The Aftermath Episode14
1211 Words
Azravel POV
I managed to make it to the campsite with reinforcements. The scene before me made my heart stop.
Elk was plummeting toward the ground.
Instinct took over, and I rushed forward, catching her just before she hit the ground.
I heard her murmur my name before she fell unconscious.
My grip around her tightened.
I looked up and saw her friends rushing toward us.
Oh my God! Elk!,said Lisa.
She rushed to Elk's side, genuine worry written all over her face.
Thank you. Headmaster Azravel, said Cain.
He looked worried too, though he wasn't fussing over her like Lisa.
Headmaster, I should take her while you talk to the teachers and assess the situation, said Lisa.
My grip tightened around Elk.
I didn't want to let her go, especially after what had just happened.
But Lisa was right.
Right now, everyone only saw us as headmaster and student. No one knew that Elk was my mate.
I let out a quiet breath and reluctantly loosened my hold, carefully handing Elk over.
The moment Lisa tried to take her from my arms, Elk whimpered softly and clung to me even tighter.
Lisa and Cain both froze in surprise.
It's probably just the aftereffects of the adrenaline. I think it's best if I carry her for now, I said.
Lisa nodded, accepting my explanation without question.
Cain, however, raised a skeptical eyebrow. Even so, he didn't argue.
A quiet sense of pride settled inside me.
She was clinging to me.
Although my face remained expressionless, I couldn't deny the satisfaction I felt.
Looking around, I saw monster corpses scattered across the campsite. Several students and teachers had suffered injuries, both major and minor. Exhaustion was written across everyone's faces.
Everyone gathered around, I said.
My voice rang across the clearing, loud and commanding.
I waited until every student and teacher stood before me.
Keeping Elk securely in one arm, I raised my free hand and cast a teleportation circle.
A crimson magic circle spread beneath our feet, glowing brilliantly.
Moments later, we reappeared in the academy courtyard.
Take the injured students and teachers to the infirmary. Everyone else, return to your dorms and get some rest,I said.
Without another word, I headed toward the infirmary with Elk still in my arms.
Lisa and Cain quickly followed behind me.
After a few steps, I stopped and turned to face them.
I know you're worried about your friend, but the two of you need to rest, I said.
Lisa looked ready to protest.
One look from me was enough.
She sighed in defeat.
Don't worry. She'll be fine. I promise, I said.
Understood, Headmaster Azravel,said Cain.
Although reluctant, Cain and Lisa finally turned and headed back toward the dormitories.
I continued to the infirmary and entered one of its private rooms.
The room was peaceful.
A large bed covered in crisp white sheets rested in the center. Soft crystal lights bathed the room in a warm glow. Tall windows framed by sheer white curtains overlooked the academy grounds, while polished white marble floors reflected the gentle light. The air carried the familiar scent of herbs, potions, and medicine.
I gently laid Elk down on the bed.
Against the white sheets, she looked so small...
So fragile...
So pale.
A sharp ache settled deep inside my chest.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
One of the academy's doctors entered.
Headmaster, I'm here to examine Miss Elk,said the doctor.
I nodded.
The doctor immediately began checking her vitals, magical reserves, and injuries, making sure nothing had been overlooked.
I remained silent, watching every movement.
After several minutes, he finally stepped back.
She's going to be fine. There aren't any life-threatening injuries. She has some minor internal bleeding, but her vampiric healing will repair it. It'll take a little longer than usual because she's exhausted most of her magic, but her power will recover with rest, said the doctor.
I nodded.
Relief settled over me.
It wasn't serious.
Even so, a lingering unease remained hidden beneath my calm expression.
She just needs plenty of rest. That's all, Headmaster,said the doctor.
I nodded once more.
The doctor bowed before quietly leaving the room.
For several moments, I simply stood beside her bed.
Watching her breathe.
Watching her sleep.
Leaning down, I gently brushed a kiss against her forehead.
Rest well... little ruby, I whispered.
With one last glance, I quietly left the room and made my way toward my office.
Opening the large double doors, I sat behind my desk and began sorting through the endless paperwork left behind by the monster stampede.
Several minutes passed.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Come in, I said.
Professor Glimmeria entered and gave a respectful bow.
Please give me your full report, I said.
Yes, Headmaster. There were ten injuries in total—seven students and three teachers, said Professor Glimmeria.
I nodded for her to continue.
Two of the teachers suffered critical injuries. The remaining teacher and all seven students sustained only minor injuries,said Professor Glimmeria.
I sighed.
What caused the stampede? I said.
I don't know. It was strange. When we first entered the forest for the hunting exercise, there were barely any monsters,said Professor Glimmeria.
I'm more concerned about the Wendigo, I said.
As am I. Even stranger was the snowfall in Area One. Wendigos normally inhabit Area Two in the northern region where it snows year-round. Area One has never experienced snowfall before,said Professor Glimmeria.
I folded my hands together.
Did you notice anything unusual about the Wendigo?, I said.
Yes,said Professor Glimmeria.
She hesitated.
When it appeared, it ignored everyone else,said Professor Glimmeria.
I narrowed my eyes.
Ignored everyone?, I said.
She nodded.
The teachers. The students. None of them mattered,said Professor Glimmeria.
She paused.
Who?, I said.
Elk,said Professor Glimmeria.
Silence filled the office.
It was like a predator that had finally found its prey. I think Elk realized that as well. That's why she deliberately moved away from the others and drew its attention,said Professor Glimmeria.
My jaw tightened.
Why would it specifically target her?, I said.
I don't know, said Professor Glimmeria.
She shook her head.
There are still too many unanswered questions, said Professor Glimmeria.
I leaned back in my chair.
Thank you for your report,I said.
She gave another respectful nod before speaking again.
If I may, Headmaster... Elk is an extraordinary student,said Professor Glimmeria.
I looked at her.
Explain, I said.
She remained calm throughout the entire attack. She naturally took command and organized the students without hesitation. During the battle, she awakened her vampire's special ability while simultaneously casting another form of magic,said Professor Glimmeria.
I gave a single nod.
Outwardly, my expression remained unreadable.
Inside...
Pride swelled within me.
That was my mate.
She's already achieved what many second- and third-year students still struggle to accomplish,said Professor Glimmeria.
Continue nurturing her talent, I said.
Yes, Headmaster,said Professor Glimmeria.
After discussing a few more details, Professor Glimmeria excused herself.
The office door closed softly behind her.
I leaned back in my chair and sighed.
Too many questions filled my mind.
What caused the stampede?
Why did it happen?
How did it happen?
Unbeknownst to everyone within the academy...
The mysterious figure responsible for orchestrating the entire incident were already inside the academy walls.
- Writer
