The soft glow of moonlight guided Raven and Lyra as they crept silently through the forest. The further they ventured, the heavier the air seemed, a quiet stillness settling over them that made Raven's skin prickle with unease.
Raven glanced nervously at Lyra, who seemed utterly unfazed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Meanwhile, Raven's heart thudded in her chest, every rustle and whisper of the trees making her jump.
"This is… definitely not creepy," she muttered sarcastically, her voice barely a breath as they ventured deeper into the unknown.
Lyra grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "Come on, it'll be fun. You wanted to know what the elites were up to, right? Besides, we won't be the only ones. Trust me."
They carefully ducked under a low-hanging branch, slipping into the dense trees. The forest slope descended sharply, its incline dotted with ancient, gnarled roots twisting out from the earth, creating a natural obstacle course. The trees loomed overhead, their thick canopies blocking out most of the moonlight, leaving only faint silvery beams to filter through the branches. In the dim light, the undergrowth seemed to shift and breathe with the wind, making every shadow stretch and sway. The slope was treacherous, the soft soil slick beneath their feet, threatening to send them tumbling down if they weren't careful.
Raven felt a strange energy in the air, like it was buzzing with something unseen. Her skin prickled, and she couldn't shake the eerie sensation crawling down her spine. It was like the forest itself was alive, watching them from the shadows, holding its breath for what was about to unfold. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made her jump, and her unease grew with every step.
Suddenly, she noticed faint lights flickering through the trees and heard soft whispers. She stopped, tugging on Lyra's sleeve.
"Wait..." Said Raven, pulling Lyra back. "What is that?" She pointed toward the trees ahead.
Lyra smiled knowingly. "Told you, we're not the only ones sneaking around."
As they crept closer, Raven's eyes widened in disbelief. Just beyond the treeline, where the forest slope met the garden below, dozens of people were scattered across the incline. Some crouched behind trees, while others hid in the thick brush or leaned casually against rocks. A few had even brought blankets and snacks, as if this was an anticipated event rather than forbidden territory. The sight was unreal, almost laughable, like they had stumbled upon some secret club waiting for an exclusive performance.
Raven squinted. "Are they… seriously?" she whispered in disbelief. "It's like a bunch of fans camping out before a concert or something."
Lyra's brow furrowed. "Concert? What's that?"
Raven's brain stuttered, realizing the slip. Crap. She cleared her throat. "Uh, it's like... a gathering where people watch someone perform. But here, it's like... a group of fans watching in secret."
Lyra gave her a sideways glance, clearly confused. "A group of what?"
Raven waved her hand dismissively. "Never mind. The point is… it feels like we're spying on celebrities."
"Celeb-what? What are you talking about?"
"Famous people..? you know, the kind everyone wants to see but no one wants to be caught staring at?"
Lyra's confusion deepened, but before she could ask Raven more, her attention was suddenly drawn to something just up the slope. "Whoa, check out that bush!" she exclaimed, pointing excitedly.
Raven turned her head to follow Lyra's gesture and spotted a thick, leafy thicket nestled next to a sturdy tree with a wide, gnarled trunk. The bush was dense and vibrant, a mix of dark greens and shimmering silver leaves that sparkled in the soft moonlight. Behind it, a large rock jutted out from the ground, providing just enough space for them to sit comfortably while remaining hidden from view.
Lyra grabbed Raven's hand, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "What a perfect spying spot!" They hurried to the tree and crouched behind the low bush, blending in with other people scattered throughout the grove.
"This is kinda cozy," Raven said as she settle on the rock, feeling a mix of exhilaration and nervousness. "I feel like we should've brought some popco— uhh..snacks like them." She quickly corrected herself, now aware that mentioning Earth foods might sound strange to Lyra.
"Right?" Lyra chuckled, her gaze fixated on the gathering below.
