Tedros stepped forward. “Then we go there.”
Elowen looked at him. “You understand the risk?”
Tedros nodded. “Yes.”
Seraphine said gently, “Why volunteer?”
Tedros answered simply, “Because they’re our responsibility… and our friends.”
Kai crossed his arms. “Duchannes territory is unpredictable.”
Tedros met his gaze. “So am I.”
A faint smile touched Kai’s lips.
—
Sarah burst into the chamber unexpectedly.
“Sorry — I know I’m not supposed to be here,” she said breathlessly. “But you have to bring them back.”
Elowen softened. “We intend to.”
Sarah’s voice trembled. “Alexa would do the same for us.”
Wendy, Mia, Stella, and Ferah appeared behind her.
Valerina lingered awkwardly near the doorway.
Seraphine said gently, “Your loyalty is noted.”
Valerina spoke quietly — surprising everyone. “…We need them.”
Kai raised an eyebrow. “That sounded almost kind.”
Valerina rolled her eyes. “Don’t get used to it.”
A faint chuckle rippled through the room — tension easing slightly.
—
Elowen raised her hand, summoning a projection of shifting dark terrain above the table.
“This is Duchannes domain,” she explained. “Shadow-woven lands… unstable and hostile.”
An instructor asked, “What is our objective?”
Seraphine replied, “Rescue… and retreat. We do not engage Isolde directly.”
Tedros frowned slightly. “Understood.”
Kai added, “We move at dawn.”
Sarah whispered, “Please bring them home.”
Elowen nodded gently. “We will.”
—
Far away…
In the shadow realm…
Alexa sat beside Ariella within a dim chamber.
Alexa sighed softly. “Do you think they’re planning something?”
Ariella smiled faintly. “Arcadia doesn’t abandon its own.”
Alexa nodded. “Good.”
Footsteps echoed.
Isolde entered, expression calm.
“Your friends are predictable,” she said lightly.
Alexa frowned. “You’re watching them?”
Isolde smiled. “Of course.”
Ariella said firmly, “You underestimate them.”
Isolde laughed softly. “Perhaps.”
She studied Alexa closely.
“You’re resisting well.”
Alexa crossed her arms. “I’m not joining you.”
Isolde tilted her head. “We shall see.”
—
Back at Arcadia…
Elowen stood alone by a window, watching the barrier shimmer.
Seraphine approached quietly.
“Elowen,” she said softly, “are we ready?”
Elowen took a slow breath.
“No one is ever ready… to face Duchannes.”
She turned, determination in her eyes.
“But we will go anyway.”
Because some bonds…
Were worth fighting for.
- Writer
