Ninth House | Official RP Thread

[Madilfill]

Inessa quickly shook her head and waved her hands. “Oh no, I couldn’t. That’s yours! It’s okay. I’m okay!” she said, nodding a little too eagerly as if to convince herself that it was the right response. She felt a bit rude declining, but she didn’t want to take something that was probably special to him. If her mom had sent her something, she wouldn’t use it carelessly either.

“She had a rough first few days, but she’s doing okay now,” Tae mentioned. Inessa nodded again, her hands anxiously fidgeting with the strap of her bag. Her fingers traced the same small, circular pattern over and over, feeling the roughness of the fabric under her fingertips. She wondered if, at this rate, she might wear a hole into it. “It’s hard to adjust for most people to be back here,” she replied with a shrug, though it wasn’t something she could relate to. She loved being back. But then again, maybe it was exhausting, always having to maintain her perfectly curated image, guard constantly up, playing her role seamlessly.

Tae’s next words came quietly. “Your father hates me for being born.”

Her stomach twisted, and she stumbled over her words, something that never happened to her. That’s um…not exactly what I meant. I was just trying to—" her voice trailed off, shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of the awkwardness. She never got tongue-tied. Why was she even here? She wanted to leave, to run out of the room, but what if someone saw her? That would be even worse. She bit the inside of her cheek hard, the taste of iron filling her mouth as a reminder of how badly she had miscalculated.

“I don’t know why I came,” she finally admitted, her voice quieter. “Maybe for myself, really. Maybe for my brother’s sake. I’ll leave, okay?” Her fingers worked faster now, the circles she rubbed into the strap getting tighter and more frantic. Her whole body felt stiff, like a rubber band pulled too tight, ready to snap. She’d thought she was doing the right thing, but this wasn’t it. This was a mess.

On second thought, this was not the way to leave here. Not the way her family would want her to handle things. Not the way people knew her to be. Almost as if a switch had flipped, Inessa’s smile grew again, perfectly in place, and she straightened her posture. It was almost unsettling, how quickly she could change, like a performer slipping back into character mid-scene. Her eyes gleamed with that familiar shine, confident and controlled.

She wouldn’t leave with her head hanging low. No, that wasn’t her. It wasn’t how she was raised. Instead, she gathered herself, brushing away the momentary vulnerability like dust off her sleeve. Her mind whirred, recalculating the situation. If anything, she had to exit the room on her own terms, just as polished as when she walked in.

With a renewed sense of composure, Inessa gave a soft smile, more convincing now. Actually, let me know how the cream works. I’m sure it’ll help." Her voice was steady again, no hint of the discomfort that had been there just moments before. She exuded warmth but with an edge, everything perfectly calculated.

Inessa’s smile tightened as she glanced at Tae, her voice still sweet but laced with something sharper. “You know, Tae, it’s funny how some people always end up needing help, isn’t it? But I’m sure you get it, considering… everything.” She let her words trail off, the implication hanging between them. Did she believe what she was implying? Not fully, but she knew how her brother thought and would stand by his side as for now. She came here to be kind and that was taken away from her. She came here to some what make amends and it was not reciprocated.

Inessa’s smile tightened, a sharp edge creeping into her voice. Tae, my brother might be reckless, but at least he’s predictable in his stupidity. Always the hothead, always charging in without thinking." She shrugged, playing it off as casual, though her eyes lingered on him, daring a reaction.

But you," she added, the sweetness of her tone masking the sting, “It’s impressive, really. Almost like no matter what happens, you get away with it. Must be nice.”

She gave a small laugh, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Anyway, maybe next time try not to pull him into whatever mess you’ve gotten yourself into. We both know he’s not clever enough to slip out of things like you are.”

Part of her wasn’t loving the words slipping from her mouth. They felt like venom, sharp and stinging, and yet… it felt good. Too good. Like a hiss from a snake, coiling and ready to strike. She could feel the bitterness lacing each syllable, the satisfaction in the bite, but this wasn’t her. No, not the “rainbows and sunshine” girl she was known to be. The one who smoothed over conflicts with a smile and found ways to make everything seem brighter.

But here she was, standing in Tae’s room, letting these bitter words spill out, words meant to cut. What was worse, she knew they would hit their mark. And that satisfaction she felt? It made her feel sick.

@Caticorn baby Tae

[Madilfill]

Inessa laughed a little, her voice light but with a touch of awkwardness as she nudged Atlas’ shoulder. “No! Top student is not entirely the goal. Not when I have someone like you to compete with!” She knew Atlas was well-liked, effortlessly charming, and had the professors wrapped around his finger. She wasn’t jealous of him, no…intimidated maybe, but jealousy wasn’t her style. She just couldn’t help but wonder about the unfair advantages some people had, their connections far deeper than hers, even though she was well on her way to building her own network.

As she handed him the reusable bag, she felt a small sense of pride. Organic, homemade, that was her thing. Nessa liked the idea of being resourceful, self-sufficient. She had seen too many people around her that didn’t know how to handle things themselves. It felt good to be able to rely on her own skills, especially when it came to something as simple and nourishing as food.

Atlas mentioned how being out of a relationship had given him more time to focus on himself, and she nodded, though her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. The opposite was true for her. Inessa thrived in relationships, in the attention that came with them, in the power of being part of an “it” couple. She loved the way heads turned when she walked into a room with her exes, the way people knew exactly who she was dating. But she smiled anyway, pushing her thoughts aside. “No, that makes sense! You have more freedom and time. Plus, you’re such a talented person, it’s great you’ve had time to get even better.”

When Atlas talked about his own plans for success, she wondered for a moment what success really meant for him. For her. They both wanted to be at the top, but the top of what, exactly? Fame? Influence? Power? “Oh, I know you’ll be successful. Just don’t forget us small people when you’re wildly famous,” she teased, but the words felt heavier than she intended.

When he asked if she had a team for the scavenger hunt, she nodded, her confidence shining through. Of course she had a strong team. Her best friend alone was an advantage, when your father runs the school, that sort of influence is hard to beat. She dodged his question about standing out above the rest, though. Inessa wasn’t about to give away any of her secrets. She wasn’t just in this to win; she was in it to dominate, to make sure everyone remembered who she was, and to position herself exactly where she needed to be.

@idiot.exe atlassss

[Caticorn]

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Tae nodded when Inessa declined his offer. He wasn’t sure if there was an ulterior motive but he could understand why she would decline. As much as he wanted to, Tae couldn’t shake the feeling that they were doing something they shouldn’t, especially when they were in the Umbra Coven and there were a number of people who could rat them out to Renlin.

“She was missing Isaac a lot because it’s her last year but our dad and her friends helped her through it.” He explained, carefully watching her reaction to him mentioning his brother, bracing himself for hostility. He hated that he had to do that. He should be able to speak freely about him without fearing retribution from his own family members who made him feel as if he wasn’t allowed to do so.

She tripped over her words as she tried to explain herself but then she trailed off. Then she confessed that she didn’t know why she came and when she stated that she was leaving, Tae couldn’t help but feel guilty. Maybe he should have kept that thought to himself. Except then she changed her mind, turning back to face him. He nodded when she asked him to let her know how the cream worked. She was sure it would help, but Tae couldn’t stop himself from being skeptical. If anything, it would help with what was left of his bruising.

“You know, Tae, it’s funny how some people always end up needing help, isn’t it? But I’m sure you get it, considering… everything.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked with a raised eyebrow, perhaps giving her a chance to rethink her words. She was insinuating something and he wasn’t sure if he liked it, or if he even knew exactly what it was. As she continued to speak, her voice adopted an sharpness but then it became sickly sweet. This change to her voice and demeanour made Tae tense up, feeling on edge.

“Tell me. What exactly do you think I’ve gotten away with? The car accident that left me permanently disabled with a lot of trauma?" He asked her, wondering if she would share her brother’s way of speaking about the accident and refuse to acknowledge that Tae was also a victim. He understood that aside from the scars hiding under his tattoo, the effects the accident had on him couldn’t be noticed by anyone other than himself. It didn’t change the fact that his body would never be the same or that he could never feel completely safe in a car again. “Or is it the fight, that your brother started when he commented on my relationship with mine? Which, by the way, he also escalated. All I did was punch him. He tried to strangle me.” He continued, responding to her comment warning him not to pull Renlin into “his mess” while trying to shield himself from the venom she was spitting.

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@Madilfill - Nessaaa

[raviola]

Mona or sometbig

After a slightly humbling conversation with Dominic, Desdemona made her way to where the students gathered for group assignments, standing in the crowd as their names were called. And just her luck, she got placed with Thalia!! And Lyra. And the famed… Renlin? And Freya, whose name she had never heard, but Thalia seemed to catch a chill when her name was listed after her own.

Watching the announcements made by one of the group directors, she let them continue talking as she stared off at the different banners on the wall. Enigma stag, umbra, cipher, quantum, all making up the school colors, triangles cut out of the ends. Eventually, they were released to unite together, and Desdémona quickly found Thalia, gushing about how it had been so long since they had seen each other (maybe two days because Desdémona is clingy), and how she had been, showing off the new color of her nails to the girl.

Progressively, it seemed that Desdémona was falling from the tree, rolling down the hill of her natural lifestyle and landing somewhere autumnal, where the ground was made of cement. She started doing a bit of makeup, and going out more often; becoming a separate entity from Thalia, although she was still at the center of her orbit. She could not discriminate whether or not that was positive. On one hand, Thalia wanted space, and Mona was happy to give her that, but she also remembered her parents telling her to be reserved. They knew what others were capable of, they knew how easy it was to impact her.

