Raven woke the next morning to soft, golden light streaming through the sheer curtains of her room. As she blinked against the brightness, she took a moment to survey her surroundings, feeling an unexpected sense of peace wash over her.
"Good morning, Aetheria," she murmured, a smile creeping across her face. But then, as memories of last night's adventure in the magical garden flooded her mind, that peace quickly gave way to annoyance.
With a heavy sigh, she pushed herself up from the bed, the silk sheets sliding off her body as she moved. Stretching her arms and legs, she slipped into a pair of white ankle boots and stepped into the bustling hallway outside her room, weaving through a crowd of girls chattering excitedly as they headed to the bathroom. Once inside, the fresh scent of mint toothpaste and floral shampoo filled the air, grounding her senses.
At one of the sinks, she splashed cold water on her face, the chill snapping her awake. She met her reflection in the mirror, traces of last night's restless planning evident on it.
Determined to shake off the remnants of sleep, she stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to envelop her like a comforting embrace. As steam began to fill the small space, her thoughts drifted back to that man in the garden. Why am I still thinking about him? Annoyed, she gave her cheeks a light slap. "Get a grip, Raven," she muttered, as if trying to physically expel him from her mind.
The steam from the shower fogged the mirror, but she could still see the edges of her new body taking shape. A smile tugged at her lips, determination shining in her eyes as she focused on the task at hand, rinsing her hair and body.
Today felt different. After a night of deep contemplation about how to act like the real Aria, she came to a realization: no matter how hard she tried, she could never truly be the Aria everyone knew. Instead, she decided that while she was here, she would embrace who she really was. Raven.
Yet, even as she claimed her identity, she knew she had a responsibility to care for this body that wasn't really hers. It was the least she could do.
After finishing her shower, Raven wrapped herself in a soft robe and made her way back to her room. Once inside, She scanned for anything else she might need for class. Her eyes darted across Aria's neatly organized belongings near the closet—a stack of books, an assortment of hats, and various colored boxes.
Do I need a bag like in my world? Or was there something specific to this realm that I should bring instead? she wondered. Just then, she spotted a medium-sized satchel with intricate patterns woven into its fabric. It felt light in her hands, and as she opened it, she realized it could magically expand to fit whatever she needed.
A sudden knock broke her concentration. Before she could respond, the door cracked open, and Lyra's head poked through.
"Hey, sleepyhead! What are you doing in there?" Lyra asked, her voice playful.
Raven blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, just getting ready," she replied, trying to hide her surprise.
Lyra's eyes narrowed as she took in Raven's lack of uniform. "You're still not dressed? Classes start soon," she chided, her tone gently authoritative as she stepped inside.
"What are you doing here?" Raven asked, hoping to distract her.
"I'm here to make sure you actually show up," Lyra replied, opening the closet to retrieve a neatly pressed uniform. It was a fitted white tunic with a high collar, buttoned along the side with silver clasps and a straight cut black trousers. Over it was a long, black robe with a gold lining, belted at the waist with a black sash. "We have to hurry!"
Raven couldn't help but feel a touch of pride. I knew it. Thanks to her preparation last night, she'd already familiarized herself with what she needed to wear and triple-checked everything in the closet just to be sure.
"Well?" Lyra prompted, hands on her hips.
Raven smiled, then slipped behind the wooden partition to change as Lyra continued chatting animatedly, her voice a cheerful backdrop to the morning.
"Why are you so excited?" Raven asked, tugging the fabric over her head.
"It's the 30th day of Floralis! You know what that means?" Lyra practically bounced on her feet, her eyes gleaming. "The Aetherial Lights Festival! Everyone's heading to Strihvale!"
Raven blinked, trying to place the unfamiliar words. Floralis and Strih—what? She didn't quite understand, but the mention of a festival sparked a flicker of excitement within her. "A festival, huh?" she replied, a small smile forming. "Sounds fun."
"Do you… think you can come?" Lyra asked hesitantly.
Raven paused, her curiosity getting the better of her. The magical sensations she'd experienced on the way to the arch lingered, and she couldn't shake the urge to see more of what Aetheria had to offer. "Yeah…" she said, smiling slightly. "Why not?"