Raven's breath caught in her throat as she peered down at the garden below. It was no ordinary patch of greenery; it was breathtaking. The garden glowed softly under the moonlight, its carefully arranged flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Tall, silvery blossoms shimmered as if dusted with starlight, while fountains of crystal-clear water poured softly into luminescent pools, casting a dreamlike glow over everything.
It looked like something out of a fairytale—a hidden paradise nestled within the ancient castle grounds. Large marble statues stood as guardians around the garden, their serene faces and flowing robes giving the impression they were watching over the gathering below.
In the center, a group of people—Luminaes and Ecliptaes, Raven guessed—stood together, their forms illuminated by an otherworldly light. They moved with a graceful ease, their colorful robes flowing as they shared laughter and secrets she couldn't quite hear.
Raven pulled her gaze from the mesmerizing scene and glanced around. More people than she expected were quietly watching the gathering from various hidden spots, just like them. She raised an eyebrow, half-amused. "I can't believe this. I feel like a paparazzi."
Lyra frowned, clearly not understanding the comparison, but before Raven could explain again, a voice interrupted them.
"Well, look who decided to show up."
Raven turned to see two girls standing behind them, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity when they saw her. They were her friends—or rather, Aria's and Lyra's friends, she assumed.
"Aria?" one of them, a tall girl with dark hair, asked hesitantly. "What are you doing here?"
Raven forced a smile, trying to act casual. "Uh, you know… just curious. Thought I'd check things out."
The girls exchanged bewildered glances. Lyra nudged her and whispered, "They're probably surprised you're not avoiding them. You don't usually... socialize."
"Oh." That was all Raven could manage, her stomach knotting at the realization. She needed to think more and talk less to avoid slipping up. But wait—what was Aria's attitude like? Don't tell me she's a socially awkward teenager? The realization hit her like a cold splash of water: She was in for a challenging act, pretending to be someone whose shoes she wasn't sure she could fill.
Clearing her throat, she quickly steered the conversation away from herself. "So, what's this gathering about? Is it always like this?" The question tumbled out more casually than she intended, and panic gripped her. Shit. Why did I ask that? She cursed herself. Get it together, Raven!
The group fell silent for a moment, surprise flickering across their faces as they exchanged uncertain glances. Raven's heart raced; she had to say something before they grew suspicious.
"I mean, I know we're excited about… that." She gestured vaguely towards the garden below, hoping her ambiguity would help. "It's just… I'm a bit confused about why we're gathering? I'm sorry. I've had a rough day, so I can't quite remember."
The girls looked at one another, and Raven felt her heart race as she held her breath. After a brief moment of hesitation, one of them shrugged. "I heard they're going to practice their spells for the upcoming Veil Ascension. You know how it is. After all, we're second years now. They did the same thing last year, remember?"
Raven blinked, her mind racing. Second years? She hadn't even realized how far along Aria was in her studies. And what in the world was the Veil Ascension?
"Oh, Aria didn't watch the Veil Ascension last year. She was sick that day," Lyra interjected, shooting Raven a quick glance before flashing a bright smile. Raven felt a wave of relief wash over her—thank goodness for Lyra's quick thinking.
The petite girl with silver hair grinned brightly. "I see… Anyway, can you believe it?! In a few months, we'll get to choose our Magistrate! What are you guys thinking of picking?"
Before Raven could ask what a Magistrate was, Lyra stepped in, her grin widening. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, let's just see what those fancy elites are up to."
The atmosphere shifted. A hush fell over the spying people, and Raven heard soft gasps ripple through the group as several new figures stepped into view.
"Here they come," someone nearby whispered.
Raven's eyes widened as four figures emerged from the garden's entrance below. Their robes shimmered in deep shades of midnight blue and purple, tailored with asymmetrical cuts and layered designs that exuded an air of mystery and elegance. The fabric seemed to absorb the moonlight, making them look almost ethereal. They moved with a grace that was mesmerizing, their presence commanding attention from both the garden and the woods, drawing every gaze toward them.
