Chapter 25: Anya's Past
As they continued to explore the academy grounds, Anya grew more and more agitated. She had been avoiding a certain area of the garden, a secluded grove of ancient trees.
"What's wrong, Anya?" Nova asked, noticing her friend's unease.
Anya hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I need to tell you something," she said. "Something that I've been keeping a secret."
Yun-ho and Ethan exchanged glances. They knew that Anya was hiding something, but they were surprised that she was finally willing to reveal it.
"I was found abandoned in the woods near the academy," Anya began. "But that's not the whole story."
She paused, taking a deep breath. "I was actually born here, within the academy."
Yun-ho, Nova, and Ethan were stunned. They had never considered the possibility that Anya might have a connection to the academy.
"My mother was a powerful sorceress," Anya continued. "She was studying the Heart of Darkness when I was born. She believed that I was destined to play a crucial role in the battle against the darkness."
Anya's eyes filled with tears. "But she was wrong. The darkness found me before I could even be born."
Yun-ho's heart went out to Anya. He could only imagine the pain she must have gone through.
"I was taken from the academy and raised by a family of thieves," Anya continued. "They taught me how to survive, how to steal, how to lie. But deep down, I knew that it wasn't right."
Anya paused, her voice trembling. "I've always felt a connection to this place, to the academy. I knew that I belonged here."
Yun-ho reached out and took Anya's hand. "You belong here, Anya," he said. "We're glad you're with us."
Anya smiled, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude. She knew that she had made the right decision by revealing her past. And she was determined to use her powers to help defeat the darkness.