The next day, the first-year students of Starshade Academy made their way to the Elemental Hall of Water for their Potions and Alchemy class. The hall was a beautiful structure, with walls that seemed to ripple like water and a cool, refreshing atmosphere. They entered the Alchemy Lab, a room filled with shelves of strange ingredients and bubbling cauldrons.
Professor Norlia Nightshade, a master alchemist with a reputation for meticulousness, stood at the front of the room. She was an elegant woman with long, silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see into the very essence of things.
"Hello, students," she began, her voice calm and soothing. "My name is Norlia, and I will be your educator in Potions and Alchemy. Today, I will introduce you to the wonders of potion-making and the magical moments that can be achieved through alchemy."
She moved to a large, ornate table in the center of the room, where a shimmering blue potion sat in a crystal vial. "To give you an example, this is a Soulbind Potion, an advanced class potion. Who wants to try it?"
Kieran's hand shot up immediately. "Me, me, me!" he exclaimed, trying to be the center of attention. He cast a smug glance toward Aric.
"And another volunteer, please?" Professor Norlia asked.
Kieran, without missing a beat, said, "Give that wolf boy the potion too," shrugging his face toward Aric.
Norlia nodded. "Very well. Please come forward, both of you."
The two boys approached the table, and Professor Norlia handed them the vial. "Please drink the potion. Both of you."
"Do we need to drink from the same bottle? Yuck," Kieran complained.
"Please follow my instructions," Norlia said firmly.
They each took a sip from the vial. As soon as they had both swallowed, a strange feeling washed over them.
"Okay, students, the Soulbind Potion is a potion that connects two people, allowing them to share their thoughts."
Memories of Kieran's and Aric's childhoods mixed together. Aric's childhood was a normal, familial one, while Kieran's memories were filled with moments involving Liora. They were childhood friends, next-door neighbors, and had been playing together since they were kids.
Aric began to laugh. "All Kieran's thinking about is showing off to Liora Sunshadow. No wonder you treat me like that. Pfttt."
Kieran's face turned bright red. "Shut up, Aric! Don't you dare say I like Liora in front of everyone."
"Wow, he literally admitted it himself," Aric said, chuckling.
Liora's face turned red as well. "I never thought that," she murmured, before quickly hiding in the crowd.
The class erupted in laughter, and even Professor Norlia couldn't help but smile. "Well, it seems the potion is working perfectly. Remember, potions can reveal truths and create connections. Use them wisely."