Lyra nearly squealed beside her, gripping Raven's arm in excitement. "Oh my god! This is so exciting!"
Raven was about to speak when her gaze was drawn to one of the figures—a tall guy with shoulder-length dark hair who moved with quiet confidence. His features were sharp, and though his expression was calm, there was a certain intensity in the way he carried himself.
Her breath caught as he turned his head, his face illuminated by the moonlight. He wasn't looking directly at them, his attention drawn by someone speaking to him from the side, but it didn't matter. That brief glimpse was enough to make her heart race, the impact lingering in her chest like a distant echo.
There was something unsettling about it—a strange sense of familiarity that washed over her, as if she should know him. But that was impossible. She had never seen him before in her life… right? Yet the feeling remained, clinging to her like a forgotten memory hovering just out of reach.
"Who's that?" Raven whispered, keeping her voice low as she leaned toward Lyra.
Lyra, still bubbling with excitement, seemed to instantly recognize who Raven meant. "Oh, that's Kaelan. He's one of the top Ecliptus members. You've probably seen him around before."
Raven nodded slowly, realization dawning. That must be why he seemed so familiar; Aria had likely encountered him at some point.
Trying to shake off the lingering sensation that the guy had left behind, she quickly averted her gaze. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't ignore the strange pull she felt from that brief, fleeting look at his face.
The woods buzzed with hushed murmurs as the new arrivals mingled with the people already gathered in the garden below. Confusion washed over Raven as she tried to distinguish which group was which. She wanted to ask Lyra, but bit her lip, stifling the urge.
Not another word, Raven. Stop blowing your cover. She mentally scolded herself, resolving to act like she knew exactly what was happening, even though she felt utterly lost.
I need to figure this out later—maybe do some research in Aria's room.
Just then, luck smiled upon her as a nearby student voiced her own confusion, drawing Raven's attention.
"Which is which? I'm still confused… This is my first time seeing the elites in person!" a young girl in front of them whispered excitedly, leaning slightly forward as if to catch a better glimpse.
Raven breathed a silent sigh of relief. At least she wasn't the only one feeling completely out of her depth.
"Look closely," chimed in another voice. "The Luminaes are the ones in those blue and purple ankle-length robes."
Raven leaned in slightly, absorbing the information, her brow furrowing in concentration.
"And the Ecliptaes," the voice continued, "are dressed in midnight blue and deeper shades of purple."
Raven's lips parted in a silent 'O' as the information settled in, her fascination deepening with each new detail. That's… actually kind of cool, she thought. They even have their own uniforms. A spark of excitement flickered within her as the reality of this world began to crystallize—each group with its own distinct identity, its own set of rules and power.
The initial haze of confusion that had clouded her thoughts was slowly lifting, giving way to a growing curiosity. She couldn't help but wonder about the lives and abilities of these elite figures, and what mysteries they held behind their poised exteriors. For the first time since arriving here, she felt less like an outsider and more like she was peering into something extraordinary.
The gathering continued, but Raven could barely focus. Her heart raced, a mix of dread and fascination gnawing at her insides. She stood rooted to the spot, her breath shallow as she witnessed something utterly beyond her understanding.
The Luminaes had gathered in a perfect circle, their hands glowing softly as if they held pieces of the stars themselves. With fluid precision, they moved in sync, weaving their fingers through the air. Streams of shimmering light flowed from their palms, bending and twisting into breathtaking shapes—ribbons of pure energy that wove together like threads of gold and silver. The air hummed with an energy Raven could feel in her bones, alive and pulsing. They weren't just casting spells; they were commanding the very essence of magic itself. This wasn't some parlor trick or sleight of hand like she had seen in her world. No, this was real, raw sorcery—something ancient, powerful, and terrifying.
"Holy shit." Raven's chest tightened as she watched the Luminaes create patterns in the air that glowed with a blinding brilliance.
