The Silver Knife

Chapter 11

The next few weeks was a blur of events. The very first event had started and everyone was busy in rehearsals, performances and dealing with guests. The writing and journalism department seemed to be the most overworked, trying to keep up with all that was happening around the Academy. Everyday Melea would be the last to sleep and by the time Lilith woke up (which was pretty early) she would already be at her desk, feverishly looking through pages after pages of writing.

The rift between Lilith and Riamon only worsened day after day. For some reason Rael did not seem to be bothered about it. Sansa on the other hand, was civil with Riamon, but was extremely annoyed at Rael, whom she would take every opportunity to criticize.

Melody seemed to be visiting the Emerald dorm much more than any other and it made a lot of people curious. Blaze and Laurina seemed to have grown closer than before, but Lilith stayed away and out of Melody's business. If we were to search for any noble Lilith talked to, she only stayed around Nivia but that was rarely seen since Nivia herself did not wish to socialise that often, which was perfectly fine for Lilith.

The date for the Crystal Ball was fast approaching and one day Professor Treble, along with Professor Capriole, gathered their students together in Music Room 4. Everyone sat on chairs littered around the room as the two professors discussed some important matter on hand while waiting for all the students to assemble.

Professor Capriole cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. She flashed everyone a small smile and started, "Greetings, my dear students. Now, as you all know, the Crystal Ball is arriving which is probably the most important event in the whole Twelve Years ceremony. Now all the dancers, who volunteered or were nominated, will be helping me teach the other students how to waltz." She said and quickly glanced around at everyone. 

The dancers nodded slightly, but some even groaned grumpily at the thought of having to teach the others how to dance. According to them, a person who didn't know how to waltz, shouldn't even be admitted into the Academy, but thankfully they kept their unpopular opinion to themselves.

Professor Treble clapped his hands together to turn the attention back to himself. "Musicians will not be dancing. So, if you would like to dance, please raise your hand so we have ample time to nominate someone else." He said and glanced at the students.

No one among the musicians seemed to be interested in dancing, they stay put and a few even folded their arms across their chest as if stopping any accidental hand raises. Professor Treble looked one last time at the students and continued with his previous statement.

"Now musicians, there is a dress code for the ball. Boys, you'll have suits, black only, and girls you'll be wearing black dresses. You can get your dresses either from the seamstress or from the boutique in the outer city, where you will be allowed to go to two weeks before the Ball. Now you all know the Crystal Ball is magical and hence, you can bring your familiars. Any questions?" He asked. Aiden, who was sitting near the piano at the back raised his hand.

"Sir, how long do we have to play?" He asked. "Obviously we can't play continuously for the whole evening, we'll cramp ourselves." He added and everyone nodded in agreement.

"Yes, good question. You will only have to play during the first dance and the ending dance. The rest of the time the melody will be continued with magic, do not worry about that. All you need to worry about is not messing up while playing and you are all fine." Professor Treble said. "You are all dismissed for the day." He added and turned to speak to Professor Capriole after the last student had left.

The students returned to their respective dorms and as soon as Lilith stepped in Melea came running up to her and grasped her hand. "What is it Mel?" She asked surprised.