"So," I said, rising to stand beside him. But as I took a step, my foot caught on a loose stone hidden in the dim light. I stumbled forward, letting out a small, surprised "eep!" and pitching directly into Elara's arms.
His arms, stiff with surprise, came up to steady me, his hands firm on my shoulders. I was pressed against his chest, the faint scent of earth and something ancient, yet undeniably comforting, surrounding me. My ears, I could feel, instantly tipped bright red, but I refused to let it show.
I pushed back, righting myself quickly, maintaining my playful facade. "Oh, my apologies, Professor! Clumsy me. It seems even Illusionists can be brought down by the most mundane of obstacles. Perhaps I need to practice my ground-level perceptions more often." I gestured innocently at the offending rock with a hand that trembled ever so slightly.
He merely regarded me with an unreadable expression, his hands still hovering for a moment before dropping to his sides. "Indeed, Lyra. One must always be aware of their surroundings, especially when navigating treacherous terrain. Both physical, and… otherwise." His tone was dry, but I thought I saw the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips.
"Quite right, Professor," I said, gathering myself. "Lessons learned, even in the dark of night." I decided to steer us back to the serious matter at hand before I made a complete fool of myself. "So, what's the plan now, Professor? How do we untangle these particular roots, given their latest moves?"
He looked down at me, his eyes serious, but the weariness from the nightmare seemed to have lifted. "We need to expose the Soul-Binding directly. Not merely chip at their reputation, but tear down the very foundation of their ill-gotten power.
The new Elemental Wing and those Refinement Chambers... they are the heart of this deception. We need to find irrefutable evidence of their active practice of Soul-Binding there. The Ancient Grove trip… it presents both a huge risk and a potential opportunity." He paused, a thoughtful frown on his face. "In fact, I'm considering putting myself forward to accompany the students on that trip. It would provide unparalleled access."
He then turned to me, a hint of something unreadable, yet undeniably direct, in his eyes. "And in exchange for your invaluable intelligence, Lyra... perhaps you would accompany me to the Night Market this coming Sunday? For... further discussion of academic curiosities."
My breath hitched. The Night Market. With him. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, pushing back against the chill of the night. "The Night Market?" I repeated, my playful tone struggling to reassert itself. "For academic curiosities, Professor? Are you sure it's not simply for the candied apples?"
A ghost of a genuine smile touched his lips, fleeting but undeniably there. "Candied apples may be a side benefit, Lyra. But the primary objective remains the exchange of… insights. Think of it as an off-campus study session. With more… interesting vendors."
"Very well, Professor," I conceded, my own smile broadening. "For the sake of academic curiosity, and perhaps a candied apple or two. Sunday it is."
He nodded.
When I returned to my quarters, the light was on, and Aster and Wren were still there, tidying up, their curious gazes following me the moment I stepped inside.
"Lyra!" Aster exclaimed, putting down a stack of scrolls. "Where on earth were you? We were just about to head to your room! Guess who they've put on the oversight committee for the Ancient Grove trip?"
Wren bounced on the balls of his feet. "Yeah! It's wild! Not just the professors, but Lady Seraphina Kaelan herself! Can you believe it? The Kaelan's eldest!"
"Oh, yes," I said, feigning casualness, though my heart was still thrumming from the conversation. "I was just taking a walk to clear my head. The Headmaster's latest memos can be quite... illuminating. Seraphina Kaelan, you say? Well, that certainly adds a layer of... prestige to the trip."
Aster's brow furrowed. "Prestige? More like intense! She's renowned for her strictness, Lyra. And her family's connections to Elemental Magic are so deep, it's almost unsettling sometimes."
Wren giggled. "Yeah, they say she can make a rock weep just by looking at it!"
"Interesting," I murmured, my thoughts already racing, connecting this new piece of information to our growing understanding of the Kaelans and their Elemental Shackling. This confirmed the trip's strategic importance even more.
As Aster and Wren continued to chatter excitedly about the trip,and return to their quarters.
I moved to my desk. A moment later, I pulled out a small, ornate bell from my satchel. A single chime, and a moment later, Jain, my young servant, appeared. He was lurking near the door, his usual eager demeanor replaced by a hesitant, almost nervous energy, as if he was trying to hide something.
"Jain," I said, my voice low and firm. "You've been hovering for some time. And you seem to have news you're reluctant to share. What is it?"
He flinched, then slowly turned, his eyes wide. "Young Mistress, forgive me. It's… news from the lower staff. Whispers within the academy, about certain… unscheduled deliveries to the new Elemental Wing. And some unusual movements, late at night. Nothing clear, Mistress. Just… an odd feeling among those who work the late shifts." He fidgeted, clearly withholding details.
I kept my gaze steady, unwavering. "Odd feelings are often the truest indicators, Jain. Tell Thomas that I require a comprehensive, discreet report on the political currents within the academy. Every whispered alliance, every faculty grievance, every shift in power dynamics, especially concerning the new Elemental wing. And specifically, I want details on these 'unscheduled deliveries' and 'unusual movements.' Leave no stone unturned. And next time, Jain, do not hide information from me. Time is of the essence."
He bowed deeply, his face paling slightly. "Yes, Young Mistress. Immediately." He melted back into the shadows, leaving me to my thoughts. The Valerius family was actively using the new wing. The net was indeed tightening.