Lyra's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, you're actually coming? You're not studying?!"
"I'm trying something… new," Raven said, shrugging. "I realized that studying isn't everything. I could use a change." Well, at least this version of me could, she thought, biting her lip.
Lyra's smile widened, pure joy lighting up her face. "This is going to be amazing! I can't wait!"
She had styled her hair just as she had back in her old life—half pulled up into a bun, with the rest cascading in soft waves, tiny braids woven into some strands. The makeup she had discovered among Aria's belongings the previous night enhanced her features, making her look warm and approachable—a striking difference from how she had first appeared in Aetheria.
"You look different today," Lyra said, her eyes widening as she gave Raven a quick once-over. A bright smile spread across her face. "I love it! You should do this every day!"
"Well, like I said, I want change," Raven replied.
When they left the dormitory, Raven felt grateful for Lyra's guidance because if she's on her own, she knew she will get lost. The academy grounds were vast and enchanting, with towering trees and vibrant flowers lining the pathways. The dormitories were situated on the farthest part, while the classrooms and other facilities were mostly clustered around a sprawling courtyard at the center of the academy. Statues of legendary figures and magical creatures dotted the grounds, their stone forms adorned with creeping vines and blooming flowers, enhancing the ethereal ambiance.
"Let's check your schedule," Lyra suggested as they walked briskly through the grand halls of Aetherium Academy. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting legendary mages, and the air buzzed with the energy of students preparing for their classes. "I heard there were changes because a professor resigned, your classes might be affected."
Raven felt a flicker of satisfaction as her fingers brushed over Aria's class schedule, neatly tucked between the pages of a book in her bag. She'd studied the list the night before, carefully memorizing each subject and time. She held it out to Lyra, hoping to hide her nerves behind a calm expression.
"Here." she said, handing over the parchment, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.
Lyra glanced over it, nodding approvingly. "Hmm.. you're alright." she said with a grin as she handed it back.
As they continued down the bustling corridor, Lyra stopped in front of a doorway. "This is me. I'll see you after classes!"
See me.. after class? Does that mean.. Raven's heart sank as she realized that she's not in the same class as Lyra. She hadn't even considered the possibility; she'd assumed that since Lyra was her friend, they'd share the same schedule. Now, with Lyra disappearing into the classroom, she'd be on her own.
She quickly forced a nod, trying to mask the rising panic in her eyes. "Oh… sure. See you then."
With a final wave, Lyra slipped inside, leaving Raven standing alone in the noisy hallway, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Her grip tightened on her bag as a knot of anxiety twisted in her chest. Great. I have no idea where to go.
She fumbled through her bag, pulling out the class schedule, scanning it quickly. "First class… Elemental Conjuration in the West Wing." She muttered it, hoping the words would magically lead her in the right direction. Taking a steadying breath, she squinted at the plaques above each door as she moved. Alright, Raven, time to figure this out.
Minutes later, however, she was still hopelessly lost. Every turn seemed to lead her farther from familiar hallways, and every student she asked either brushed her off or offered vague directions. Raven's frustration bubbled over. "Why didn't I just ask Lyra to show me the way?" she muttered, fighting the urge to turn around and head back to Lyra's class.
After what felt like hours of wandering aimlessly, Raven found herself lost in a part of the academy that seemed entirely deserted. The quiet halls stretched out before her, the distant echo of students barely audible.
"Great. Just great," she muttered under her breath, glancing around in exasperation. "Could this place get any bigger?"
As she rounded yet another corner, a door caught her eye. It was plain and unmarked, unlike the others, and sat at the end of a narrow, empty corridor. With no better option, she approached and hesitantly knocked. When no one answered, she pushed it open.
Inside, the room was filled with shelves of books and scrolls, a quiet haven from the chaos outside. Sitting at a large, mahogany desk, flipping through a tome, was a student in a sleek, dark uniform—a telltale sign of an Ecliptus, the elite rank. His presence seemed to command the very air around him, as if he belonged in this quiet, mysterious corner of the academy.
Great, she thought, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Of course, it had to be an Ecliptae.
As she took a hesitant step inside, he looked up, his piercing dark eyes assessing her with a hint of curiosity.
"You look lost," he said, closing the book with a soft thud.