Moonlight requiem

Chapter 6: The Unexpected Revelation

The next morning, Lyra and Astrid walked into the Raven's Den, ready for their meeting with Professor Nightshade. The meeting was to discuss the stakeout they had done the previous night, and to see if anyone had gathered any useful information.

As they entered the room, Lyra's eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the familiar faces of her fellow students. But then, her eyes landed on a face she hadn't expected to see - Kael's.

Astrid, who had been chatting with someone, noticed Lyra's gaze and followed it to Kael. She nudged Lyra with her elbow, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Lyra's eyes widened in shock, and she felt a surge of anger. What was Kael doing here?

Kael, who had been watching Lyra, smirked as their eyes met. Lyra's face burned with annoyance, and she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.

Professor Nightshade stood up, calling the meeting to order. "Good morning, everyone. I trust you all had a good night's rest. Last night's stakeout was a success, and we gathered some valuable information. However, we still have a lot of work to do. We'll be continuing the stakeout every night, and I'll be grouping you into teams of four. Remember to stay safe, and keep your wits about you."

The meeting adjourned, and Lyra made her way to Professor Nightshade's office, determined to have a word with him. She knocked on the door, and when he called out, she entered.

"Professor, I need to talk to you about Kael," Lyra said, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Professor Nightshade looked up from the papers he was grading. "Ah, yes. Kael. What about him?"

Lyra took a deep breath. "I don't think it's a good idea to accept new members right now, especially not with everything that's been going on. What if he's an insider, working with the people who are attacking us?"

Professor Nightshade's expression turned stern. "Lyra, I understand your concerns, but Kael has been thoroughly vetted. He's an indigene of Ashwood, and he has every right to be here."

Lyra felt a surge of frustration. "But, Professor, you can't just accept someone without doing a thorough background check. What if he's-"

Professor Nightshade's voice rose, cutting her off. "Lyra, that's enough. I understand your concerns, but I will not be questioned by you. You are a student, and I am your professor. I will make the decisions, and you will follow them."

Lyra felt a sting of shame, and she looked down, apologizing. "I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't mean to overstep."

Professor Nightshade's expression softened. "It's okay, Lyra. But remember, you're not the only one who can make decisions around here. Sometimes, you need to trust that those in charge know what they're doing."

Lyra nodded, feeling a bit chastised, and left the office.

As she walked out, she was confronted by Eira, who was standing in the hallway, a sneer on her face.

"You're quite the bold one, aren't you?" Eira said, her voice dripping with malice. "Thinking you can just question Professor Nightshade's decisions and get away with it."

Lyra's expression was serene, but her tone was laced with subtle sarcasm. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I needed your permission to speak my mind."

Eira's face tightened, her voice taking on a condescending tone. "You'd do well to learn some respect, Lyra. After all, you're not the only one with opinions around here."

Lyra's smile was sweet, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm shaking in my boots, Eira. But tell me, what's really bothering you? Is it the fact that Professor Nightshade didn't consult you before making his decision, or is it something else entirely?"

Eira's eyes flashed with anger, but Lyra just raised an eyebrow, her expression innocent. "I'm just trying to understand, Eira. After all, I'm sure you have a valid reason for being so... invested in this conversation."

....

Lyra walked out of the office, still feeling a bit frustrated from her conversation with Eira. But as soon as she saw Astrid waiting for her, her expression brightened.

"Hey, what's up?" Astrid asked, falling into step beside Lyra.

"Nothing, just Eira being her usual delightful self," Lyra replied, rolling her eyes.

Astrid chuckled. "Oh, yeah? What did she say this time?"

Lyra filled Astrid in on their conversation, and Astrid listened with a sympathetic ear.

When Lyra finished, Astrid said, "You know, Lyra, sometimes I think you're too hard on people. I mean, Kael was rude to you one time, so what? Just forget about him."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "You're just saying that because he's hot."

Astrid grinned. "Oh, so you admit he's hot!"

Lyra laughed. "Shut up, Astrid."

Astrid chuckled. "Speaking of hot, guess who we were grouped with for tonight's stakeout?"

Lyra's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

"Cormac and Kael," Astrid replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Lyra's jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me."

Astrid shrugged. "What? I think it'll be fun."

Lyra shook her head. "When did Cormac even join the Raven's Den?"

Astrid thought for a moment. "He's always been on the team, I think."

Lyra's eyes sparkled with amusement. "The irony. A raven stealing from citizens."

Astrid laughed. "I know, right?"

Lyra's expression turned serious. "So, where's the location for tonight's stakeout?"

"We're heading to the old warehouse on 5th and Main," Astrid replied. "We're calling it Operation Nightshade."

Lyra nodded. "Okay, got it."

Astrid grinned. "And don't worry, Lyra. I'm sure Kael and Cormac will be on their best behavior."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "I highly doubt that."

Astrid chuckled. "Oh, come on. It'll be fun, I promise."

Lyra sighed. "What kind of creatures are Kael and Cormac, anyway?"

Astrid's expression turned mysterious. "We have to wait and find out."

Lyra's eyes narrowed. "Astrid, what do you know that you're not telling me?"

Astrid just grinned and walked away, leaving Lyra to wonder what secrets her friend was keeping.