The sound of waves was gone.
Now there was only the steady ticking of a clock, the faint scent of medicine, and the gentle rustle of curtains in the breeze.
Mila's eyes fluttered open to a ceiling she didn't recognize. It took her a moment to realize she was lying in the academy's infirmary.
Her head throbbed faintly.
"She's awake!"
A familiar voice pulled her from the haze. It was Lessa, one of the younger teachers usually loud, now uncharacteristically quiet. She hurried over and placed a cool hand on Mila's forehead.
"You scared everyone, you know that? You suddenly collapsed on the beach. What happened?"
Mila blinked slowly, trying to remember.
The sunlight. The laughter. The wind
And then… them.
A flash of violet hair and glowing eyes… a shadow that could crush the sky itself.
But every time she tried to hold onto the image, pain sparked through her head.
"I… I don't know," she finally said softly, forcing a smile. "Maybe I overworked myself yesterday."
Lessa frowned but didn't push further.
"You really should take it easy, Mila. You're not some kind of machine."
Mila chuckled faintly. "Yeah… you're right."
But inside, her thoughts were far from calm.
That woman… and that presence beside her. I've never seen them before, but… why does it feel like I've lost something important?
Her gaze wandered to the window, where sunlight painted the floor gold.
Suddenly, she noticed something else her right hand trembling, faint sparks of crimson energy swirling briefly before fading. She quickly hid it under the blanket.
No… not now. No one can see that.
The door creaked open, and the headmistress stepped inside, her tone gentle but serious.
"Miss Mila, I heard you've awakened. Do you recall what caused your collapse?"
"Just… exhaustion, I think," Mila replied quickly.
The headmistress studied her for a long moment before nodding.
"Very well. You may rest for the day. I've informed the others you'll return to duties tomorrow."
"Thank you, ma'am," Mila said quietly.
When the door closed again, the infirmary fell silent.
Mila lay there, eyes open, watching the patterns of light flicker across the ceiling.
Violet hair… glowing eyes… and that towering shadow.
A whisper escaped her lips.
"Who are you people… and why does my heart hurt when I see you?"
Outside, the wind shifted carrying a faint, distant echo.
A voice she couldn't remember, but somehow recognized.
"You'll forget this place… forget us."
Her eyes widened slightly.
And though she didn't understand why, a single tear slid down her cheek again.