The Academy: Detective Stories - Part I

Chapter 17. New Beginning

The next time Jackie opened her eyes, she found herself lying beside the crackling fireplace. The warmth caressed her face, reminiscent of the water that had engulfed her moments before. Am I still alive? Jackie sat up, realizing she was on the sofa in the dorm living room, draped in a white plush blanket. Feeling overheated, she pushed the blanket aside, revealing her nightgown drenched in sweat.

Elisa entered the room carrying a teacup in her hands, a smile lighting up her face. "Glad to see you awake again."

"Hi, Lissy," Jackie replied weakly.

Elisa's expression turned surprised. "No one calls me that except my aunt."

Jackie gazed at her in silence, recalling Elisa's Lightning magic that had saved her from the depths of the lake. Gratitude swelled in her heart. "I should thank you. You rescued me."

"My dear, you saved all four of us in the caves. We are now even," Elisa said, offering Jackie a teacup. Jackie accepted it, inhaling the fragrant blend of honey, ginger, mint, and other unfamiliar herbs.

Jackie took a big sip, the taste triggering memories of the day in the caves when fear had gripped her heart. She realized that Elisa must have been terrified as well when she had plunged into the lake, seemingly seeking an end to her own life. What had I put Elisa through?

"I'm so sorry for everything," Jackie murmured after finishing her drink.

"Please, don't dwell on it now. Your priority is to rest and recover, okay?"

Jackie nodded in agreement.

The sound of a New Year song drifted in from the street, signaling the approaching darkness outside the window as fluffy snowflakes gently descended from the evening sky.

"How long was I asleep?" Jackie inquired.

"Long enough for me to wish you a Happy New Year," Elisa replied with a smile. "Today is Eve."

Returning the smile, Jackie echoed, "Happy New Year."

And so began her journey to recovery. Jackie soon learned that Elisa had not left with Theo that day. Instead, she had penned a letter to a close friend in Triville, explaining her absence, and had chosen to stay by Jackie's side.

* * * * *

On the morning of New Year's Day, they sat on a carpet near the fireplace, indulging in cinnamon cookies for breakfast. The snow had ceased, leaving behind a day that was pure and bright outside the window.

"I called for Urchin," Elisa announced. "He'll be arriving later today."

Jackie placed a glass of milk on the floor. "Why?"

Elisa shrugged. "He would have been worried about you, so I sent him a letter. Thankfully, he lives close to the city, so he should be here soon."

"It's probably not a good idea to interrupt his family time," Jackie said, shaking her head. "Besides, I'm feeling much better now."

"What do you remember from that night?" Elisa inquired.

"I recall hearing a man's voice. When he carried me, I briefly opened my eyes. I initially thought it was Urchin, but then everything became hazy, and I can't recall much after that."

"It was a local guardian," Elisa explained, her expression tinged with sadness. "And you referred to him as 'Howard.'"

"Is that Urchin's real name?" Jackie asked.