Before she knew it, she was talking with the rest of the group as well, introducing herself cheerily. These new people would likely interpret her differently from those she had met when she first got to campus. Now, she wore glossy lips, and her aura was slowly losing its green, succumbing to the pink of her makeup products, perforating her skin and circulating through her blood until her every step was trailed by a pink cloud that smelled like cotton candy and watermelon. Combined with her cute, fairy-like style she must have looked very inviting, and maybe a bit dangerous, like that girl you knew in high school that was a little too good to be true. And she was !!

They set off on the scavenger hunt, Renlin towering over the girls like the elephant in the room. It was funny, and he seemed like a good fit for Thalia. She wondered why she forgot him…
If Mona hadn’t known that he was Thalia’s in the past, she may have wanted him in the present.

Romantic love. Something she was also starting to become willing to try. She saw all her friends do it! They went on dates, and when they would come back, they would tell her about how they hugged, and kissed, and did the no-clothes thing, which really made no sense to her but everyone did it!! So it must have been normal. There was just no one to date…
There was that Nic guy, but he didn’t seem to be attracted to her, not like she sees in the movies. And then there was the girl… the obvious choice since the beginning. It turned out girls could date girls. And they did it all of the time. But would that be wise for Desdemona? Would it be smart when she saw the way Thalia was looking at Renlin?
Every day proved that it was best for her to probably forget it.

Everyone started talking about their riddle, and they agreed to go in the direction of the green house. They strolled through the halls, the warm smell of years lingering in the air and across the chocolate brown walls. On their way, they saw another group headed toward the library, and saw Dominic standing among them. He looked like one of those bougie vampires, with gelled hair and expensive clothing that boldly contrasted their fair skin. He fit their setting rather nicely, yet still he stood out to her. She wondered when they would speak again.

Her thoughts see-sawed until a little green tail crawled in the corner of her eye, between the library doors.
Could it be…

Kiki! She realized, jumping when the pressure of her being caught dropped directly onto Desdemona’s chest. The others looked over and Thalia put her hand over her mouth. Desdémona noticed, she felt watched, too much attention.
“Help me get her!” She caught herself saying. She made eye contact with Thalia, but when they turned around Kiki was just getting further into the library.
The group followed after, or at least most of it from what she saw, trying to figure out which direction the small critter could have gone. With someone else in the aisle next to her, Desdemona walked through bookshelves. It felt as though there were a thousand of her on a grid, multiplying the deeper she got down the aisle without finding her pet.

A hard thud hit the ground, and after it followed a disgusting croak.

Desdemonas skipping steps stopped. With a slow, deliberated walk, she followed the sound. Her skin grew cold, and her eyes stood wide. She knew what had happened, but she couldn’t look away. She had to see it, see it so she would know she wasn’t making it up.

Soon enough, she had walked over to it. It was a bookshelf laying flat. Someone had knocked it over. Someone killed Kiki. “Is that really-?” She asked, still in disbelief, still hoping to hear that Thalia was pranking her and it was all a surprise. “Yes” Thalia said. Everyone was rounded up again.

“I- I didn’t mean-“ Lyra ran away. Desdémona wished she could do the same, but then where would that lead to? Chasing Lyra?

Instead, she grinned. Ear to ear, and her eyes widened. She wanted to cry, but she wasn’t supposed to cry, right? She was supposed to be happy. She was supposed to keep others happy! Not bring them down with her life’s tragedies. Tears welled in her eyes, but she held them close. Her vision turned blurry. Thalia and Ren were just figures then, a dark tan and white. Freya was a little blob. They were so cute. All little blobs in a circle. Probably worried about her, but she didn’t care! They had nothing to worry about.

“Conservatory?” She asked, tilting her head. Her stare went so blank… hazel eyes turning to black buttons, glossed over with the polish of her begging tears. Come out, she said in her mind, but they couldn’t.
Come out.

@kristi @jass @Madilfill @novella @idiot.exe

[astxrism]

{ day before the hunt / Nessa mentioned }

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The corridors were empty, shrouded in the deep blue of late evening, casting long shadows as Hayes made his way toward Inessa’s room. To some this setting might be eerie, unsettling, but to Hayes it was like a breath of fresh air. If he even know what that feels like given his certain addiction. His notebook, a worn leather-bound relic full of scribbled thoughts and symbols, was tucked under his arm. The plan was simple: give it for her. Be a good friend and simply land it to her, let her believe it contained something helpful for the scavenger hunt tomorrow. But he knew better. He wasn’t worried that she’d question its contents - most of the time, no one questioned Hayes. Well… That is a big lie. These days that’s all everyone does but Nessa always trusted him. Or that’s what he wants to believe in.

As he approached her door, Hayes didn’t hesitate - he rarely did. Inessa was probably in there, as she usualy was around this time, and the plan was simple: hand her the notebook, let her believe it would help. And leave it at that. Knocking softly, he waited, expecting to hear her familiar voice through the door. Silence. His brow furrowed slightly, and he knocked again, a bit louder this time, glancing around the hallway. Still nothing. He pressed his ear closer to the door. No sounds of movement, no shuffling of books or papers. Something unwelcome tightened in his chest. She wasn’t in. His hand hovered over the door handle for a moment before he stepped back, a faint tension in his jaw. Where was she? And more importantly, with whom? The thought surprised him in a way he didn’t care to acknowledge.

He exhaled softly, the usual calm slipping for just a moment. Hayes wasn’t going to chase her down, and calling? That wasn’t his style. Phones were impersonal, detached. And too much could be lost in translation.

Shifting his weight, he glanced down at the notebook in his hand. He had brought it for her, so he’d leave it. Setting it neatly in front of her door, he made sure it was impossible to miss and she would see it soon as she returned. Straightening up, Hayes lingered a little longer than he intended, his fingers twitching toward the cigarette tucked behind his ear. The empty hallway felt even more oppressive now. He shook off those thoughts, wherever she was, whoever she was with, it wasn’t his business… Not really. With a quiet sigh, he turned on his heel and slipped back into the shadows of the corridor, his footsteps fading as he left behind one more piece of his plan.

{ hunt / with Vinnie }

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Hayes had learned to get by on minimal sleep, but mornings like these - early, unwanted, and intruded upon by Vincenzo, made him long for just a little more time in the quiet darkness. The room was still hazy with the remnants of last night’s research. He hadn’t planned on being here. Here, as in this morning, facing yet another scavenger hunt. Here, as in this cursed college. But something had pulled him back. Even after last year, even after his best friend’s disappearance. If he didn’t want to be here then why did Hayes come back? Surely there was a reason for it. As much as he wanted to succeed in his studies and did care about the amount of knowledge he could gain, his disinterest in everything around him did not look good for him. But he had to be here and he had to be drawn back into the same ridiculous game with the same rituals.

Or did he? Given his late night research he hoped he would wake up late and blame it all on his ambitious late night study time. No one would question anything and he would get in no trouble. It was a perfect plan only if someone didn’t ruin it. He rolled over slowly, blinking the sleep from his eyes, and shot Vincenzo an irritated glance. The guy was too perky for this time of morning, standing at the side of Hayes’ bed like he had just strolled in from some perfect dream. There was something about breakfast and…What else did Vincenzo say? ”Could’ve given me another ten minutes.“

Hayes refused to sit up and he wasn’t in the mood for any of this, not with his head still spinning from last night’s thoughts. The hunt, the disappearances, and… Inessa. He’d tried to avoid thinking about where she’d been last night. A part of him hated it - this nagging distraction from everything else that mattered.

But instead of glaring at Vincenzo like he usually would, silently demanding that he get the hint and leave, Hayes found his gaze drawn to the blanket that now lay in a heap on the floor. It felt like a small betrayal, losing that last layer of warmth and comfort he was clinging to. ”Why did you do that? And…“ he asked quietly, his voice soft, almost innocent as his eyes shifted back to Vincenzo. ”How’d you get in-“ He paused, waving it off with a sigh. ”Nevermind.“ There was no point in asking. He knew how Vincenzo operated, always one step ahead with his tricks. But Hayes couldn’t summon the energy to be irritated this time. Not today. ”You could’ve just… knocked like a normal person, you know?“ He dragged a hand over his face, exhaling slowly, as he finally sat up. ”And let me guess, next you’re really gonna try and make me get up for breakfast, like the responsible one you pretend to be?“ He looked at his friend for a moment, his lips twitching slightly as he tried not to smile. ”I’m not even convinced you’re human at this point. Who has this much energy in the morning? It’s unnatural.“

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@Madilfill - babyyy Nessssaa mentioned
@raviola - Vinnzie

[Madilfill]

Inessa felt a wave of something dark and confident take over, her expression shifting into a smug smile. It contrasted with the colorful clothes she wore, a bright quilted vest over a white long-sleeve shirt, her shorts barely peeking out. Her eyes, once sparkling, darkened as if some unseen power had taken hold. She hated that this side of her was emerging, but a part of her liked it. There was power in this, she knew it. It was a power she discovered over the summer, and now it pulsed through her veins. She was stronger like this, though it wasn’t really her, was it? No one would believe it even if Tae told someone. Not Nessa. Not the girl everyone thought of as warm and kind, like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day.

Tae’s words cut through the moment, but they didn’t faze her as much as they should have. “The car accident that left me permanently disabled with a lot of trauma?” he said, throwing it back at her. Her eyes didn’t soften; instead, they narrowed slightly. “Don’t we all though?” she replied, her voice cool, distant, as if his trauma was just another line on a checklist everyone had to carry.

Inessa felt the heat rise inside her but kept her composure. Her jaw tightened as she forced herself to stay calm, though she wanted to say so much more. Did he not hear her the first time? She already said she couldn’t control Renlin’s idiocy. But since he wanted it spelled out, she’d give it to him.

