The tension of the Shadow Games had weighed heavily on everyone, so when the announcement came that the academy was taking a brief midseason break, the entire student body breathed a collective sigh of relief.
It was a chance to escape the high-pressure atmosphere of competition and simply enjoy being students again—if only for a short while.
Ryker, Lyra, Zara, Kaid, and Alaric gathered in the Academy's grand courtyard, the sun shining brightly above, casting a warm, golden light over the sprawling gardens.
The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter as students relaxed in the grass, played games, and enjoyed the rare reprieve.
"This feels... weird," Lyra admitted as she stretched out on the soft grass, her arms behind her head.
"No training, no strategy meetings, no worrying about the next match. What are we supposed to do with ourselves?"
"I'm sure we'll manage," Kaid said dryly, sitting next to her with a book in hand.
"But if you're struggling, I could always explain some new tactics I've been thinking about for our next match."
Lyra groaned dramatically, tossing a playful glare at Kaid.
"Please, spare me. I don't want to think about tactics right now."
Zara, sitting cross-legged nearby, let out a soft laugh.
"You two never change, do you? Always teasing each other."
Ryker leaned back against a tree, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "It's nice, though. We've all been so focused on the Games that we haven't had time to just... be."
"Speak for yourselves," Alaric said, strolling up with a mischievous grin. He held a large basket filled with food and drink, which he set down with a flourish. "I, for one, intend to make the most of this break. And that starts with a picnic."
Lyra's eyes lit up at the sight of the food.
"Now that's more like it! What did you bring?"
Alaric began unpacking the basket, revealing an impressive array of treats—freshly baked bread, fruit, cheese, pastries, and even a couple of bottles of sparkling juice.
"Just a little something I put together. I figured we could all use a good meal that didn't involve cafeteria rations."
Ryker raised an eyebrow. "You made all this?"
"Of course," Alaric replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Cooking is one of my hobbies. It's relaxing. Plus, I thought it'd be nice to do something for the team."
"Well, you've outdone yourself," Lyra said, grabbing a pastry and taking a bite. Her eyes widened in delight.
"This is amazing! Alaric, you're officially in charge of all team meals from now on."
"Glad you approve," Alaric said with a chuckle.
As they enjoyed the food, the conversation flowed easily, topics ranging from the absurdity of some of their classes to the latest gossip circulating the Academy.
The mood was light, and for a while, it was easy to forget about the looming dangers of the Shadow Games.
"So, Ryker," Zara said, her tone teasing,
"Since we're all in a good mood, how about you share something embarrassing from your past? You're always so serious."
Ryker gave her a mock glare.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm the picture of composure."
"Really?" Lyra piped up, grinning wickedly.
"What about that time during combat training when you tried to show off and—"
"Alright, alright," Ryker interrupted, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
"Maybe I've had a few... less-than-perfect moments."
The group burst into laughter, and even Ryker couldn't help but join in. The easy camaraderie was a stark contrast to the high-stakes tension that had defined their interactions over the past weeks.
It was a reminder that, despite the challenges they faced, they were still just students—young, ambitious, and sometimes, a little foolish.
As the day wore on, they wandered through the Academy grounds, exploring areas they'd never had time to visit before.
They found an old stone bridge over a small stream, where Kaid, much to everyone's surprise, revealed a talent for skipping stones, easily outdoing Alaric, who had been bragging about his skills.
"Looks like the strategist isn't just good at tactics," Alaric said, shaking his head in mock defeat as Kaid's stone skipped five times before sinking.
"What other hidden talents are you keeping from us?"
Kaid simply shrugged, a rare smile playing on his lips.
"I guess you'll just have to find out."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the courtyard, the group found themselves back where they started, lying on the grass and watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange.
"This was nice," Lyra said softly, her voice filled with contentment. "We should do this more often."
"Agreed," Ryker replied, his tone reflective.
There was a comfortable silence as they all took in the moment, feeling a renewed sense of unity.
They knew the Shadow Games would resume soon, and with them, the dangers and challenges they had only begun to face.
But for now, they were content to simply be in each other's company, enjoying the calm before the storm.
As the first stars began to appear in the night sky, they slowly made their way back to the Academy, ready to face whatever the future held—together.