"-aving said that, we conclude this chapter. " Mrs. Green said, closing her book shut with a definitive snap.

That was the moment Lyrius realized that he hadn't been listening to the lecture.

"Hey, Lyrius. Why do you look so lost? Are you alright? " Remi's voice was gentle, yet his eyes were filled with genuine concern.

"No, I am fine. " He replied, though his eyes remained fixed on the turbulent sky outside.

The storm clouds gathered menacingly, the wind's mournful howl causing the tree branches to scratch against the glass like skeletal fingers. The classroom lights flickered, casting elongated shadows that seemed to stretch and shift unnaturally.

Lyrius couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The darkness outside mirrored the unease in his chest, a gnawing worry that something—or someone—was watching him. He wanted to confide in Remi but didn't want to sound paranoid.

"Students, we have a new student joining us today. She just transferred from Greenhaven. "

The girl walked in with an air of quiet confidence, her striking sea-blue eyes scanning the room with an intensity that made Lyrius's heart skip a beat. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back, held by an ornate clip that sparkled under the fluorescent lights, hinting at an elegance and mystery beyond their small town.

"This is Elyriana. Would you like to introduce yourself? " Mrs. Green asked warmly.

Elyriana shook her head, her expression composed.

"That's fine. You can get to know each other later. You can sit next to Lyrius," Mrs. Green said, directing her gaze towards him.

Lyrius raised his hand, and she walked over, her movements fluid and graceful.

He couldn't help but stare at her.

"What are you staring at? " Elyriana's voice was melodious, but with a sharp edge.

"Nothing." Lyrius said quickly, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "I just... You have really unique eyes."

"And you have a habit of gawking, it seems," she replied, a small smirk playing on her lips.

"I do not. " Lyrius defended himself, flustered.

"You do, weird kid. " she said, turning to her notebook, the pages glinting with faint silvery lines.

"Hey! " Lyrius snapped. "I am not a kid. "

"Then what are you? Just another teenager trying to figure out the world?" Elyriana's eyes remained in her book.

"Wow! You really think highly of yourself, don't you?" Lyrius said, shaking his head in disbelief. "And you talk as if you're older than everyone here."

"You are right. I am older than you." Elyriana replied calmly.

"What? There is no way. You look my age. Maybe even younger, as you are so short. " Lyrius replied in disbelief.

"I am not short. " Elyriana's eyes narrowed as she turned to face him, standing up. "I am one of the tallest girl in my hometown. "

"Really? Then your hometown must be full of... vertically challenged people," Lyrius muttered, standing up as well.

"You—" Elyriana began, but was cut off as Mr. Oak, the new substitute teacher, walked in and started taking attendance.

As they listened to the lecture, Lyrius thought he saw Elyriana's eyes flicker with a strange light. But it must have been a trick of the mind. People's eyes don't just glow.

Right?

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
A day before, in Luminaria

""Why do I have to pretend to be a human?" Elyriana's frustration was palpable. "Isn't there someone else who can do this? Vesper, for example?"

Elyriana loathed the idea of blending in. Pretending to be human felt like stripping away her identity and power. But she understood the mission's gravity. The Remori were a threat that had to be neutralized.

"Elyriana, you are uniquely suited for this task. We believe the Remori are hiding in plain sight at Willow High. You need to go as a student to get rid of them." Her grandmother said, her voice steady and reassuring.

"But-" She was cut off, as her parents walked into the room.

"We know you are stronger to be a human. But that is the reason as to why we are sending you out there. " Her father, Thane said.

"And maybe, just maybe, you'll find someone special among the humans." Eira added with a hopeful twinkle in her eye.

"Yeah! Keep dreaming on it. " Ely said, rolling her eyes, only to receive a smack on her head.

"Now, all jokes aside, Ely," Her grandfather's voice was serious. "Unexpected challenges may arise. Be vigilant and wise. Do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself."

Elyriana sighed but nodded, knowing her grandfather's words carried weight.

"And take care of yourself." Her mother added, before hugging her tightly. "We will be watching over you, but don't forget to update us on the things going on there. "

"Alright." Elyriana closed her eyes and recited a spell. A soft, ethereal glow enveloped her, altering her appearance to blend in among the humans. In Willowdale, the air felt different, charged with an energy that most humans couldn't sense but was palpable to beings like her. "Goodbye, everyone."

She waved before vanishing from Luminaria.

"Do you think we should have told her about the potential dangers?" Calanthia asked her husband as they watched the sky.

"She will find out in due time." Eryndor replied, his tone calm and confident, before walking back to his work.