“I believe I already said his immaturity and impulsiveness are not in my control,” she said, her tone sharp. Her fingers fiddled with the strap of her bag again, but her eyes were locked on his now, a clear challenge in them. As much as she hated being in this situation, as much as she despised having to explain her brother’s actions, there was a part of her that felt satisfaction in standing her ground. It was this dark, unfamiliar version of herself, and she wasn’t sure if she hated it or embraced it.

“don’t expect my sympathy because my brother’s too stupid to keep his mouth shut.” Her words were sharp, dripping with passive aggression. She didn’t break eye contact, letting the silence between them grow heavy, knowing she was testing the limits. But that’s what power felt like, didn’t it? Testing how far you could push before someone pushed back. And right now, she wasn’t afraid of pushing.

Inessa let her hand rest on the door, glancing back at Tae. “makes me laugh though. For all the blame you want to place on my brother, it’s not like you didn’t have a part in it. Things don’t just happen out of nowhere, Tae. Maybe if you didn’t push buttons, there wouldn’t have been a fight in the first place.”

She adjusted her bag strap again, fingers still tracing that familiar circular pattern. She gave him a last tight smile, her eyes cold for one last split second and boom, the Inessa eveyone knew and loved was back“Anyway, I’ve done what I came here to do. don’t forget to use the cream I gave you. You’ll want those bruises to heal quickly, right? Wouldn’t want any reminders lingering.”
@Caticorn Tae Tae

[Kristi]

[[𓆩⟡𓆪 𓆩⟡𓆪 𓆩⟡]]

Nostalgia. To be nostalgic, according to the dictionary definition of it, was to feel wistful or sentimental longing for a past time or condition. To be nostalgic to Thalia was to be in an eternal state of confusion. Memories, Thalia had come to learn, were confusing. In both a bad and a good way, for example, now as she stood among scattered candles, box of matches furniture her heart could not help to flutter and her lips could not help but to smile but at the same time she felt a certain sadness she was not sure she could fully put into words.

The sadness that nothing ever lasts, or at least Thalia was not ready to fight for this to last because there were too many complications in the system, such as Inessa, and the possibility that in the long run they wouldn’t act work out terrified the fck’ out of her. The fact that they dated for a while and it was relaxing, it was fun, but it wasn’t supposed to be serious. At least, that’s what she had told herself—what they had both agreed to. It was light, carefree, and had all the signs of something temporary. Yet here she was, standing in the middle of what should have been just another casual evening, feeling a weight on her chest she couldn’t shake.

The candles flickered, casting a soft glow on the room, and for a moment, Thalia was pulled back into memories of stolen kisses and whispered promises. Promises they hadn’t even realized they were making at the time. It was strange, how in those small, quiet moments, something deeper had started to take root. Something that made the idea of “just fun” feel like a lie they were both holding onto for dear life.

Thalia traced her finger along the edge of a worn book on the table, her mind swirling between the warmth of those memories and the cold reality of the present. It would have been easier if she could say it had all been a mistake, that she had never really cared. But she did care. Too much, maybe.

And there was Inessa.

The thought of her sent a sharp pang through Thalia’s chest. Inessa had no idea. No idea about the nights Thalia spent with Renlin, no idea about the quiet mornings filled with tangled sheets and half-formed confessions. The guilt gnawed at her, a constant reminder that everything was a ticking time bomb, waiting for just one spark to blow everything apart.

But what scared Thalia the most wasn’t just Inessa finding out—it was the uncertainty of what came next. What would happen if they kept going? If they fought for it? There were no guarantees, no assurances that they could keep pretending things were simple when, in reality, they were anything but. The thought of investing more of herself, only to have it fall apart, made her stomach churn.

“I came once at the end of last year,” he admitted quietly, his voice hesitant. “Alone.”

At those words, Thalia’s attention was directly solely at him, she looked at him–as if she was truly seeing him for the first time and no one tells you this, but when you look at someone for the first time in that way, when you really see them, it’s like the world tilts on its axis.

“Why?” she asked, her voice softer than she intended, the single word hanging in the air like a challenge. And then: he pulled open the drawer of the coffee table and took out a flask and had grinned as he twisted off the cap. The way he looked, holding the flask with that little grin made him look so boyish, and for some reason, it made Thalia smile. What did that smile mean? Why was she smiling? she couldn’t really answer and she couldn’t tell if her smile was truly sincere.

She took the flask, her fingers brushing against his for the briefest second, and the warmth of that touch lingered longer than it should have. She lifted it to her lips, taking a cautious sip of whatever was left inside. The burn of the alcohol was sharp but welcome, grounding her in a way that the moment itself couldn’t. She wanted to take more, to drink until she could no longer feel her fingers, like she always did, but that would have been doing too much and Thalia did not want to do too much, because doing too much would mean making a mistake–Thalia could not afford mistakes right now, though… that was one of the only things she was good at.

Thalia handed the flask back to him, wiping her lips with the back of her hand as she perched herself on the edge of the table. She watched Renlin take another sip, her eyes never leaving his face. There was something mesmerizing about the way he moved, how each gesture was unhurried, as if time slowed down in his presence. And then he looked at her, really looked at her, and the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips was the kind that made her chest tighten.

It wasn’t a full grin, not the kind that split his face open with joy. But it was the way his eyes softened, how they gleamed with that peculiar light as if every small moment was something worth cherishing, something rare. He smiled like he had just discovered happiness for the very first time—and for some reason, that always unsettled her. It made her feel like she had some role in it, like her presence was part of the reason he smiled that way, and the weight of that was more than she was prepared to carry.

She shifted slightly on the table, crossing her legs as she studied him, wondering what exactly was going on behind those eyes of his. “You always smile like that,” she said, half-teasing, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity in her voice. And then she had said: “Do you have any snacks here?”

---

“What…” She knew, Oh Thalia knew that she shouldn’t entertain this, that she should probably walk away before more mistakes are made, but she couldn’t help herself but to ask, perhaps because deep down–though she would deny it, she wanted a big mistake, perhaps as an act of distraction, to distract her from all the mysteries of the world. … Is your favorite mystery?" Her tone carried the weight of a challenge, a hint of flirtation wrapped in amusement. She stepped closer to him, closing the distance that had felt vast only moments before, and perched herself on the desk—his offer, his invitation still lingering in the air. Now, they stood face to face. And if you’ve ever stood that close to someone, looking them right in the eye, you know that everything feels sharper, more immediate.

A gentleman, that was what she had called him, and he had told her that he was only one for the right person. She hummed, tapping her fingers against the desk, the sound echoing softly in the quiet space. Was she the right person? That question lingered in the air, heavy and uncertain, just like it had when he first came knocking on her door, standing there with that charming smile, the warmth of his presence washing over her like sunlight through a window.

Why was he so insistent that she was the right person? What exactly about her felt right to him? Thalia’s thoughts spiraled in a whirlpool of confusion and curiosity. She had spent countless nights replaying their conversations, searching for clues in the things he said, the way he looked at her. There had to be something beyond the surface, something deeper that drew him to her like a moth to a flame.

“Well, I hope you find that right person,” She finally said, avoiding what he truly meant. “Any girl would be lucky to have you”

Thalia’s heart raced at the intensity of Renlin’s gaze, a mixture of vulnerability and mischief that sent electric shivers down her spine. He was so close, and for a moment, the chaos of their surroundings faded into the background. The soft hum of the overhead lamp filled the silence, wrapping around them like a cocoon, as if the universe had conspired to draw them into this singular moment.

“I’m perfect right now, in the moment,” he murmured, his voice low and laden with meaning. It felt like an invitation, a challenge, and Thalia could sense the air thickening between them. She held his gaze, searching for the hidden layers behind his words, but all she found was an honest yearning that made her breath hitch.

He leaned in slightly, and she felt the magnetic pull between them grow stronger. Her mind raced, oscillating between caution and desire. Did she want this? Did she want him? A part of her longed to close the distance, to surrender to that unspoken tension that had lingered for far too long. But the fear of what came next weighed heavily on her heart, threatening to shatter the fragile bubble they had created.

Thus she took a step sideways, putting in some sort of distant between them, and looked down at him, but as she looked down the only thing she could see was his cough cough which brought her memories of last night, and her face slightly reddened causing her to look up at him instead, flushed and unsure.

Truthfully, though she had taken a step to the side, that was because she knew he wasn’t actually going to kiss her,that he was figuring something out. If he had actually tried to kiss her, Thalia was not sure how she would have truly reacted.

Renlin’s smile softened, revealing a side of him that was both charming and disarming. “You know,” he said quietly, almost like a secret meant only for her ears, “I could get used to moments like this.”

Her chest tightened at his words. There was something profound in his admission, a hint of hope laced with uncertainty. Did he truly mean it? Could he really see her as someone worth the risk, worth the effort? And yet, just as quickly, the self-doubt crept in. What if she didn’t know how to be that person for him? What if she couldn’t handle the weight of their desires?

The chaos surrounding them mirrored her thoughts—a whirlwind of emotions she wasn’t quite ready to unpack. “Ren,” she started, her voice shaky, “I don’t know if—” And then: “Yeah,” She said, “I think I could too…”

---

haven’t written in a while so forgive me is this is ass bt here @Madilfill

[Madilfill]

Song - simple romance

Renlin felt strangely at ease with her, a calmness settling over him like a blanket, easing the usual chaos in his mind. It was a rare kind of peace, one he hadn’t felt in what seemed like forever. His thoughts slowed, his focus narrowing down entirely on her. The way the soft curls of her hair framed her face, how her dimples showed just slightly when she smiled, and the way her jaw tensed in that subtle way when she was lost in thought itt was all becoming etched into his memory.

