When good turns evil

Phelia listened intently, her eyes wide with shock and horror. She couldn't believe what she was hearing - that such darkness existed within the walls of their prestigious school.

As the girls finished their tale, a sense of determination washed over Phelia. She knew she had to be strong, as she had unknowingly become entangled in something she wasn't supposed to be a part of, and now she had to find a way to overcome the challenges ahead.

But as she looked at her friends, she knew that she wasn't alone. Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, no matter the danger.

Lila as she now knew is a beautiful girl with long golden hair, sparkling Amber eyes, a radiant procelain-like skin with a subtle sheen, petite nose, full lips, her slender yet athletic bulid gave of a fluid and elegant way of moving.

Zara however was different with her curly, shoulder length vivid red hair, emerald green eyes, medium olive skin with light freckles, well-defined brows, long lashes, high cheekbones and luscious pink lips, her slender figure having curves in the right places.

Kaelara a half elf (human-Mageborn) with her blue buzz cut hair, light blue eyes, ivory skin, strong features, an athletic build, and a dragon tattoo on her forearm. She probably had more but that was the one she could see.

Looking at them she couldn't help but smile lightly before looking back down.

Everyone continue on with the discussion, but Kaelara taking a glance at Phelia noticed she didn't bring up the shadeborn devourer fight and everything that went on in that place, so she decided to keep it in for now, as she felt Phelia didn't want to talk about it.

As the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the school, Arden decided it was time to leave as he wanted to avoid jamming people along the way.

Phelia and her friends back at their room knew that they had a long day ahead of them. They checked their schedules, their eyes scanning the magical paper that seemed to update itself.

And what they saw made their hearts skip a beat. A message, emblazoned in bold letters, seemed to leap off the page.

"Grand Hall, 9 am. Attendance mandatory."

Phelia's eyes met Kaelara's and the others, and they couldn't help but think what it was about.

Getting ready for the attendance at the grand hall adorned in a crisp, white blouse with a relaxed fit and subtle lace details, a floor-length, dark gray skirt with a slender waistband and a subtle A-line silhouette, a pair of low-heeled, black ankle boots and a pair of small, pearl earrings for Lila.

As for Zara, a rich, emerald green tunic with a fitted bodice and a flowing, knee-length hem, a pair of dark brown, fitted trousers with a subtle stripe or texture, black, low-heeled ankle boots with a bold, buckled strap, and a vibrant, green glass pendant.

While Kaelara a sleek, navy blue jumpsuit with a streamlined silhouette and a subtle, textured fabric, a pair of black, rugged ankle boots with a metallic sliver buckle, a sliver chain.

Phelia, went ahead with her simple outfit idea of a sleeveless, knee-length dress made of a lightweight, silky fabric, with delicate silver trim along the neckline and hem of the dress, adding a touch of elegance, a delicate silver hair clip held back Phelia's silver hair, adding a touch of sophistication.

When they were all prepared, they walked to the grand hall chatting, on getting to the entrance to the grand hall the door spread open and the once silent corridors leading to the hall was filled with the chattering sound of students.

As the girls walked in and settled into their seats, the Grand Hall was abuzz with the chatter of students speculating about the mysterious assembly. The air was electric with excitement and a hint of trepidation. Phelia, Zara, Kaelara, and Lila exchanged curious glances, their minds racing with possibilities.

Phelia's eyes wandered around the hall and coincidentally landed on Arden, who was sitting three tables away, looking dashing in his crisp white shirt and dark trousers. He caught her eye and flashed a charming smile, prompting Phelia's to roll her eyes.

Meanwhile, Lila whispered to Kaelara, "Do you think they'll tell us what really happened during the incident? How the shadeborn devourer escaped in the first place."

Kaelara shrugged, her eyes scanning the hall. "I hope so. I'm dying to know what's going on."

Zara, sitting on the other side of Phelia, leaned in and whispered, "I just heard rumors of a secret society starting within the school, apparently suggested by some students in that group over there." She discreetly pointed to the table at the far left.