She could barely comprehend what she was seeing. It was beautiful, yes, but also frightening. The light felt alive, as though it were aware of its own power, moving with purpose and control. She couldn't shake the thought that, with a single misstep, that light could burn her to ash where she stood.
Is this real? How is this real?
Across the way, the Ecliptaes stood in stark contrast. They formed a tighter group, their shadows darker and more intense, as if they were swallowing the very light around them. Their voices were barely more than whispers, each word slipping through the air like a secret. The shadows twisted and elongated at their feet, rising up to take shape—shifting, flickering, as though they were alive too. Raven's stomach lurched as the shadows wrapped around the Ecliptaes like smoke, curling into shapes too fleeting to fully comprehend. They were practicing illusions—no, not just illusions, something more sinister. The shadows danced like phantoms, blurring the lines between reality and whatever lurked just beyond it.
Occasionally, bursts of dark energy flared from their fingertips, sharp and sudden, casting brief flashes of violet-black light that made the hairs on the back of Raven's neck stand on end. The darkness crackled with something untamed, something dangerous. She swallowed hard, unable to tear her gaze away from the spectacle that both captivated and horrified her.
The Luminaes and Ecliptaes moved in tandem, their powers intertwining as light and shadow performed a mesmerizing dance. The glow from the Luminaes and the shadowy veil of the Ecliptaes seemed to push and pull against each other, a perfect contrast yet eerily complementary. There was a strange harmony in their opposition, as though they were two halves of a whole. But Raven could feel the tension simmering beneath the surface—like a storm gathering just beyond the horizon, ready to break.
Lyra leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, but brimming with excitement. "So cool, right? I'm definitely picking Ecliptus after my Veil Ascension." Her eyes gleamed with admiration, completely absorbed by the scene before them.
Raven's throat was dry, and her hands trembled slightly as she clutched the hem of her cloak. She had never witnessed anything like this before—real magic, raw and untamed, not tricks or illusions but actual power bending reality itself. It was both intoxicating and terrifying, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to be swept up in it or run before it devoured her whole.
"Oh, really," Raven muttered, her voice weak and distant. Her gaze stayed locked on the spectacle before her, unable to tear herself away.
Lyra glanced at her, eyebrows raised. "What's with you? You were the one who couldn't wait to see this, and now you're all quiet. Nerves?" she teased.
Raven forced a small laugh, though it came out shaky. "I guess I'm just… processing." Processing didn't quite cover it—her mind was racing a mile a minute, overwhelmed by the magic, the tension in the air, the sheer weight of it all.
She shook her head slightly, trying to ground herself. What am I really doing here? she thought. The question gnawed at her. This wasn't her world. She didn't belong in a place where people casually wielded magic like this. The fear twisted tighter in her chest, but right beside it was something else. A pull. A strange, undeniable pull, as if some part of her did belong, like she had seen this all before.
"Maybe I'm just feeling what Aria is feeling… after all, this is her body," she whispered under her breath, barely aware she had spoken out loud.
"What?" Lyra asked, eyes still glued to the spectacle below. "Did you say something?"
Raven blinked, caught off guard. Shit. Lyra had actually heard her. Why did I say that out loud? Panic flickered across her face.
Raven scrambled for words. "Uh… I said—they're, uh, f-fantastic!" She squeezed her eyes shut for a second, mentally cursing herself. What the fuck was that?
Lyra grinned, oblivious. "I know, right?" Her attention shifted back to the magic unfolding before them.
"This is it," Lyra breathed beside her, awe-struck. "The culmination of their powers… it's breathtaking, isn't it?"
Raven couldn't respond, her breath hitching as the Luminaes and Ecliptaes reached the climax of their ritual. The air buzzed with energy, thick and electric, as light and shadow twisted together in a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic display. It was a delicate balance, raw and powerful—a harmony that felt both fragile and invincible.
And for the first time, she truly understood: this world was not just a dream she would wake up from. This was her reality right now, for better or worse.