He wanted to take it all in, to memorize every detail, because deep down, he knew he couldn’t trust this moment to repeat itself. Not with her. She had always been a mystery, unpredictable and fleeting like the wind. Here tonight, gone tomorrow. And if she did leave again, he knew he would be left scrambling, trying to pick up the pieces of himself in her absence.

But for now, he let himself get lost in this fleeting moment, letting it wash over him. If it was all he’d get, he was determined to hold onto it for as long as possible.

“Why?” she asked, her voice soft as her eyes searched his.

Renlin raised a brow at her, surprised by the question. “Do you think I would’ve brought someone else?” His tone remained light, but there was an edge to it. He couldn’t imagine sharing this space with anyone else. Not even Vinnie. This place was theirs, one of the few places where things felt right, even when everything else was chaotic.

He paused, letting his thoughts settle before continuing. “I just needed a place to get away for a bit,” he admitted, his gaze drifting around the room. “Somewhere that felt…happy. A little bit of peace in my head, you know?” His eyes returned to hers, his voice softening as he added, “This place welll it’s always been that for me. For us.”

He watched her closely, wondering if she ever felt the same way. Had she ever come here on her own? Or with someone else? He didn’t want to ask, but the question lingered in the air.

When she reached for the flask, her fingers brushed against his, sending a jolt through him. He was half-tempted to toss the flask aside and grab her hand fully, to feel her fingers intertwine with his, closing the small but agonizing distance between them. But he didn’t. Instead, he just watched her, his heart racing, as she took a slow sip.

She never broke eye contact. There was something intense in the way she looked at him, something he couldn’t fully decipher. It drove him wild, that unreadable gaze, leaving him wondering what she was thinking, what she wanted, if she felt the same electric tension he did.

“You always smile like that,” she commented, her tone almost teasing. He raised a brow and shrugged, unsure of what she meant. It was true that he smiled a lot, for many reasons. His sister, Nessa, had once lectured him on how frowning supposedly took more effort and caused wrinkles. Then she offered him one of her homemade face masks, which he politely declined, much to her annoyance.

“There’s many reasons to smile,” he said, leaning back in his seat. “But you being here with me, that’s got to be the best one.” He knew it sounded cheesy, but he didn’t care. He’d always been a sucker for the cliché, a hopeless romantic at heart.

When she asked about snacks, he smirked. “If I did have snacks hidden here, they’d probably be stale or rotten by now,” he said, digging into his pockets. He pulled out a random assortment of things; a pack of cigarettes, a lanyard keychain with no keys but instead a pen on a string, and three pennies. He moved to the other pocket and retrieved a couple of paper clips, his wallet, and two sticks of gum. “I’ve got gum?” he offered with a grin. renlin couldn’t help but laugh softly as he held out the gum, as if it were a prized offering.

---

“Is your favorite mystery?” she asked, leaning in slightly as if truly curious. Renlin hesitated for a second, his mind spinning with a few mysteries he desperately wanted to solve. But which one was his favorite?

“The one about why the girl stopped answering the guy’s calls and texts,” he finally said, his voice soft but pointed. He gave her a wry smile, lifting a brow. “Despite having, you know, a real connection? You know the one?”

Renlin groaned under his breath, rolling his eyes at the tired compliment. He could feel the frustration bubbling up inside him. Come on, Thalia, you’re not that naive, he thought, trying to keep his tone light but struggling. “The problem is,” he said, licking his lips to wet them, “any girl just won’t do for me.”

He watched her, waiting for something, really anything to show she understood what he was getting at. And then it happened. She said something back, something that made his heart stutter.

“I think I could too…”

Did she really just say that? Renlin blinked, looking at her with wide eyes. Was this real? Was this actually happening or was it another one of those vivid dreams where everything was perfect until it wasn’t? He needed to ground himself, to make sure.

His eyes darted around the room, instinctively using the trick he’d learned to pull himself out of anxiety or to tell if he was asleep. Three things you can feel: the solid wood of the desk beneath his fingers, the fabric of his pants, the warmth of the coffee cup. Two things you can smell: the faint scent of her shampoo, something floral he couldn’t quite place but was sure wasn’t his, and the comforting aroma of brewing coffee. One thing you can hear: her voice, soft and real, because she was here, and not in some nightmare.

She wasn’t part of his dreams. She was the escape from them.

@Kristi will add all the pizzazz later

[astxrism]

{ Morning of the hun / with Lyra }
‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

Aurora woke up slowly and stretched lazily, savoring the quiet, knowing the day would soon start. It wasn’t like she had a burning desire to win, her father’s wishes made sure of that, but she’d still be there, helpful as always, playing her part without standing out too much. Today, she’d simply blend in, as much as she could. She was not too eager to compete, but not apathetic either. Just enough to fulfill her father’s expectations without ruffling feathers.

With a soft sigh Aurora got out of her bed, leaving behind the mess of tangled blankets. Her silk pajama shorts clung loosely to her slender frame, slipping slightly off one shoulder as she moved across the room. She padded toward the window, dragging her feet as she leaned against the frame. The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a gentle glow on her, making the soft fabric shimmer faintly. Outside, the campus was already buzzing. She could hear the faint echoes of students preparing for the day, their laughter mixing with the sound of footsteps on the paths below. Aurora’s lips pressed into a thin line as she watched, her thoughts drifting. It felt strange, knowing how much this day meant to everyone. The scavenger hunt had a certain weight, especially for those hoping to rise through the ranks, and yet… she felt distant from it all.

Her father had already made it clear. This wasn’t her moment to shine. Someone else was supposed to win, someone of “better strategic value,” as he’d put it. She was a pawn in this game, but not the kind that moved toward the crown. Aurora’s fingers idly traced the cold glass of the window. She wasn’t meant to win, but she wasn’t allowed to fail either. Sighing again, she stepped away from the window, her silk pajamas swishing softly with each movement. She wouldn’t try to outsmart anyone today, but she’d offer enough help not to raise suspicions. Just enough to keep herself useful but invisible. Always the dutiful daughter.

---

Aurora found herself teamed up with some of her friends including Atlas, Nessa and even Kairo. Not a bad bunch. The hunt kicked off and they moved quickly through the first location, their steps in sync as they pieced together the clues. Aurora found herself enjoying the morning more than she anticipated. While she wasn’t particularly driven to win, being with friends made the experience a lot more fun… It’s been a while since she had fun like this. Especially on campus. They were laughing at Kairo’s playful remarks, but Aurora couldn’t miss how Nessa was already two steps ahead, deciphering the next riddle. She did seem very focused and determined to win and she loved seeing her friend like that, and in that moment Aurora felt bad for not being able to give her 100%.

However, just as they were on their way to the next spot, something caught Aurora’s eye. Across the lawn, she saw Lyra sprinting, her face pale, eyes red, clearly distressed. She was running away from something, or maybe someone, and the sight stopped Aurora in her tracks. Her team continued a few paces ahead before realizing she had paused. For a brief moment, Aurora’s mind raced. Should she stick with her group, helping them solve the next clue like she had promised? Or should she follow Lyra? It wasn’t like Lyra was a close friend, Aurora didn’t know her that much… Not personally. But she had always been someone who noticed when others were in trouble. Her father’s expectations for her to stay focused on the task at hand flickered in her mind, but Aurora brushed them aside. This was more important. “I’ll catch up,” Aurora called out softly to her group, waving them on. As she followed Lyra’s hurried steps, Aurora’s thoughts churned. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but it was obvious Lyra was upset. She couldn’t just ignore a girl running away from… something. What if it was serious? What if something really bad happened and no one noticed? She had to inform her father immediately.

Aurora quickened her pace, but Lyra was already a fair distance ahead, moving fast in her panic. Aurora furrowed her brow, realizing she might not catch up in time unless she intervened. Without much thought, she reached out to the shadows around her. It was a subtle gesture, a soft manipulation of the darkness cast by the trees and buildings on campus. With a flick of her fingers, she wove the shadows together, crafting a thin veil of darkness that materialized just a few steps in front of Lyra. It wasn’t meant to frighten her, just to slow her down for a moment, long enough for Aurora to catch up. “Lyra!” Aurora called out, her voice soft, reassuring. “Wait, it’s just me.” Aurora’s breathing was a little heavy from the chase… give the girl a break she was lacking in the cardio department the past few months.

“Are you okay? What happened? You ran off so fast…” She genuinely wanted to help, but she also knew that if something serious had occurred, something that could affect the hunt or anyone’s safety, her father would be furious if she ignored it. Aurora’s concern wasn’t just for Lyra’s feelings, it was about the consequences that might follow. She didn’t know what had triggered Lyra’s panic, but judging by her reaction it had to be something significant. Aurora’s voice remained gentle, though there was an undercurrent of urgency. “Is it something bad?” She asked, trying to hide her anxiety over what might be at stake.

‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

@Jass - Lyra

@Madilfill - nessa mentioned
@CerealKiller - kai mentioned
@idiot.exe - atlas mentioned

[Jass]

---

Lyra, still reeling from the incident with Kiki, barely noticed the shadows that slowed her down until she heard Aurora’s voice. The gentle call of her name sent a jolt through her, and she skidded to a halt, turning abruptly to face Aurora. Her heart was pounding, her breath coming in shallow gasps, and her eyes were wide with a mix of guilt and panic.

The moment Aurora asked if she was okay, Lyra felt a lump form in her throat. Her chest tightened, and for a moment, she couldn’t bring herself to speak. All she could think about was the horror of what had just happened – the bookshelf, the lizard, the stunned faces of her teammates. She wanted to curl up and disappear, to erase the memory of the moment her magic had gone wrong.