Phelia's eyes widened. "A secret society? That sounds like something out of a fantasy novel!."

Zara chuckled at Phelia's remark .

Phelia eyes narrowed "you said you just heard them mention a secret society, do you have super hearing or...?."

"Yeah" Zara replied "I do have extremely sensitive hearing" she smiled sheepishly, touching her ears.

Phelia"s brow furrowed in concern "Isn't it overwhelming, hearing everyone's conversations all the time.

"Not really, I've learned to tune it down and listen to what I want to."

Just then, the heads of the academy appeared on a raised platform, and the hall fell silent. Eldrid Asterion, the headmaster, cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Good morning, students. I'm Eldrid Asterion, the Headmaster of this school, and I welcome you to this special assembly."

"I'm sure you're all aware of the recent... incident that occurred within our walls." He paused, surveying the hall with a serious expression.

"I'm pleased to report that the investigation is underway, and we're working closely with the authorities to ensure that our school remains a safe and secure environment for all."

The students nodded, their faces solemn. But as the headmaster continued to speak, his words were punctuated by the occasional snicker or whispered comment.

"...And, of course, classes will commence tomorrow. I encourage you all to explore the school and familiarize yourselves with the magical map, which will be provided to you, your uniforms will be delivered to your room, which you will start using from tomorrow."

"Just remember, there are certain areas that are off-limits. you'll need to earn points to access them, and we'll explain more about this in the future, when excursions and competitions are underway."

Zara whispered to Kaelara, "I bet those areas are where all the good stuff is hidden."

Kaelara grinned mischievously. "I'm sure it is. We'll just have to wait and see."

As the headmaster continued to speak, Phelia's mind began to wander. She wondered what secrets the school held, and what lay beyond the forbidden areas.

"...Students should be careful not to get themselves into trouble, lest they face dire consequences" his eyes scanned the hall, his gaze lingering on Phelia and her friends for a moment before moving on."

"A ball will be held next month, where you'll all have the opportunity to get to know each other, including your seniors. Please be on your best behaviour."

"Oh my! a ball".... "we're having a ball in the academy"... "I can't believe it, I'm so glad I brought my dress, It's beautiful you have to see it"... "A ball...big deal" chattering could be heard in the hall as some were more excited than others.

"Regarding Magical Sciences, a subtitute will take over for now, as the professor is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances."

"I would also like to take this opportunity for the Heads to introduce themselves."

Finally, the headmaster concluded his speech, and the students erupted into applause.

The other Heads introduced themselves, sharing their specialities and the departments they oversee.

Once they had finished, the Headmaster nodded in approval, and the service staff entered the grand hall.

As the students cheered, the service staff marched in, bearing rows and rows of assorted food that would put a king's feast to shame. The aroma of freshly baked pastries, sizzling meats, and steaming vegetables wafted through the air, making everyone's stomach growl with anticipation.

"Breakfast is served, and by the gods, it's about time!" someone quipped, earning a chorus of laughter.

The tables groaned under the weight of golden-brown waffles, fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, savory sausages, and eggs cooked to perfection. There were also platters of fresh fruits, cheeses, and breads, as well as jugs of juice, milk, and steaming hot coffee.

Zara's eyes widened as she surveyed the spread. "I think I've died and gone to breakfast heaven!."

Phelia chuckled, piling her plate high with waffles, eggs, and bacon. "I'm pretty sure we're still in the mortal realm, Zara, but I agree, this spread is divine!."

Kaelara, ever the pragmatist, opted for a more balanced meal, selecting a variety of fruits, cheeses, and whole grain breads. "We don't know what the day will bring, so it's best to fuel up with something substantial."

Lila, meanwhile, was in a world of her own, constructing a towering sandwich with layers of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. "I'm not sure what's more impressive, Lila – your appetite or your architectural skills!" Phelia teased.