Nyx followed the Yura through the winding paths of the Water Tribe's village, her mind still buzzing with questions. The whispers of the elves around them faded into the background as she focused on the broad figure ahead of her.
The Yura rarely called for people. When he wanted something, others came to him. So why had he come here, personally, to summon her?
They entered the heart of the village, stepping into the Elder's Hall—a grand but simple structure made of woven branches and flowing water that never seemed to dry. It pulsed with quiet energy, as if the forest itself had grown it for their tribe.
The Yura sat on a smooth stone, gesturing for Nyx to stand before him. His piercing gaze studied her, as if measuring something unseen.
"Do you know why I've called you?" he asked.
Nyx hesitated, shifting on her feet. "Um... if this is about the river incident last week, I swear I didn't mean to flood the—"
The Yura raised a hand, and Nyx immediately shut her mouth. A slow smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"It's not about that," he said. "Though I do suggest you work on your control, unless you want the fish to start complaining."
Nyx exhaled in relief. "Oh. Good. So… what's this about, then?"
The Yura leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Nyx," he said, voice softer now, "you have always been different. You know that."
Nyx frowned. "Because I talk to the forest? Everyone talks to the forest."
"Not like you." His eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "And not just the forest—water itself moves for you in ways it shouldn't. Even away from the rivers, even without a source. That is rare, even among our kind."
Nyx crossed her arms, suddenly uncomfortable. "Okay… but what does that have to do with anything?"
The Yura studied her for a long moment before speaking again.
"I'm sending you to the human academy."
Silence.
Nyx blinked. "...What?"
"You'll be studying alongside humans," he continued, unfazed by her shocked expression. "Learning their ways. Training with their mages."
Nyx let out a breathless laugh. "Wait, wait. You're serious?"
"I am."
"You—you want me to go live with humans? Me? In a school?" She gestured wildly. "I can barely sit through a single elder's lesson without daydreaming! And you think I'll survive years of human education?!"
The Yura sighed, but there was amusement in his gaze. "I think you'll manage. Barely."
Nyx groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Ugh. Why?"
The Yura's expression grew serious again. "Because you need to see the world beyond this forest. If you truly wish to be Yura one day, you must understand more than just our people. You must understand them, too."
Nyx opened her mouth, then closed it.
Because despite her frustration… he was right.
Her dream wasn't just some passing thought. She wanted to be Yura. She wanted to lead, to prove herself. And deep down, she knew she couldn't do that if she never left the safety of the forest.
Still, she groaned dramatically. "Fine. But if I get bored, I'm blaming you."
The Yura chuckled. "That's fair."
Nyx sighed, tilting her head. "So… when do I leave?"
The Yura stood. "Tomorrow."
Nyx's stomach dropped. "Tomorrow?!"
"You'll have the night to prepare," he said, placing a hand on her head. "And don't worry, little menace. You won't be going alone."
Nyx scowled at the nickname but barely registered the rest of his words. Her mind was already racing.
Tomorrow.
By this time tomorrow, she wouldn't just be Nyx, the troublemaker of the Water Tribe.
She would be Nyx, the elf stepping into the human world.
And for the first time in her life… she wasn't sure what to expect.