But the shadows Aurora had used to stop her felt comforting in a strange way, reminding her that she wasn’t alone. And Aurora’s tone, though urgent, wasn’t accusing. It wasn’t cold or judgemental. Lyra swallowed hard, tears threatening to spill again, but she held them back, trying to compose herself enough to respond.

“I… I messed up,” Lyra choked out, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked away, unable to meet Aurora’s gaze as the shame washed over her again. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like that. I didn’t mean for any of it… Kiki… she…” Her voice broke, and she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, feeling more helpless than ever. “I tried to help, but I just made it worse. I made it so much worse.”

Lyra’s hands trembled as she spoke, the weight of her mistake crashing down on her. She wasn’t used to losing control, and the fear that had gripped her since the bookshelf fell was overwhelming. She kept thinking about Desdemona’s expression – about the way everyone had looked at her.

“I didn’t mean for it to go that far,” she whispered, the guilt clawing at her. “I just wanted to fix things, but my magic… it didn’t listen. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Her voice cracked again, and she shook her head, the tears finally falling.

Lyra’s chest tightened even more as she thought about how much she had lost control. She knew better. She should have known better. Magic wasn’t just fun and light-hearted. It could be dangerous – it was dangerous. She had learnt that the hard way, and the memories of her brother flooded her mind. The fear she’d gone through with him had never fully left her, and it was that fear that had driven her to be cautious, to make sure she was always in control of her magic. But today… today, she hadn’t been careful enough. She had let her emotions and eagerness cloud her judgement, and now, just like with her brother, someone had gotten hurt. Only this time, it was her fault.

“I should’ve known,” she whispered, the weight of her guilt almost unbearable. “I know what happens when magic goes wrong. I knew, and I still…” Her voice trailed off, tears streaming down her face as the painful memories mingled with the guilt of what she had done today. “I’m just like him,” she muttered, more to herself than to Aurora, her voice thick with self-blame. “I can’t control it, either.”

Her shoulders slumped as the full weight of her past mistakes, her fears, and her present failure pressed down on her, suffocating. Lyra’s legs started to feel weak, trembling beneath her. She stumbled slightly, as if the ground itself was slipping away. Unable to keep herself upright, she slowly collapsed to the floor, her knees giving out as her emotions overwhelmed her. She sat on the cold ground, head bowed, tears silently streaming down her face. Her breathing was uneven, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath but couldn’t seem to find enough air. The pressure of everything – her mistake with Kiki, the memories of her brother, her failure to control her magic – was too heavy to carry.

Her voice broke when she finally spoke again, barely above a whisper. “I can’t… I don’t know how to fix this. I can’t trust myself… What if I hurt someone else?” She couldn’t bring herself to meet Aurora’s eyes, the shame too great. Her body felt heavy, as if the very act of sitting up was exhausting. She pulled her knees to her chest, trying to make herself as small as possible, retreating into herself to escape the crushing weight of her guilt.

---

Aurora - @astxrism
Mentioned:
Desdemona - @raviola

---

[astxrism]

{ end of hunt / with team 3 }
•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•

As Team 3 stepped into the archive, the door behind them closed with a soft thud, sealing them inside. The silence in the room felt heavier now. Suddenly, the quiet was broken by a slow, clapping. Adrian Dear emerged from the shadows at the far end of the room, his presence commanding. His long coat swirled around him, and his sharp eyes took in the room, landing on the victorious team with a knowing smile. Behind him, other professors appeared, their expressions inscrutable as they took their places.

"You’ve done well, Adrian said, his voice echoed in the chamber. “But this was more than just a test of your abilities to solve clues. This… This is about something far greater.” He gestured to the room around them, filled with ancient relics. His voice was low and steady, a mixture of authority and something else, something darker, harder to place. “I must say, I am impressed. Each of you has contributed to this moment in ways that speak to your character, your intellect, and your potential.” He began to move, slow, deliberate steps, weaving between the groups. His gaze was unwavering as he locked eyes with each student. There was no warmth in his expression, only an intensity that made it difficult to hold his gaze for too long. Yet, in that look, there was also pride.

Adrian paused in front of one student, his lips curling slightly into the ghost of a smile. “You’ve all solved the mysteries of this school today,” he said, his tone softening just enough. " But this is only the beginning. What you’ve uncovered, what you’ve earned is not simply the end of a game. It is the first step toward understanding the deeper meaning of this institution." His gaze shifted, and his steps resumed, moving slowly toward the door that was now closed. “I have been watching each of you closely, observing how you’ve handled the challenges. Some of you showed remarkable resilience, others a sharp intellect, while some displayed a certain… creativity.” Adrian turned back to face them all, his hands clasped behind his back. The silence in the hall felt heavy, filled with expectation.

His gaze for a moment was fixed on Renlin, wondering how he, out of everyone managed to get this far. Did he start to admire the young man? “Perhaps the greatest lesson today isn’t about who wins, but what each of you has brought to this journey. Normally, one student would stand apart by now. One student would be chosen to rise above the rest.” He let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. “But today you all have contributed to the success of this. You all stand here now because of the choices you made together.”

He took a final step back, his expression unreadable as he scanned their faces once more, his gaze lingering just a fraction longer on each student, as though imprinting their image into his mind. Renlin, Thalia, Desdemona, Agastya, Lyra.
The room seemed to exhale with relief, but Adrian wasn’t finished. His eyes narrowed, and a new intensity filled his voice. “This school does not operate on simple victories and defeats. What you uncover here will shape your future, and the future of those around you. The knowledge you’ve gained is not without consequence. Magic, after all, always comes with a price… And your final task is not yet complete.”

“The Archive you’ve uncovered contains knowledge far older than this school itself. And now, that knowledge might be within your reach.” Adrian paused, letting his words sink in. The gravity of the situation became evident as he continued. “You stand here today, not simply as students, but as those who have earned the right to decide what happens next.” Slowly, he stepped closer, his gaze piercing as he looked at each student in turn. “You have a choice. The knowledge you’ve unlocked is powerful, and with power comes responsibility. You must decide… will you keep what you’ve learned hidden, as it has been for generations? Or will you choose to share this knowledge with others, opening the Archive to more eyes and minds, perhaps for the first time in centuries?” With that, he implied how no one has decided to share this space with others so far. What Adrian didn’t tell them is that almost no one managed to get back into this place to begin with.

Adrian’s eyes gleamed with a knowing smile. “I trust you’ll choose wisely.” With that, he walked away from them, walked out of the archive, opening the door as if it was just any other, normal door.

The students didn’t have time to investigate the room, as soon as Adrian stepped out professors who were in the room with them led the students out as well. Closing the door behind, the door they now knew how to open but not how to get back to. Only today the Forbidden wing was open to students, closing the moment they all left. Those who managed to get this far in time now know that the big door that was always locked could be unlocked. Those who managed to get this far in time now know that there was something important behind that door, and many other doors in that hallway.

---

@ winners
@raviola @Kristi @eunoia @Madilfill @Jass

[astxrism]

{ Morning of the hunt / with Lyra }
‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

Aurora blinked, momentarily stunned by Lyra’s outpouring of emotion. The trembling voice, the tears… Lyra was falling apart right in front of her. But what had caught Aurora off guard was that one word: Kiki.

Aurora’s mind raced, piecing together the story through Lyra’s sobs. She made it worse… Kiki… Had she… killed someone? Her stomach dropped at the thought. A girl named Kiki? Aurora’s heart clenched, the weight of the situation pressing on her. Lyra was practically collapsing under the burden of guilt, and if this was as serious as Aurora feared, her father would lose it. But who was Kiki? She knew practically everyone here and there was not a girl… Well, maybe it was a nickname? But who was that?

She took a breath, keeping her face calm, even though her thoughts were spiraling. Lyra’s magic had gone wrong, that much was clear, but if someone had actually been harmed… “Hey,” Aurora began carefully, her voice steady but softer now, “I don’t know what happened exactly, but we’ll figure this out. We just need to take it one step at a time, okay?” Aurora crouched down beside Lyra, her movements slow and deliberate, as if trying not to startle her further. Her initial shock was quickly replaced with concern and while the confusion over who Kiki was lingered, it was clear Lyra needed her more. Aurora’s instinct to protect, to comfort, kicked in. “Lyra, look at me,” Aurora said softly, her voice steady but filled with warmth. She reached out, gently placing her hand on Lyra’s arm. There we so many things Lyra said yet nothing made sense to Aurora. What did she mean when she said I’m just like him?

“We’ll figure this out, I promise.” But will they? Could Aurora really make that promise when the girl in front of her hurt someone? If that was the case… Aurora was the last person who could help, even if you think she might be able to do something since she is Adrian’s daughter… But no one could do anything about it, that was the truth. Waiting to see if Lyra’s tears will slow, Aurora’s hand moved from Lyra’s arm to her shoulder, squeezing gently, trying to pull her back to the present moment. “Tell me what happened,” she urged softly, wanting to understand, wanting to help.

“Who is Kiki?”

‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

@Jass - Lyra

[Jass]

---

---

At first, Lyra flinched when Aurora’s hand touched her arm. She was still wound up, her body trembling with tension. But Aurora’s steady, warm presence cut through the storm of emotions swirling inside her. As she lifted her head, her eyes met Aurora’s, and something in the kindness there made her chest tighten in a different way.

Lyra felt a pang of vulnerability, like a crack had opened in the wall she’d been trying to keep up. She wanted to fall apart, to let the tears flow and admit how terrified she was, but Aurora’s calm voice, her gentle touch, made her feel seen - understood, even if only for a moment.

