Chapter 91– A Light in the Shadows

Elena Brightwind's POV

The scent of incense lingered in the grand hall of the Academy's Church. The soft glow of candles flickered against the carved marble pillars, their flames casting shadows that danced with the wind.

Elena stood near the altar, speaking in hushed tones with Father Matthias, the elderly priest who oversaw the church within the academy grounds.

"Are you certain, Father?" she asked, her blue eyes filled with concern.

The priest, a man with deep wrinkles and kind eyes, gave a weary nod. "The demon worshipers' attack shook the entire continent. Even the Holy Church is investigating the matter, but the shadows run deep."

Elena's fingers tightened slightly. She had seen firsthand the destruction that corruption could bring.

Father Matthias smiled softly. "But do not let darkness cloud your heart, my child. Even in the bleakest night, the light shines brightest."

She exhaled, offering a grateful smile. "You're right, as always, Father."

After a brief farewell, she stepped out of the church, feeling the warmth of the sun as it peeked through the clouds.

—

A Furry Companion

Instead of heading straight back to the dorms, Elena took a familiar path toward the forest behind the academy. The dirt trail was lined with thick trees, their leaves rustling gently in the cool breeze.

As she walked deeper in, a small black-furred cat suddenly appeared in front of her, its golden eyes gleaming mischievously.

"There you are, Nyx."

She knelt, reaching out as the cat rubbed against her hand, purring in satisfaction.

A small smile played on her lips as she gently scratched behind its ears. Nyx wasn't an ordinary cat.

A few days ago, when she was returning from church, she had found the poor thing wounded near the academy walls, barely clinging to life. Her heart had ached at the sight, and without hesitation, she had used her healing magic to save it.

Ever since then, Nyx had followed her around, waiting for her near the forest whenever she visited.

At first, she had thought it was just an ordinary cat… but there was something strange about it.

It seemed to understand her.

It disappeared for hours and reappeared without warning.

And most notably… its presence felt unnaturally silent.

Even now, she felt as if Nyx was watching her with intelligence beyond a normal animal.

"You're not a normal cat, are you?" she mused aloud, rubbing under its chin.

Nyx let out a soft mrrp, as if amused, before suddenly snatching something from her sleeve and darting into the trees.

"H-Hey!"

Elena immediately stood, watching as the little feline vanished into the deeper part of the forest.

She sighed.

"Looks like I'm chasing after you again…"

—

A Cruel Encounter

As she ventured further in, stepping over roots and pushing aside branches, she finally spotted Nyx sitting on a rock, batting at the item it had stolen from her—a small silver pendant.

"You little troublemaker." She bent down to grab it, only for Nyx's ears to flick.

Then she heard it.

Voices.

Elena frowned, stepping carefully as she peeked through the trees.

What she saw made her breath hitch.

A girl— messy black hair tinged with silver strands and scarlet eyes filled with exhaustion with pale skin

They were vampires.

And from the malicious smirks on their faces, this wasn't a friendly conversation.

"Seriously, why do they even let a half-blood like you attend the academy?" One of the male vampires sneered.

The girl flinched but didn't respond, lowering her head slightly.

Another student chuckled darkly. "Do you even drink blood? Or do you just live like a pathetic human?"

"Maybe she should prove she's one of us," the last one smirked. "If she bites someone, maybe we'll acknowledge her."

Elena's fingers clenched into a fist.

Bullying. Discrimination.

She had seen it before, but it never failed to anger her.

Her eyes flicked toward the girl again.

She didn't beg.

She didn't cry.

But she also didn't fight back.

She just stood there, her body tense, as if used to this treatment.

Elena's heart tightened.

She couldn't ignore this.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.

And as she did, the forest fell silent.

—

To Be Continued…