Chapter 10: Free Time Begins

After the election wrapped up, students slowly dispersed, discussing their new leaders and what came next.

Near the door, Winter Briaella Cross leaned casually against the frame, her arms crossed. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of mischief in her icy gaze.

As Micko Lee strolled past, completely unaware, Winter subtly shifted her foot.

Thud!

Micko went down, barely catching himself before hitting the floor completely.

A few students gasped, while others snickered. Micko blinked, then turned to see Winter smirking down at him.

"Payback," she said simply.

Micko groaned, pushing himself up. "You're unbelievable."

Winter shrugged. "Next time, let me answer for myself."

Micko huffed but couldn't help the small grin tugging at his lips. "Noted."

Winter moved silently through the grand library, her fingers gliding over the spines of ancient tomes. The academy held many secrets, and tonight, she was searching for one in particular—a book about the Dark Forest of Terragaia.

Row after row, she scanned the shelves until her gaze landed on the title she had been looking for. Fifth shelf, just out of reach.

She huffed quietly, stretching onto her toes. Her fingers barely brushed the spine of the book. Almost…

Just as she was about to shift her balance, a hand appeared from behind her—grabbing the book effortlessly.

Winter stiffened. Someone had been standing behind her the whole time.

Winter spun around, her icy-blue eyes narrowing slightly.

Standing before her, holding the book with ease, was Rey Vien Windsor. His usual composed expression carried a hint of amusement as he glanced at the title in his hand.

"You always this bad at reaching things?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

Winter crossed her arms. "And you always sneak up on people in libraries?"

Rey smirked but didn't answer immediately. Instead, he casually flipped through the pages of the book. "Dark Forest of Terragaia, huh? Interesting choice. Planning a trip?"

Winter didn't respond right away. She wasn't entirely sure why she wanted the book—just that something about the Dark Forest intrigued her. Instead, she held out her hand. "Give it back."

Rey studied her for a moment before slowly closing the book. "Depends," he said. "Why are you so interested in it?"

Winter's expression remained unreadable as she extended her hand again. "None of your business," she said coolly.

Rey Vien chuckled, flipping the book lazily in his hand. "Touchy, aren't we?" His smirk deepened as he watched her.

Winter sighed, clearly growing impatient. "Are you going to give it to me or not?"

Rey tilted his head slightly, as if considering. "I could," he mused, "but where's the fun in that?"

Winter's eyes narrowed. "Rey."

He finally let out an amused breath before tossing the book toward her. Winter caught it effortlessly, hugging it to her chest.

"Relax, Vice President. No need to get all worked up," Rey said smoothly

As Winter clutched the book, ready to turn away, Rey Vien Windsor spoke again.

"And just so you know," he said casually, "my magic is taming monsters. It's connected to that book you're reading."

Winter froze for a moment, her grip tightening on the tome.

Rey smirked at her reaction. "Maybe I can help with something."

Winter didn't respond immediately, her mind turning over his words. She hadn't expected him to have any connection to her research. But did she really want his help?

Instead of answering, she simply gave him a sharp look before walking away, the book in hand.

Rey chuckled, watching her go. This was going to be interesting.

Winter paused, glancing back at Rey Vien Windsor. Her voice was steady but held a hint of curiosity.

"Why did you nominate me earlier?" she asked.

Rey met her gaze, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Because you seemed like the best choice."

Winter narrowed her eyes. "That's not an answer."

Rey chuckled, leaning against the bookshelf. "You're sharp, smart, and you don't let people push you around. That's the kind of person who can actually handle being vice president."

Winter studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. "So it wasn't just to mess with me?"

Rey grinned. "That was just a bonus."

Winter sighed, shaking her head as she turned to leave. "Figures."

Rey watched her go, his expression unreadable. Maybe Winter didn't realize it yet, but she was more capable than she gave herself credit for.

Winter stopped in her tracks, gripping the book tightly. Something about Rey Vien Windsor—his confidence, his smirk, the way he seemed to know things—felt oddly familiar.

She turned back to him, her voice calm but questioning. "Do I know you?"

Rey's smirk didn't fade, but there was something unreadable in his gaze. "Maybe," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Or maybe you just think you do."

Winter narrowed her eyes. "That's not an answer."

Rey chuckled. "Neither was your 'none of your business' earlier, but here we are."

Winter exhaled, exasperated. "You're impossible."

Rey simply shrugged. "And you're curious. Keep that up—it'll take you places."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Winter standing there, book in hand, with more questions than answers.

Winter found a secluded corner in the library, away from the noise of passing students. With the book open before her, she let herself sink into its pages, absorbing every detail about the Dark Forest of Terragaia.

The text spoke of ancient creatures, untamed magic, and a hidden history buried beneath the dense shadows of the trees. Legends whispered of those who had entered the forest never to return, while others had emerged… changed.

She barely noticed the passing hours. The outside world faded, leaving only the flickering candlelight and the rustling of pages as she read on, determined to uncover whatever secrets the book held.

While Winter was lost in her book at the library, Alpha House was alive with its own energy.

In the kitchen, Aella Reeze Wilson focused intently on cooking, her hands moving with practiced ease.

Chrisha Van Dele, never one to stay quiet, leaned against the counter with a smirk. "Are you cooking or performing some kind of magic spell?" she teased.

Aella shot her a glare. "If you keep talking, I might just poison your plate."

Chrisha laughed. "You wouldn't. You'd miss me too much."

Nearby, Ruscell Montenegro strummed his guitar, a soft melody filling the common area. Some students sat around, chatting and relaxing after their long day.

Out on the balcony, Micko Lee stood alone, brush in hand, as he painted the horizon. His strokes were deliberate, capturing the fading light with surprising precision.

The atmosphere was calm, peaceful. For now, at least.

While Alpha House was bustling with activity, other students chose to spend their free time differently.

In one of the academy's lecture halls, Khierra Sky Smith, Velia Lair Luther, Celsy Rielle De Obelia, Keisha Mayie Van Hanss, Ynah Blair, and a few others gathered for an advanced magic class. The professor demonstrated complex spells, challenging the students to push their limits. Sparks of energy crackled through the air as they practiced, each trying to perfect their technique.

Meanwhile, in the combat hall, Kaesy Dane Seneca and several of the boys had taken to training. The clashing of weapons echoed as they sparred, refining their techniques and testing their endurance. Some focused on refining their forms, while others simply enjoyed the thrill of battle.

Every student, in their own way, was preparing for whatever challenges awaited them at Elitia Academy.