Capítulo 22: Chapter 21: A Day of Light
After the harrowing encounter in the woods, the atmosphere at Aurora Academy shifted. Whispers of the dark ritual echoed through the hallways, but for Rian, Lyria, and Dante, it was time for a reprieve—a chance to recharge before the storm.
"Come on! We've been working ourselves to the bone," Dante urged, his enthusiasm infectious as he bounded into the common room where Rian and Lyria were poring over books about Essentia. "We need a break!"
"I know we've had a rough couple of days," Lyria replied, her brows furrowed as she flipped through a dusty tome. "But we have to find out more about what's happening. We can't let our guard down."
Rian looked up, his thoughts mirroring Lyria's concerns. "I agree, but maybe just a few hours won't hurt. It'll help us clear our heads."
"Exactly!" Dante grinned, pumping his fist in the air. "We can explore the academy, check out the gardens, and maybe grab some snacks from the cafeteria. You guys in?"
After a moment's hesitation, Lyria smiled, her resolve softening. "Fine. But just for a little while."
"Great! Meet me at the main entrance in fifteen minutes!" Dante said, already darting out of the room.
As Rian gathered his things, he could feel the excitement bubbling within him. They had faced darkness, and now it was time to embrace the light, even if just for a moment.
Fifteen minutes later…
The sun shone brightly overhead as Rian stepped outside, the warm rays casting a golden hue over the academy's sprawling grounds. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the crispness of autumn.
"Finally!" Dante called from the steps of the entrance, waving animatedly. "What took you guys so long?"
"Just gathering my wits," Rian replied, chuckling as he joined his friends. "What's the plan?"
"First stop: the gardens. I hear they've been spruced up for the festival," Dante said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Lyria fell in step beside them, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I heard there will be some new magical plants there. I want to see if any have properties we can use for our studies."
"Okay, plant guru," Dante teased, nudging her playfully. "But let's not forget to have fun too!"
As they made their way through the academy's expansive grounds, laughter echoed in the air, easing the tension that had been building in their hearts. Rian felt a sense of camaraderie forming between them, a bond strengthened by their shared experiences.
When they arrived at the gardens, vibrant flowers swayed in the gentle breeze, their colors dazzling in the sunlight. Rian couldn't help but admire the beauty around him.
"Look at that one!" Lyria exclaimed, pointing to a cluster of iridescent blooms that shimmered like gemstones. "I've read about these; they're called Starblossoms. They can enhance magical abilities for a short time!"
"Isn't everything around here magical?" Dante quipped, plucking a small flower and pretending to smell it. "It's like a fairy tale!"
As they wandered through the gardens, the trio engaged in light-hearted banter, playfully teasing one another. Lyria found a patch of curious flowers that seemed to giggle as she approached, while Dante attempted to mimic their laughter, much to Rian's amusement.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted their merriment. "Isn't it a bit rude to laugh at someone else's expense?"
The trio turned to see a girl standing nearby, her arms crossed and an amused smile on her face. She had long, wavy chestnut hair and striking blue eyes that sparkled with mischief.
"Who are you?" Dante asked, tilting his head in curiosity.
"Seraphina," she replied, stepping forward with an air of confidence. "I'm a new student here at Aurora Academy. I didn't realize I was interrupting your little gathering."
Rian felt a flutter in his chest as he looked at Seraphina. There was something about her presence that captivated him instantly. "Nice to meet you, Seraphina! I'm Rian," he said, trying to keep his composure.
Lyria looked between the two, her curiosity piqued. "What's your Essentia?"
"I specialize in elemental Essentia—fire and air," Seraphina said, her tone casual but her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've been trying to master my abilities, but it's been a bit of a challenge."
"That's awesome!" Rian exclaimed, feeling a wave of admiration. "We could use another friend around here, especially with everything going on."
"Yeah, we've been facing some dark magic lately," Dante added, his expression turning serious. "It's been intense."
Seraphina's expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing with concern. "Dark magic? Sounds like you've been in some trouble. But you all seem pretty capable. You might be the perfect crew to help me explore the academy further!"
"Exploring sounds great! But we can't ignore the threat looming over us," Lyria reminded them, her brow furrowing. "Still, we could use a break."
"Exactly!" Dante exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Why not combine both? We can explore and keep our eyes peeled for any trouble. What do you say, Seraphina?"
"Count me in," Seraphina said, her smile brightening. "I'd love to see what else this place has to offer."
The four of them wandered deeper into the gardens, their laughter and camaraderie filling the air as they shared stories. Seraphina had a knack for lightening the mood, and her infectious laughter blended seamlessly with the sound of the breeze rustling through the leaves.
As they moved, they discovered hidden alcoves filled with unusual plants and ancient statues. Rian felt a sense of wonder building within him, the dark shadows that had clouded their lives temporarily forgotten.
They eventually came across a secluded pond, its surface shimmering under the sunlight. The water was crystal clear, and tiny fish darted beneath the surface. Rian paused, captivated by the tranquil beauty.
"This place is perfect!" he said, taking a seat on the edge of the pond. "We should come here more often."
"You're right," Lyria agreed, joining him. "It's peaceful."
Seraphina crouched by the water's edge, dipping her fingers into the cool liquid. "I can see why you all like it here. It feels alive."
Dante flopped down beside Rian, stretching out his arms. "A little bit of peace before the storm—just what we need!"
As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Rian felt grateful for this moment. Despite the chaos awaiting them, they had each other—and now, they had Seraphina.
"Thanks for joining us, Seraphina," Rian said, sincerity lacing his tone. "It's nice to have a break from everything."
"Of course! It's been great getting to know you all," Seraphina replied, her voice warm. "I have a feeling we're going to make a great team."
Rian nodded, feeling hopeful about the future. They had faced darkness together and emerged victorious, but there was still much to uncover. The mysteries of Essentia lingered just out of reach, and Rian knew they would need each other more than ever in the days to come.
As they sat by the pond, sharing stories and laughter, Rian felt a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, and together, they would unravel the mysteries of their world.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder