The Academy For The Aces: BOOK 1 OF THE ACE SERIES

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

As the days passed, Faith and Andrew's secret dance lessons in the East Wing during lunch breaks became a delightful escape from the routine of their academy life. Twirling across the polished floor, stolen glances and laughter filled their moments together, transforming the once-forbidden location into their private sanctuary. Even after the music had faded, the magic of their dances seemed to linger in the air, binding them closer together.

Amid the enchantment of their dances, the mystery surrounding Faith's missing grandfather deepened. Together, they immersed themselves in the journal entries left behind by Sherlock Holmes, searching for clues that could shed light on his sudden disappearance.

Journal Entry 1 - Date: August 5th, 1905

Today, I found myself lost in the memories of my youth as I reunited with a figure from my past, Madame Rosalind Lavigne. Our paths crossed once again within the hallowed halls of our beloved academy, and it felt as though time had folded back upon itself, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia and intrigue.

Madame Lavigne, a woman of striking charm and intelligence, was once an old flame from my days as a student at the academy. The memories of our youthful days spent in pursuit of knowledge and adventure flooded back, reminding me of the bond we once shared. It is remarkable how the passage of time can both change and preserve the essence of a person.

Our meeting was not a mere coincidence, for we had both sensed an inexplicable presence lingering within the walls of the academy. Strange occurrences and mysterious happenings have taken place, but what I do know for sure is that someone or something is watching us.

Sherlock Holmes

"Who could he have possibly been referring to?" Faith questioned, her mind swirling with curiosity and concern.

Andrew looked thoughtful, his brows furrowed in contemplation. "It's difficult to say for certain, but it seems like your grandfather was onto something. There's a presence here, something or someone keeping a close eye on the academy."

Faith furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "But who could it be? And why is it watching us?"

"We can't jump to conclusions just yet," Andrew replied, his eyes focused and determined. "We need more information and more clues from his journal to piece this puzzle together."

As they continued to read through the journal, they discovered more entries detailing Sherlock's encounters with Madame Lavigne. Faith couldn't help but wonder if Madame Lavigne held the key to her grandfather's disappearance.

"Madame Lavigne must know something," Faith said, voicing her thoughts aloud. "She was there with him during those strange happenings. Maybe she has answers."

Andrew nodded, agreeing with the notion. "It's a possibility. We should try and see if she's willing to talk. She might hold the missing pieces to this mystery."

__________

"I see that you and my brother have grown pretty close lately," Antheia remarked, raising her eyebrows suggestively.

Despite Faith and Andrew trying to be as secretive as possible about their rendezvous, Antheia and Daiyu were quick to notice the spark between them.

Faith's heart skipped a beat at the implications behind Antheia's words. She blushed but maintained her composure, responding, "Oh, well, you know how it is. We've been spending some time together, that's all."

Daiyu chimed in with mischief in her eyes, "Spending time together, huh? More like sneaking off together."

Faith felt her cheeks redden even more, realizing her friends were aware of her secret rendezvous with Prince Andrew. "It's not like that! We've just been exploring the academy during lunch breaks. You know how adventurous I can be."

Antheia's knowing smile only grew as she leaned back. "Uh-huh, exploring. Is that what you're calling it now?"

Despite the teasing, Faith found comfort when Andrew joined the group, warmly greeting his sister and responding to their comments with his signature sarcasm. As much as she hated to admit it, Andrew's presence eased her nerves.

"Well, apologies, girls, but I must steal Faith away from you for a bit more 'exploring,'" Andrew smiled mischievously.

Andrew and Faith shared a laugh, playfully dismissing Daiyu and Antheia's earlier speculations about their secret rendezvous. As they strolled down the dimly lit hallways of the East Wing, they reveled in the thrill of their clandestine dance lessons. However, their mirthful moment was interrupted when they heard a loud voice echoing from the ballroom – it was Madame Rosalind Lavigne. Instinctively, they found a hiding spot, curious about what was unfolding before them.

"I refuse! Four years ago, I did what you asked! What more do you want?!" Madame Lavigne's voice rang with a mix of defiance and desperation. The ballroom doors closed with a loud bang as she stormed off, leaving Andrew and Faith perplexed by the encounter.

They waited patiently for the next person to exit the ballroom, but no one came out. Bracing themselves, they entered the grand room, only to find it empty, save for a single Rhododendron flower resting on the polished floor.

Prince Andrew picked up the flower, and a look of confusion and fear crossed his face, his usually composed demeanor shaken. Faith couldn't help but feel concerned by the sudden change in his disposition.

"What is it?" Faith questioned, noticing the unease in his eyes.

"Class is canceled for today," he simply said, his gaze fixated on the flower as if it held the answer to a troubling mystery.

"Prince Andrew, what's wrong?" Faith asked again, worried about the cold and distant way he was reacting.

He turned to her, his voice devoid of its usual warmth, "I need time alone."

With those words, he abruptly left the ballroom, leaving Faith standing there, bewildered and uncertain. The silence that enveloped the grand hall felt heavy with unspoken secrets, and Faith couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between Madame Lavigne and Prince Andrew. As she stood there, the Rhododendron flower lay in her hand, a symbol of the enigmatic events that were unfolding around them.

Fearing the worst, Faith knew that the mystery of her missing grandfather and the haunting presence at the academy was far from over. She resolved to give Andrew the space he needed, knowing that they both needed time to process the eerie encounter. Yet, deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that their next steps into the unknown would be even more perilous than before. The secrets hidden within the halls of the academy were beginning to unravel, and Faith couldn't help but wonder if the truth they sought would bring them closer together or drive them apart.