Chapter 16: Night Escape

Evening had settled over Elitia Academy, casting long shadows across the Alpha House as the students gathered around the dining table. Celsy, Keisha, Khierra, Aella, Ella, Winter, and Jeremy exchanged glances, silent messages passing between them.

After dinner, they slipped onto the balcony, the night air crisp against their skin.

"We do it tonight," Jeremy stated firmly. "After what they did earlier, I know they'll strike again. We can't just sit back and watch."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Then it's settled," Khierra added.

"So what's the plan?" Ella asked.

Celsy leaned against the railing. "We pretend to be asleep, but one of us hides in the common room. When they see any movement, they'll send a signal, and we follow."

Another round of nods.

"Who stays in the common room?" Aella questioned.

Khierra and Jeremy both raised their hands simultaneously.

The group exchanged amused glances before Ella smirked. "Why not both? Two sets of eyes are better than one."

Laughter rippled through them, but one person remained silent. Celsy noticed.

"Winter, you're always quiet, but tonight feels different." Her tone was gentle yet probing.

All eyes turned to Winter.

She hesitated before offering a small smile. "I'm listening. Don't worry."

Keisha frowned. "Did something happen?"

Winter's smile faltered, just for a moment. "No, nothing happened."

They didn't believe her, but no one pressed further.

Instead, as the night deepened, they finalized their plan. Then, with cautious steps and steady determination, they began their escape.

The night deepened over Elitia Academy, shadows stretching long and eerie through the empty corridors. The group remained hidden, patience wearing thin as time passed. Just as they were about to give up, a faint creak broke the silence.

A door opened.

A figure cloaked in darkness stepped out into the hallway.

Jeremy and Khierra tensed, exchanging quick glances before signaling the others. Their plan was in motion.

Silently, they followed.

The cloaked figure moved swiftly through the grand corridors, their footsteps barely making a sound. The group trailed behind, cautious, their breath held as they avoided making any noise.

The path led them to the Alphas' Garden.

There, under the dim glow of moonlight, the cloaked figure met with another person. The second figure stood in the shadows, their face obscured, but their hair and stance suggested it was a man.

Jeremy and Khierra inched forward, trying to see more clearly, but Winter suddenly stopped them, her voice a whisper in the wind.

"It's dangerous to get closer... Let me do it."

Before anyone could respond, Winter raised her hand and flicked her fingers.

"Void."

And just like that, she was gone.

The others froze in shock. None of them knew Winter had this kind of magic.

Hidden in her void state, Winter moved soundlessly, closing the distance between herself and the mysterious pair. As she crept closer, the moonlight finally revealed the girl's face.

Riyami Yuuki.

The man beside her was unfamiliar, but the badge on his uniform caught Winter's eye. Beta House.

Winter strained to hear their conversation, but before she could make out the words

"What are you two doing here at this hour?"

A sharp voice cut through the night.

Winter's blood ran cold as she turned.

Professor Valcroft.

The two students stiffened under the professor's gaze.

"Name and class," Valcroft demanded.

The man cleared his throat. "Clint Eastwood. Beta Class."

Riyami hesitated before answering. "Riyami Yuuki. Alpha Class."

The professor's eyes darkened. "It's late. Go back to your houses. We'll settle this tomorrow with the directors."

Riyami's face crumpled, her eyes glistening as Clint gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

Are they... lovers? Winter thought. Did we follow the wrong person?

She was about to retreat when

"Is someone else here?" Valcroft's voice rang out. "I can feel someone watching."

Winter froze mid-step.

Valcroft's sharp gaze swept over the garden. He took a step forward, inching dangerously close to their hiding spot.

And then

A cough.

The silence shattered.

Ella.

Eyes widened in horror as Ella clamped a hand over her mouth, too late to stop the sound from escaping.

Valcroft's head snapped toward their direction.

"Run!"

Panic surged through them. No one needed to be told twice. In an instant, they bolted.

"Stop running, or I'll double your punishment!" Valcroft's voice echoed behind them, his footsteps closing in.

But fear pushed them faster.

Jeremy grabbed Khierra's hand.

Celsy pulled Keisha along.

Aella gripped Ella's wrist, frustration burning in her eyes.

Winter, still hidden in her magic, sprinted alongside them, her heart pounding.

They didn't stop until they reached the Alpha House, panting as they collapsed inside, chests rising and falling rapidly.

It had been a messy nigh.