Jasmine approached the giant gates of the Zenith Academy For Warlocks & Witches.
She walked rather slowly and was lost in her thoughts.
Her body moved like it was devoid of life, like a mechanical being that was being controlled.
She reached the gates only to be stopped by one of the guards that stood watch there.
"Where are you headed, miss?" the guard asked politely.
It was their job to inquire about a scholar's whereabouts. That was why Dickens' escape from school was an illegal act.
Jasmine halted at the voice and pulled the hood of her orange and black adorned sweater.
She glared at this particular guard with her pallid eyes, her face giving off a bland countenance.
But the guard was not moved one bit by such a distasteful expression on a lass' face.
He had seen a lot of students and still sees them. Nothing these young scholars will do would shock him anymore.
"Where are you headed, miss?" he asked again, the politeness to his voice gradually reducing each time he had to repeat himself.
Jasmine still maintained her silence and said nothing to the guard.
She put her hand into one of the pockets on her sweater and took out a white card with a signature and some details on it — Miss Dorian Dandelion's signature and teacher-specific details.
She raised the white card and showed it to him.
"A teacher's permit?" the guard thought.
He cleared his throat, realizing that Jasmine had gotten authorization from a teacher.
"Alright. You can go ahead, miss," he said, gesturing for her to continue her walk outside the academy.
The teacher's permit was, as it sounded, a permit that allowed the scholars to leave the premises of the academy for a limited amount of time.
Failure to heed the agreement of time attracted different consequences, but Jasmine didn't seem like she cared about those right now.
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She had left the academy to take a walk and see if she could clear her head.
Her dorm was becoming more and more suffocating the longer she stayed there, and as if she had planned it earlier, Jasmine had gotten the permit card from Miss Dorian.
"I'd like to ask you for a favour," she said to Miss Double D earlier that day, just at the end of the day's class.
"What is it, Miss Barley?"
Miss Dorian was rather surprised that someone like Jasmine, who held herself in such high regard, would be seeking favours from anyone.
"I-I..." she stuttered, playing with her fingers and looking away from her teacher.
"Yes, Miss Barley?"
"I'd like to get a permit card from you. I've been feeling a bit sick lately and I would like to go and get some fresh air."
Miss Dorian raised her eyebrows, confused at why it was so important that she took a walk outside the premises.
"You can take walks within the academy, Miss Barley," she replied rather quickly, disarming Jasmine.
Jasmine was not backing down since she needed her to sign the permit so badly.
As Miss Dorian looked away and focused on the sheets of paper she was arranging, she felt a hand grasp her wrist tightly.
Looking up, she saw Jasmine with a pitiable face.
"Please. I just need a change of environment, somewhere I can relax without having to see or talk to anyone that I know."
"Pleaseee."
Miss Dorian sighed.
"Alright, fine. I'll give you the permit but only for three hours. You know what happens if you exceed your permit's time limit."
Jasmine nodded, excited that Miss Dorian finally approved.
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She stepped out of the gates and turned left of it, heading into the streets of the Silver City.
It was evening and the city was still lively like it would be during the day, perhaps even livelier.
Jasmine placed her hood back on her head and sighed before continuing to walk.
"It's beautiful," she muttered, admiring the world outside the academy.
Jasmine had no particular destination in mind. She just wanted to aimlessly stroll through the Silver City until she was, maybe, tired.
The young lady walked down the bustling streets of the Silver City, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sights and sounds around her.
The city's name was aptly chosen, its architecture sparkled in the sun and moonlight, adorned with ornate silver accents that glistened with an ethereal glow.
Towering buildings lined the streets, their facades a mix of modern design and vintage charm.
Each shop seemed to have its own unique personality, enticing passersby with vibrant window displays and inviting aromas.
As she strolled, Jasmine couldn't help but admire the way the Silver City seamlessly blended the old with the new.
Cobbled pathways intertwined with sleek sidewalks, creating a contrast that somehow felt harmonious to the eyes that beheld them.
She was drawn to the local artisans displaying their wares along the cobblestone streets — delicate silver jewelry, intricate glass figurines, vases and pots, and mesmerizing paintings that seemed to come alive.
Jasmine paused in front of a quaint bakery, the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air.
She couldn't resist the allure and stepped inside.
The interior was just as charming as the exterior, with rustic wooden shelves displaying an array of delectable treats.
The bell above the door tinkled as she entered, and a warm smile from the baker greeted her.
"Hello and welcome to Goldman's."
"Hello, ma'am. Good evening," Jasmine answered back.
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She left with a paper bag filled with croissants and a newfound appreciation for the culinary delights of the Silver City.
Continuing her exploration, Jasmine found herself on a narrow side street that seemed to lead to a less-traveled part of the city.
The buildings here were adorned with flowers, giving them a mysterious and enchanting quality.
She was captivated by the play of light and shadow, and her steps slowed as she took in the beauty around her.
But as she ventured further into the dimly lit alley, a shiver ran down her spine.
The atmosphere suddenly changed, the air growing heavy and tense.
A sinister growl echoed through the alley, sending a jolt of fear through Jasmine's veins.
She instinctively clutched the paper bag in her hand, her heart racing.
Peering into the darkness, Jasmine's imagination ran wild.
Was it a stray animal, a figment of her imagination, or something far more ominous?
A magic beast?
Her gaze fixated on a pile of discarded crates near the alley's entrance, the source of the unsettling sound.
Her mind raced, torn between curiosity and the primal instinct to flee.
As she stood there, uncertainty swirling around her, Jasmine's initial admiration for the Silver City's charm began to wane.
The once inviting streets suddenly felt like a labyrinth of shadows, concealing secrets that she couldn't decipher.
With a deep breath, she took a forced step back, torn between her desire to unravel the mystery and the undeniable urge to escape the growing sense of danger.
The silhouette of a figure appeared before her eyes, baring its fangs and slobber.
In that moment, the Silver City revealed another layer — one that sent a shiver down Jasmine's spine, reminding her that even the most enchanting places can hold hidden darkness.