Her breath hitched, the weight of it all suddenly unbearable, but she managed to hold Aurora’s gaze, even if her voice shook. “It’s not just Kiki…” she whispered, her words laced with more fear than explanation. The tears brimmed again, but this time, they weren’t just from guilt - they were from the sudden, crushing realization of how deeply this reminded her of Lysander.

Her lip quivered as she tried to speak again, but all that came out was a shaky exhale. It was like being on the edge of a cliff, uncertain whether she could hold on or if she’d fall apart entirely.

Lyra’s eyes flickered as Aurora squeezed her shoulder, grounding her slightly, but Aurora’s promise - we’ll figure this out - echoed in her mind. Could they really fix this? Lyra wanted to believe it, wanted to cling to that hope. But how could anyone fix it when her magic had gone so horribly wrong?

She swallowed hard, blinking through her tears as the question who is Kiki pulled her back to the present. For a split second, her chest tightened again. She hadn’t realised Aurora didn’t know who Kiki was, and now, the words seemed so small, so foolish. She could feel the weight of everything she had done crashing down again, but now it was tangled with the fear that Aurora might think she was overreacting

“It’s… it’s Desdemona’s lizard,” she finally muttered, her voice barely audible. “Kiki… she had escaped, and I-I tried to stop her…” The lump in her throat grew, and a fresh wave of tears welled up. Lyra shook her head, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. Her voice unsteady as she continued speaking, "My magic… it made everything worse. The bookshelf fell, and Kiki… she…” Her voice cracked, and she trailed off, unable to bring herself to say it again.

She took a shaky breath, her anxiety creeping in deeper. “A lot of people saw it. They saw the bookshelf fall… what if they think I’m some freak who can’t control her magic? What if they think I… I killed her on purpose?” Her voice hitched again, more tears slipping down her cheeks. “ Or what if they think I’m incapable of magic now?”*

Lyra’s voice wavered as she added, almost in a whisper, “You probably think I’m being ridiculous, worrying about this like it’s the end of the world. But I hurt her. I hurt something that didn’t deserve it…” Lyra trailed off, her thoughts drifting back to Lysander. Her brother had warned her about moments like this - when magic went wrong, it didn’t just hurt the caster. It hurt everyone around them.

There was nothing but silence for a few seconds before she continued, “I’m just like him…” she whispered again, more to herself this time, but the weight of her brother’s name felt too heavy to carry alone. She took a shaky breath, her voice unsteady as she began. “My brother… Lysander… he was at this school too.” The words came out quietly, almost like a secret she hadn’t meant to reveal. Lyra hadn’t talked about him with many people since it happened, not because she didn’t want to, but because the loss was still so close, so real. “He… he died here.”

Her chest tightened as she spoke, the memories surfacing like ghosts. She couldn’t meet Aurora’s gaze, instead staring at the ground, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t even know what happened. No one really talks about it. It was sudden. But… a few weeks before he died, he warned me. He told me to be careful with my magic, to make sure I was always in control.”

She paused, her voice trembling again, “But I didn’t listen. I thought… I thought I could handle it.” A tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, frustration mixing with her sorrow. “And now… Kiki… I wasn’t careful enough. It’s like he knew this would happen.”

The guilt that had been suffocating her now seemed even heavier, like it was tied to her brother’s death. She couldn’t stop thinking about his warning, how much he had cared, and how she had failed to keep her magic in check too - just as he’d feared.

---

Aurora - @astxrism
Mentioned:
Desdemona - @raviola

---

[astxrism]

{ Morning of the hunt / with Lyra }
‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

Aurora was listening intently, making sure not to miss any detail she’d have to report back, but the moment Lyra mentioned Desdemona’s lizard, a laugh burst from her lips. It was sudden, unplanned and immediately followed by a gasp as Aurora covered her mouth, eyes wide with horror. “Oh… I am so sorry!” she blurted out, her hand still covering her mouth realizing what she had done. But Aurora couldn’t help it… Everyone would react the same way after all, right? For a split second, the intensity of thinking someone might have been seriously hurt was replaced by the unexpected absurdity of it being a lizard.

That doesn’t mean she didn’t immediately regret how it might seem. She didn’t mean to be rude, it was just… thankfully not a real person. “I’m sorry, I’m not laughing at you,” Aurora quickly reassured, her face softening as she saw Lyra’s expression, but a smile of relief was still hidden behind her hand. “It’s just… when you said Kiki and everything was so tense, I thought… well, I thought the worst. And now I know it’s a lizard, and I just…” She shook her head, swallowing the remaining laughter, her expression growing serious again as she saw how much Lyra was still hurting. “I understand it’s… Hard… It doesn’t matter if it’s a person or a lizard, you’re not upset for no reason.” As Lyra explained more about Kiki and the magic going wrong, Aurora’s expression shifted again, giving her her full attention again. The laughter was completely forgotten.

She could see how deeply Lyra was hurt by some recent events, but it wasn’t just about the lizard, there was something else Aurora quickly came to learn - it seemed like everything was tied to Lysander, Lyra’s brother. She heard the stories going around about him but could never figure out what the truth was. Not even her father could tell her more and in that way Aurora felt like maybe she was the one who needed to dig deeper and gain more information… Since he was a student here. Aurora never knew him, but just like she knew of everyone else, she knew of him. She knew Lyra was his sister, that was the first thing she noticed when she got a chance to glance at her papers and ever since then she wanted to reach out to the girl and possibly get her to tell her what really happened… In her own time, of course. Aurora wouldn’t force information out of someone just like that.

And as tragic as this all looked… was this the perfect opportunity for that?
It could be, but she can’t show that there was more to her caring about Lyra’s feelings, a deeper purpose.

Aurora’s heart genuinely did clench as Lyra tried to express further what she was feeling and thinking. She could hear the pain in her voice, and the guilt that had been beneath the surface for so long. She didn’t want to interrupt even as her own throat tightened… she understood the weight of family expectations. And everything was going “well” until Lyra confessed she didn’t know much about what really happened with her brother. Aurora kept her expression neutral, though inside her mind was racing. So Lyra didn’t know what happened either… That small revelation tugged at her curiosity even more, but she pushed it down, reminding herself that right now, this wasn’t about uncovering some mystery for her father or satisfying her own desire for answers… this was about Lyra. This was about Aurora trying to be a friend to someone and simply listen. About comforting her, gaining her trust, and making sure she didn’t completely fall apart.

“Lyra, I’m so sorry about your brother… I can’t imagine what you’re going through, and I’m not going to pretend that I do. But…” She finally spoke up, her voice soft. “You’re not like him. You’re not doomed to repeat what happened. And just because things went wrong with Kiki, that doesn’t mean you’re out of control or dangerous. It means you’re human, and we all mess up sometimes. And… I’m sure being like your brother can’t be that bad, he was loved here and he was a good student. There are still some qualities to be proud of.” She offered a small, almost sad smile, before adding, " Besides… it was a lizard, not a person. I know it feels horrible, but you didn’t mean for it to happen. And that’s what’s important. Magic can be unpredictable and I’m sure no one will think you did anything on purpose! I’ll help you fix this, okay? We’ll talk to Desdemona. I’m sure we can make it right. But no matter what happens, I don’t want you to think for a second that you’re out of control or dangerous. You’re not. We are all perfectly safe here, trust me." Those last words Aurora said with a hint of bitterness in her voice, yet her smile stayed on her lips, as convincing as always.

Aurora paused, analyzing how Lyra was taking in her words, before continuing carefully, slipping in just enough to plant the seed for later. “I can’t help but wonder… maybe there’s more to what happened with your brother than anyone knows. Maybe we should… I don’t know, figure it out? Together?” She tilted her head slightly, her voice gentle but laced with subtle curiosity. “If you ever want to talk about him… or look into things, I’m here for you. I can understand if it all still hurts but I want you to know you’re not alone in this here.” She didn’t push more than that. Aurora knew when to hold back. For now, her main focus was to be a calming presence, a safe place for Lyra.

‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

@Jass - Lyra

[Jass]

---

---

Lyra froze when Aurora’s laughter burst out, her heart sinking. The sound felt like a punch to her gut, confirming her worst fear - that her emotions, her guilt, and her pain were being dismissed. Her chest tightened, and embarrassment rushed through her, her face flushing as she tried to hold back the sting of shame.

For a moment, anger flickered inside her, mixed with deep hurt. Kiki’s injury wasn’t absurd to her; it was proof that she had lost control of her magic, just as Lysander had warned her about. She felt that knot of self-doubt tighten, her insecurities bubbling to the surface. She wanted to snap, to say something cutting, but Aurora’s quick apology stopped her.

Even though Aurora explained herself, the hurt didn’t disappear. Lyra averted her gaze, trying to gather herself, but the sting of humiliation remained. She fought to swallow her emotions, blinking back tears that threatened to spill over.

“Of course you laughed,” she said softly, her voice shaky with a hint of bitterness. More so directed at herself than Aurora. “It’s just a lizard, right?” Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “But it’s not just Kiki; it’s everything. I messed up, and now it feels like everything’s falling apart.”

As Aurora continued speaking, trying to reassure her, Lyra took a shaky breath. The defensiveness she felt slowly began to crumble as she realised Aurora wasn’t trying to make light of the situation. Still, the relief Aurora expressed felt distant compared to the guilt weighing down on Lyra.

“I know it sounds ridiculous,” Lyra muttered, her voice quieter now. “But what if next time it’s not a lizard? What if I hurt someone for real?” Her words were laced with fear, showing how deeply the magic mishap had shaken her.

