Chapter 123
Lucia was in the carriage before it was stopped, the door opening to reveal Helios a little out of breath.
“sorry, I thought, I just wanted to..” it was awkward for a moment, but somehow, Lucia enjoyed that.
“want to talk somewhere, private?” she smiled at him and he just nodded, almost face palming as he made a complete fool out of himself, or so he thought..
Helios and Lucia stood at the edge of the dense forest, their silhouettes outlined against the amber sky. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the distant hum of crickets, signalling dawn
Helios glanced down at Lucia, her small hand clasped tightly in his. She looked up at him with wide, shimmering eyes, her hair catching the rays of sunlight. They had walked this path many times, but today, each step felt heavier than the last. The Academy awaited her, a place of promise for safety and peril, where she would be trained in the arts that had long been dormant within her.
“Do i have to go?” Lucia’s voice was a mere whisper, as if speaking any louder would break the fragile moment between them.
his eyes softening as he met her gaze. “you must, Lucia. The Academy will help you control whatever is going on with you, plus It’s the safest place for you right now.” plus it would give you better protection and I would be able to solve these threats without a threat over your head that would distract me.
He thought to himself but dared not say it out. He couldn’t. he did not want to seem like a bigger wuss since she did not take him saying it well the first time
Lucia’s lower lip trembled, and she threw her arms around Helios’s neck, burying her face in his shoulder. He held her close, feeling the rapid beat of her heart against his chest. The thought of letting her go filled him with an aching sadness, but he knew this was necessary. Her potential was immense, and the Academy was her best chance at mastering it.
“I don’t want to go alone” she whispered, her voice cracking as she tried to not make it obvious”
“and I would lead you for the most part” he said, holding her arm and squeezing it gently.
As they resumed their journey, the forest thinned out, revealing a cobblestone path that wound its way up to the imposing gates of the Academy. The building loomed in the distance, its spires reaching toward the sky, bathed in the soft hues of dusk. Lanterns flickered to life along the path, guiding their way forward.
“you could have used your magic to take us there, why did you not?” she looked at him a bit curious.
“because, Lucia, I want as much time with you as possible.
“why does it feel like this is good by?” she tried to blink away the tears that were in her eyes, but it was impossible.
“hey” he said, barely touching her face as he wiped off her face “you know I love you, right?” she nodded hugging him just as hard to convey her feelings.
Helios stopped the carriage just short of the gates, taking a deep breath before turning to face Lucia. “This is as far as I can go,” he said softly. “Beyond this point, the Academy’s guardians will take care of you.”
Lucia nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. “Will you visit me?”
“of course!, As often as I can,” Helios promised, brushing a strand of hair from her face. He felt bad because he knew that she was not going to see him as much if what his spy had said was true then he had a lot to do at the other realm and a day there would be weeks in this one as time was much faster on this realm. “And remember, you are never truly alone. I am always with you, in here.” He placed a hand over her heart, smiling through his own sorrow. He deactivated the necklace of its magic without her knowing. This would prevent it from bringing her back anytime she wished, until he was sure it was safe for her to come home
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Chapter 123
“seek an audience with the headmaster and give him this” he said giving her an envelope
“what is this?” she looked at the paper, it was blank.
“its sealed with magic, only the person its meant for can read it.
A figure appeared at the gates, cloaked in the Academy’s distinctive lobes. It was one of the guardians, come to escort Lucia inside. The guardian’s presence was a reminder of the new world Lucia was about to enter, one filled with mystery and challenges.
Lucia hesitated, her eyes darting between Helios and the guardian. m scared,” she admitted, her voice trembling.
“I know,” Helios said, his voice steady and reassuring. “But you are strong, Lucia. Stronger than you know. Trust yourself, and trust the process. You’ll do great things, I believe in you.”
With one last, lingering hug, Lucia slowly pulled away and walked toward the guardian. She turned back once, her eyes meeting Helios’s, and he gave her an encouraging nod. The guardian placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, guiding her through the gates that slowly swung open to admit them.
Helios stood there, watching as the gates closed behind her, sealing her fate within the Academy’s walls. The sky above had deepened into a rich indigo, stars beginning to twinkle in the velvet expanse. The first true night without Lucia by his side felt colder, lonelier.
He turned and began the journey back through the forest, each step a battle against the urge to run back and hold her once more. As the twilight gave way to night, Helios looked up at the moon, a silent witness to his vow.
“I will always watch over you, Lucia,” he whispered to the night sky. No matter where you are.”
And with that promise echoing in his heart, Helios disappeared into the shadows, leaving the Academy and Lucia behind.
Chapter Comments
Visitor
poor girl
Michelle Fagan
goodbye
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