The wind carried the gentle warmth of summer, caressing her hair as she stood tall, entranced by the luminous moon above. In this ever-changing world, its natural beauty remained untouched. Glittering stars adorned the obsidian sky, a spectacle that captivated her despite the stark contrast to Silverkeep's mesmerising heavens. Faint footsteps interrupted her reverie, yet, without turning, she recognized the familiar sound.
"It's our opportunity," the man spoke in a hushed whisper, as if guarding their words against prying ears—paranoid, yet rightfully so.
"It seems that way," she replied, her gaze still fixed on the unyielding sky. Terravale had transformed slowly, but the sky stood resolute, indifferent to the conflicts below, as if deeming them as inconsequential as ripples in a vast ocean.
Pushing up his glasses, Indigo joined her in contemplation of the night sky. "At the onset of the tournament," he whispered in a measured voice, "the magic limitation spell will be lifted. However, we must refrain from capturing Eydis until the day of the tournament finale celebration. It isn't wise to draw unnecessary attention during the contest."
Nodding, her silver hair gently fluttering with her movement, violet orbs gleaming with anticipation, she declared, "This time, there will be no mistakes. I will have her."
Indigo, sensing Callista's deep-seated grudge against their target, edged closer. "I understand why you despise her, Calli—I mean, Astra."
"I doubt you do," she snorted, "You haven't faced her blade, yet, have you?"
Adjusting his glasses, Indigo probed further, "Is that all? Is that the sole reason why the mere sight of her makes you—"
"Nauseous?" Astra interrupted, but Indigo shook his head, concern in his eyes. "I wouldn't use that word; let's just call it a potent emotion. I genuinely hope it won't cloud your judgement in executing our mission."
Astra shrugged, her voice a dangerous whisper. "Are you concerned I might end my roommate's life before kidnapping her? As much as I'd relish that, there's a larger game at play," Astra said, her voice sharp. "Eydis' capture is only the first step. Personal vendettas have no place in this mission."
"I hope so, and be cautious, Astra."
"Don't worry; I won't underestimate her again." She returned her gaze to the darkened Terravalian sky, yearning for the last of its nights. Silverkeep's Northern Lights and the cool embrace of its snow against her fiery heart were her true desires. Callista Meteora, a name spanning centuries, held dear even if not her true identity. Opposed to being known as Astra Clamor Elite, a name echoing Silverkeep's lineage, it was the most effective guise Indigo could provide.
Indigo cast another glance at Callista, his thoughts swirling with contemplation about their ambiguous future. Despite her assurance of caution, he pondered the enigma of what cunning tricks Eydis might unveil this time. Though Eydis seemed reckless, perhaps bordering on foolishness, Indigo discerned it as a deliberate and calculated manoeuvre—a strategic approach to testing boundaries, even if it meant teetering on the edge of the cliff.
**
The night's coolness had been Callista's haven for centuries. It was a familiar cloak, shrouding her as she navigated the city's bustling streets, unseen and unheard. Just when she believed she had witnessed everything, a single image haunted her: a youthful face masked by an unnervingly predatory glint. Was this the sole reason for her unease around Eydis, the seemingly ordinary girl who shared their room? Indigo's query echoed in her mind, a seed of doubt that refused to be silenced.
The ache in her shoulders, a consequence of prolonged hours in her only hideaway, the library, signalled it was time to cease running away.
Running away?
What did the mighty 'high-witch,' as they called her, truly fear? Every return to her room presented a facade of normalcy, facing the sleeping brunette as though the world was untroubled. Yet, only she knew the extent of Eydis's capabilities. Did Indigo grasp the control Callista exerted, restraining herself from retaliation or worse, offering Eydis the same poison she endured?
"You're still awake," she asked, surprised by her own voice as she entered the room. Eydis, perched at the desk, looked up with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
The brunette's lips curled infuriatingly, as if finding amusement in Callista's curt statement. "I have a lot on my mind."
Callista met her gaze, the tension crackling between them. "What could possibly occupy your mind besides mayhem?"
"Oh? Is that what you think of me? A wild child, always seeking chaos?" Eydis grinned, feigning innocence. "How could I, a weak and powerless commoner, dare to dream of such deeds?"
Callista snickered, "Cut the crap; you are anything but innocent."
The brunette continued to regard Callista mischievously. "Who says anything about innocent Lady Astra? It appears you need to sleep. The coming days will be anything but dull."
Callista muttered profanities, earning a melodic laugh from Eydis. Amusement? Did she truly find her antics entertaining? Callista comprehended the feelings of fears, admirations, or even lust directed to her. However, amusement, especially from someone so seemingly innocent, was unprecedented.
"You're right; it will be indeed. I can't wait to see how you deal with those beasts."
Eydis, showing a hint of her sharp canines, teased, "Oh? You almost sounded concerned."
"Concern? I couldn't wait for them to wipe that arrogant smirk off your face."
Pretending to ponder, Eydis tapped her cheek. "I must have made a mistake, then. Instead of worrying, you just can't wait for them to eat me up, can you."
Callista glared, her intensity dismissed by Eydis with a chuckle. The brunette's eyes left the violet orbs, as if the challenge had never happened. She returned her gaze to the window, thoughts hidden behind an enigmatic demeanour. Callista had to admit, Eydis handled her short-comings impressively. Her thoughts were shrouded in layers and strange languages, rendering her an enigma despite her flaws.
As their conversation concluded, exhaustion finally claimed Callista, one last question lingered on her lips. "Can you stop projecting your thoughts so loudly?" she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.
Whether Callista recognised her error remained uncertain, captivated by the brunette's eyes as she turned around. Golden freckles adorned them, moonlight caressing soft wavy locks, lips curved in a serene smile. Anticipating another teasing remark, none came. Instead, Eydis whispered, her voice like a lullaby, "Goodnight, Lady Astra."
**
The ground trembled beneath her, rocks hurtling in her direction. Swiftly, she shifted her leg, narrowly evading the onslaught.
Her gaze darted around, searching for an escape, for some advantage in this nightmare.
Then she saw it: a gnarled oak, its branches low and inviting. With a renewed urgency, Eydis charged through the trees, using their trunks as shields. She ducked under a low branch, then swung up, her fingers grasping the rough bark, pulling herself to a higher vantage point. Heart hammered against her ribs, a counterpoint to the deafening silence that followed. Sweat blurred her vision, stinging her eyes as she peered through the orange curtain of leaves.
A whimper, strangled and raw, broke the stillness. To her right, huddled behind a moss-covered boulder, an Azura boy cowered, eyes wide with terror. Eydis thought it a bad move just as the boulder shuddered, cracked, and then, in a grotesque mockery of nature, reshaped itself. Flesh and bone oozed from the fractured stone, reforming into a twisted mockery of the student he once was. A final, choked gasp, and then silence, except for the sickening glisten of fresh blood on the forest floor.
The stench of iron and decay coiled around her, drawing more eyes from the deepening shadows. Crimson orbs, like embers in the night, blinked into existence between the trees.
How did it come to this?