Though Aurora’s words helped ease some of her anxiety, the shame and fear still lingered beneath the surface, gnawing at her. She appreciated Aurora’s support, but it couldn’t completely erase the dread of what might come next.

Aurora’s suggestion about her brother caught Lyra off guard. She hadn’t expected anyone to be interested in looking deeper into what had happened to Lysander. The idea stirred something inside her - a mix of curiosity, fear, and uncertainty. Could they really figure it out? Did she even want to know?

Lyra’s chest tightened at Aurora’s words, the weight of her brother’s memory still heavy in her heart. She looked down for a moment, processing the reassurance offered to her. When Aurora mentioned that she wasn’t doomed to repeat what had happened, a flicker of hope ignited within her, but it quickly mingled with lingering doubt.

“Thank you,” Lyra whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She appreciated Aurora’s attempt to separate her from her brother’s legacy, even if she struggled to believe it herself. The mention of Lysander being loved and a good student stirred a mixture of pride and pain in her, and she managed a small, grateful smile in return.

As Aurora continued, Lyra felt a swell of emotion at the reminder that it was only a lizard. “I know… but it still feels awful. I can’t shake the guilt.” She wiped a tear from her cheek, grateful for Aurora’s understanding and willingness to help her fix the situation. The promise of support was comforting, but the nagging thought of how people would perceive her lingered.

“I really hope you’re right,” she replied, her voice firmer now. “I don’t want people to think I’m a danger. I just wanted to… to do something good.” The anxiety began to ebb slightly as Aurora’s conviction wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

Lyra took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “And I’d really like your help with this. It means a lot that you’re willing to talk to Desdemona with me.” She glanced at Aurora, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. “I just want to make things right.”

The hint of bitterness in Aurora’s voice did not go unnoticed. Lyra recognised that there was more to Aurora’s own story, perhaps a reflection of struggles she faced as well. In that moment, Lyra felt a connection - a sense that they could support each other through their challenges.

When Aurora offered her support in finding out what happened with her brother, Lyra glanced up at her, studying her face, searching for any hint of ulterior motive. But there was only kindness and subtle curiosity. Lyra hesitated, the thought of revisiting those old wounds terrifying her. Still, there was something comforting in knowing that Aurora was offering her support.

“Maybe… maybe someday,” Lyra murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s just… still really hard.” She swallowed the lump in her throat, her gaze falling back to the floor. “But thank you. For everything.”

Lyra took a breath, trying to steady her thoughts. “Actually,” she said, her voice a little stronger, “I’m organising a wake for Lysander at the school. It’s not just for me; it’s for everyone who knew him. His friends, classmates, anyone who wants to remember him.”

She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at Aurora. “I was thinking… maybe you’d want to come too? I know you didn’t know him, but after everything we’ve talked about, I think… I think it might help. For both of us. And it’s important to me that he’s remembered, even by people who didn’t know him personally.”

Lyra hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice quieter. “I just don’t want to do this alone, you know? And I think having you there… would mean a lot.”

---

Aurora - @astxrism
Mentioned:
Desdemona - @raviola

---

[Kristi]

[[[𓆩⟡𓆪 𓆩⟡𓆪 𓆩⟡]]

Thalia did not know why, but at Renlin’s question–asking her if she thought he would bring anyone else she pinched herself. Normally, when people pinch themselves in this type of scenario as she had come to learn, Is because they thought they were dreaming and wanted to be awaken from their dream, but Thalia knew she was not dreaming. No, she was fully aware that in this space, another person’s body existed with her, that warm brown eyes were looking at her as they talked. She had pinched herself, perhaps, because she could truly believe–no matter how surprising it was, that he had indeed not brought anyone else or maybe it was more because she couldn’t believe a person would want to cling unto memories so much like this. Why come to a place that would only bring you sadness?

She placed her tongue under her bottom teeth as he continued to talk, "This felt happy to you?"She asked genuinely shocked. No matter how much she had longed to come back here, to be one with that cabin, worries had weighted her down. She had worried that regret would follow her like a predator chasing a prey, that she would feel miserable all alone, that she would drink too much here, and no one would be able to locate her and thus she would trip on something in a drunken lust and die. Or perhaps if her memories of Renlin would haunt in here, then all of her memories would haunt her, even that bloody scene.

She needed something to drink, she thought to herself, and she was glad when Renlin offered her a flask, with her fingers stretched, she reached for it–trying to ignore the feeling of his skin against her’s. She grabbed the flask and took a sip and she watched him watch her. It was kind of strange, to be both watching and watched.

When she gave the flask back to him, though, she decided she wanted to be the better watcher. Now, perhaps, the tone in which that was said might have implied some sort of competition of who could watch who best, but there was no competition, it was simply a strange curiosity to notice what she had never noticed before. She watched his smile, his beautiful golden-like smile, and felt the need to smile herself for some reason, and to comment on that smile. The way he had responded, she had tried not too, but she couldn’t help her laughter. “Well, that was definitely not cheesy” She teased, “How long have you had that one saved in you? so what are your other reasons to smile?” She questioned, wondering what he might say and then, realizing she bored and wanted to do something with her hands, and she could not hold his hands, she asked for some snacks.

“Fair point,” She responded when he had said that if he had any snacks they would rot by now. But then he had been digging into his pockets, pulling out random assortment of things; a pack of cigarettes, a lanyard keychain with no keys but instead a pen on a string, and three pennies. He moved to the other pocket and retrieved a couple of paper clips, his wallet, and two sticks of gum. “I’ve got gum?” he offered with a grin. Renlin couldn’t help but laugh softly as he held out the gum, as if it were a prized offering.

Thalia bit back a grin, her eyes lighting up with amusement as Renlin held out the gum like it was some rare treasure. She made a grand gesture, placing one hand dramatically on her chest as if she’d just been bestowed a great honor. “Oh, a stick of gum? This is all girl could want, Truly, this is a prized offering,” she said in an exaggeratedly regal tone, her lips twitching into a full smile now. She took the gum from him with mock seriousness. “I shall treasure it always.” With that, she unwrapped the gum and popped it into her mouth. The minty scent hit her senses as she popped it into her mouth, the cool flavor spreading across her tongue, sharp and distracting. She chewed in silence for a moment, watching him as he busied himself with stashing away the random trinkets he’d pulled from his pockets.

---

Thalia’s heart skipped a beat as Renlin’s words sank in. Damn, she thought, biting the inside of her cheek. She had walked right into that one. She should’ve known, of course, that he’d bring it up again—the way she’d ghosted him, leaving his calls and texts unanswered like whispers lost to the wind. No amount of deflection had been enough to erase it, not from him, not from herself. “Oh you texted?” She questioned thinking of a lie.

“Weird,” she continued, her tone light but her stomach churning, “I didn’t seem to have received any texts.” She tapped her phone in her pocket for emphasis, as if the device itself had betrayed her. The lie was weak, and they both knew it. “Anyways…” She began, trying to deflect. “Your room is so comfortable,”

But AAH, of course Renlin did not want to talk about rooms, she don’t think anyone really would, unless they were very passionate about architecture like her, but even with her hyper fixation for architecture, Thalia did not really want to talk about rooms nor have a serious talk. But serious talks mixed with flirtations and teasing, seems to be the agenda for today.

After all, he was so close to her, and she could see his every movement–she could see the way he licked his lips, the way he gazed at and how husky and warm his voice sounded. He had said, *the problem is, any girl just won’t do for me"

She exhaled softly, her heart beating a little faster. Any girl just won’t do for me.

What was she supposed to say to that? Her fingers toyed with the edge of her sleeve, trying to mask the nerves that were starting to tangle inside her. “Well,” she started, forcing a lightness into her tone she didn’t quite feel, “maybe you’re just too picky.” She shot him a teasing smile, hoping to steer the conversation back into safer territory.

And then he said something, something that made her ctightened at his words. There was something profound in his admission, a hint of hope laced with uncertainty. Did he truly mean it? Could he really see her as someone worth the risk, worth the effort? And yet, just as quickly, the self-doubt crept in. What if she didn’t know how to be that person for him? What if she couldn’t handle the weight of their desires?

The chaos surrounding them mirrored her thoughts—a whirlwind of emotions she wasn’t quite ready to unpack. “Ren,” she started, her voice shaky, “I don’t know if—” And then: “Yeah,” She said, “I think I could too…”

---

@Madilfill

[Madilfill]

Song - Tripping On Air

“This felt happy to you?” she asked, her voice soft but curious as she processed what he’d said. Renlin could understand the skepticism, considering the cabin’s dilapidated state; the peeling paint, the overgrown yard, and the creaky, broken-down furniture. To a stranger, it might look like anything but a place of happiness.

But to him, this was their place, where countless memories were tucked into every corner. “Yes,” he nodded, his gaze softening as he recalled those moments. What does it feel like to you? he wondered silently. He could still picture the times when she’d brought her camera, capturing the wild beauty of the pond, the trees, the sky, and even his quiet moments with his sketchbook. He remembered the days he’d dive into the pond on scorching afternoons, trying and failing to convince her to join him, always settling for splashing her from a distance. Or the endless card games of go Fish they’d right here on the couch, both of them laughing, their guards down in a way that didn’t happen anywhere else. Those memories remained untarnished in his mind, and he was determined to keep them that way.

“Yes,” he finally said aloud, “what does it feel like to you?”

Well, that was definitely not cheesy.”

“Oh no, it definitely was,” he shot back, his expression mock-serious. “But Thals, you know I love cheesy.” He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I even write them down so I don’t forget. Before I came to your room tonight, I picked out the best ones, memorized them. So, are you impressed yet?”

