Celestial Guardians: Uniting Dimensions (Celestial Guardians Series, #1)

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Jamaica's POV

It was strange how quickly the extraordinary could settle into the mundane. Just days ago, we'd been battling shadows and uncovering celestial truths. Yet, here we were, back in the fluorescent-lit halls of the university, dodging professors and balancing trays in the cafeteria like any other student.

"Remember your philosophy paper is due next week," Damien said as we walked toward class, his voice irritatingly chipper.

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Perfect."

"Hey, I'm just saying," he replied with a grin, pushing his glasses higher on his nose. "Some of us are trying to graduate without causing a campus-wide apocalypse."

Kevin snorted. "Speak for yourself. Some of us have bigger problems than overdue essays."

Damien shot him a look. "Just because you've got celestial powers doesn't mean you can skip your midterms. Professors don't grade on divine intervention."

Kevin opened his mouth to retort, but Nel, walking a few paces ahead, cut in. "Enough," he said, his tone sharp. "We're here to blend in, remember? Not draw more attention to ourselves."

It was hard to argue with that, wildly, when Nel glared at us. His face was etched with the tension that had become all too familiar lately.

Still, I couldn't help but smile as I glanced at Damien. He was the only one among us who hadn't yet been caught in the whirlwind of celestial chaos.

As we entered the classroom, the hum of conversation died down, and all eyes turned toward us. It was the usual mix of curiosity and jealousy. Being the new kids on campus had downsides, especially when Kevin's easy charm and Nel's brooding intensity caught everyone's attention.

I sank into my seat, ignoring the whispers and pointed stares. Beside me, Damien was already unpacking his books, seemingly oblivious to the spectacle we always seemed to create.

The lecture began, but my mind was elsewhere. The prophecy, the Destroyer, the orb—all churned in my thoughts like a storm I couldn't outrun.

"Jamaica?"

I blinked, realizing the professor was staring at me, his eyebrows raised in expectation.

"Uh, yes?" I stammered, feeling my cheeks burn as the class turned to look at me.

"I asked for your thoughts on Plato's allegory of the cave," the professor said, his tone tinged with impatience.

"Right. The cave," I muttered, scrambling for an answer. "It's about... perception. How we only see shadows of the truth, and... uh..."

The professor raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

Damien leaned over, whispering out of the corner of his mouth, "It's about enlightenment. Say something about enlightenment."

"Enlightenment," I blurted, grasping at the lifeline. "It's about stepping out of the shadows and finding enlightenment."

The professor gave a curt nod. "Not the worst answer I've heard today. Try to stay focused, Miss Cruz."

The class chuckled softly, and I sank lower in my seat.

"Smooth," Damien whispered with a grin.

I glared at him but couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips.

As the lecture continued, I felt a nudge from behind. Turning slightly, I saw Kevin smirking, his hand cupped around a tiny folded note. I grabbed it, unfolding it under my desk.