Her teasing made him laugh, genuine, deep laugh that echoed through the cabin. And when she laughed too, it made him feel lighter, like she was shedding the layers of distance she’d put between them. Why was that shell back up? Had he done something to bring it on?

“Well, damn,” he said, watching her unwrap the gum and pop it into her mouth, “if a stick of gum is all it takes to get you going, then I’ll bring you a whole pack next time.” He leaned forward slightly as he spoke, watching the way she chewed the gum, the minty scent filling the air between them. For a brief moment, he wondered what it would taste like, and not just the gum. He caught himself and looked away, but the pull was still there, undeniable.

---

Oh, you texted,” she muttered, her fingers tapping away on her phone as if the conversation hadn’t even happened. Renlin watched her, the irritation bubbling just under the surface. A groan escaped his closed lips.

“Oh dear, I did more than a text,” he replied, putting extra weight on the word a, exaggerating it just enough to make his point. In reality, there had been at least 50 messages, texts, calls, DMs. Pathetic? Sure, he knew. But who would he even tell about it? Who could he confess to that she wasn’t responding without looking like a complete fool?

She quickly shifted the subject. “Your room is so comfortable,” she said, her eyes scanning the space.

He saw his opening and wasn’t about to let it slip. “The bed is the comfiest actually,” he grinned, raising a brow. “Want to try?” His voice dropped slightly as he leaned in, closing the gap between them. “I mean, you must remember, right?” His face was so close now that he could feel her breath, the air between them thickening. He pointed to her forehead, his finger hovering just centimeters from her skin. “Does your brain need a reminder?”

Before she could react, he let his fingers lightly brush her hair, pushing the strands that had fallen forward behind her ear, feeling the softness tickle his fingers as he did. As he moved back, he allowed his touch to linger, just grazing her shoulder as he sat up straight again, the smirk never leaving his lips. There was an unspoken confidence, a teasing glint in his eye, but he wasn’t going to push too fa, just enough to stir the tension between them.

When she called him picky, his smirk widened. He wasn’t picky, he’d never been called that in his life. Clothes, food, coffee… as long as it was black, he wasn’t hard to please. But when it came to her, maybe there was something he’d admit to being particular about.

“Or,” he replied smoothly, his voice low, “I just know what I want.”
@Kristi

[astxrism]

{ Morning of the hunt / with Lyra }
‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

The last thing Aurora wanted to was to hurt Lyra’s feeling even more. She hadn’t meant to hurt her. She had only laughed out of surprise, and now seeing the pain reflected so clearly in Lyra’s eyes made Aurora realize how fragile this moment was. She took a breath, steadying herself, and listened intently, letting Lyra get everything off her chest. Aurora softened her posture before she spoke up again, her expression gentle. “I wasn’t laughing at you, and I certainly don’t think what happened is ridiculous. I promise you that.” She tried to meet Lyra’s gaze which seemed impossible at the moment, her own eyes filled with sincerity. “You’re right. It’s not just about Kiki, and it’s not something to brush off. I can see that now… I just got really worried.”

She paused, letting her words settle. " But listen to me, you’re not losing control. You’re not a danger to anyone." She spoke firmly, hoping her conviction would steady Lyra. “And if you still want to believe in that then I think everyone here is a danger to everyone else… You made a mistake, sure. But we all do. That’s why we’re all here, you just have to… Trust the process?” She tried to offer her a sweet smile. “And if you ever need help with your powers you can always find me… You are talking to an expert after all.” She teased, knowing she’d never call herself that seriously. She hoped the lightheartedness would ease the tension between them. Sure, she did think she was mighty and knew a thing or two, but she would never call herself an expert.

When Lyra mentioned Lysander’s wake, Aurora saw the vulnerability beneath the request. This was not what she thought would happen when she followed Lyra, but without hesitation she nodded. “Of course I’ll be there,” Aurora replied, her voice warm. “And I’m honored you’d want me to come, even if I didn’t know him personally. Sometimes the people who weren’t there can help hold space for those who were. It’s really nice of you to do that, I’m sure a lot of people here would appreciate it.”

A comfortable silence followed and as much as there was more Aurora wanted to say, something tugged at her. She glanced behind her, remembering the scavenger hunt still in progress. This was a new feeling to Aurora - not wanting to leave Lyra in this state but she couldn’t ignore her own responsibilities. With a reluctant sigh, Aurora pulled away, her expression softening as she spoke, quieter now. “I hate to say this, but… I really should get back to my group.” She hesitated, a playful smile forming at the corner of her lips, though it carried a hint of something more serious. “If I don’t, my father will have my head on a stake.” She let out a light laugh, trying to ease the weight of the words. “But listen, whenever you need something you know where to find me.”

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sorry really short and bad but I have to post that skip and go back to work
@Jass - Lyra

[astxrism]

After hunt free time

{ October 1, 2023 }
Ren’s party

Renlin is throwing a party go gogo partyyyy
Or do whatever you want
You have allll the freedom you want
Okay bye

@NinthHouse

[Jass]

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---

Lyra sat on the edge of the bed, fidgeting with the hem of her jacket. The whole school seemed excited about the party Renlin was hosting for their teams win. And she was getting ready for it with Inessa. Normally, Lyra would’ve been swept up in the energy too, but tonight… everything felt off.

Her chest tightened as her thoughts drifted back to the hunt, and the accident with Kiki. She knew it had been a mistake - she hadn’t meant for any of it to happen - but the guilt clung to her like a heavy fog. How could she celebrate when she was responsible for something going so wrong? The idea of showing up to a party where everyone would be congratulating themselves made her stomach churn.

“I can’t believe Renlin’s still throwing this party,” she muttered, her voice tight with frustration as she glanced over at Inessa. “I mean, does he not realise what happened today? A beloved pet passes tragically, and it’s like… like he doesn’t even care.” Lyra muttered, her voice sharper than she intended. "Throwing this party is just… it feels wrong. Like he’s brushing it all under the rug because his team won.”

The words came out harsher than she’d intended, but she didn’t care. It felt relieving to say them aloud. But as her eyes flicked over to the dresses lying on the bed - white, all of them - her resolve weakened. She had promised Inessa she’d go. Lyra sighed. She didn’t even know what to wear. All the dresses felt… wrong, like they didn’t belong to the same night she was dreading.

Reluctantly, she stood up and grabbed the first white dress, holding it against her body as she studied her reflection. The dress was cute, too cute. It was nothing like the storm of emotions twisting inside her. But she couldn’t back out now, not when she’d already said she’d join Inessa. She slipped out of her jacket and tugged the dress on, its soft material clinging awkwardly to her frame.

Lyra stood in front of the mirror, tugging the sleeve of the white dress she’d just tried on, feeling utterly disconnected from the reflection staring back at her. It looks fine, she told herself, but something about the fit - it was all too polished, too perfect for how chaotic her mind felt.

With a sigh, she pulled the dress off and reached for the second option: a short A-line dress that hugged her figure, with long, bolero-like sleeves that draped gracefully from her shoulders. It had a romantic, almost carefree vibe to it, but as soon as she slipped it on, the discomfort returned. Lyra spun in front of the mirror, watching the fabric sway but felt nothing. She knew the dress looked good - great, even - but it didn’t match the heaviness in her chest.

Her voice trailed as she twisted in the mirror again, muttering to herself more so than to Inessa. “I just don’t feel right in any of these. What am I even doing?”

Yet, the thought of disappointing Inessa kept her from giving up. She sighed again, reaching for the final dress, a dress with a very similar style to the first one, only longer this time. Slipping it on, she felt the cool material against her skin, but no matter how well it looked, her mind was still stuck on everything that had happened that day.

Finally, she threw her hands up in the air. “None of these are right.” She said in frustration, but her reflection offered no answers - just the stark reminder that, no matter what she wore, she couldn’t shake the weight of what had happened with Kiki.

---

---

Lyra took a deep breath, pushing aside her frustration as she glanced at the white dresses laying on the bed in front of her. They were beautiful, each with its own charm, but none of them felt right. She needed something different, something that would help her blend into the shadows rather than stand out in the light. At that moment, another dress in her collection caught her attention, “Actually,” Lyra said, her brow furrowing in thought, “I think I want to go with something a bit different. Forget the angel idea, I’m joining the dark side tonight.” She gave Inessa a small smirk and walked over to her closet.

She reached for the black dress, feeling a sense of empowerment as she slipped it on. The fabric hugged her figure, and she felt a rush of confidence wash over her.

“This feels so much better,” she said, twirling in the mirror. The sleekness of the dress highlighted her curves, and she couldn’t help but smile at her reflection. “I mean, why not embrace the darker side for tonight?”

However, while the dress was perfect, the white accessories felt too bright against her new look. They didn’t resonate with the darker vibe she was trying to embody. A flicker of determination ignited in her chest. “I can change this,” she murmured, thinking of the illusion spell she could use.

Taking a deep breath, she focused her energy, envisioning the transformation. She had practiced this illusion a couple of times; it was relatively simple, but this time felt different. Doubt lingered at the back of her mind - as only hours early an illusion had gone wrong, after all. But she pushed that thought aside. She needed this, a chance to regain some control over her magic and her emotions, to jump back in her magic.

Lyra closed her eyes, feeling the familiar hum of energy coursing through her fingertips as she concentrated. The air around her shimmered slightly, and she envisioned her accessories shifting from bright white to a rich, dark black, complementing her dress perfectly.

When she opened her eyes, she was met with the sight of sleek black halo and a matching wings to compliment her dress. A satisfied smile broke across her face. “Yes! This feels right. What do you think?” she said looking at Inessa’s direction, looking for her friends approval for this somewhat unexpected change of outfit.

---

Inessa - @Madilfill

Outfit

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