Mystic Allure

Chapter Five

Turmoil in the shadows

     Illiad's footsteps echoed softly against the polished marble floors of the academy halls as he searched for his comrades, his expression a mask of stoicism. He had checked every corner of the grand library, but Stella was nowhere to be found. Illiad even stopped by the multiple cafes found in the confines of the school to which Elara was not found. Frustration gnawed at him as he continued to pace, His last resort was to try and find Lorian, and hope he could have a civil discussion while they try to find their other teammates.

     Turning a corner, Illiad's keen eyes caught sight of Stella in the distance, her silhouette framed by the sunlight filtering through the leaves of a towering oak tree in the courtyard. Beside her sat Lorian, their conversation animated as they spoke.

     A flicker of concern flashed across Illiad's features as he observed them from afar, his thoughts racing with possibilities. He couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing.

     Illiad approached the oak tree where Stella and Lorian were engrossed in conversation, his steps measured and his demeanor composed. As he drew closer, he couldn't help but notice the easy rapport between them, a pang of uncertainty gnawing at the edges of his resolve.

     "Mind if I join you?" Illiad's voice was calm, his tone casual as he addressed Stella and Lorian.

     Stella looked up, a warm smile lighting up her features. "Of course, Illiad," she said, gesturing for him to take a seat beside them.

     But before Illiad could settle in, Lorian interjected with a snide remark, his silver eyes glittering with mischief. "Well, well, if it isn't Illiad, always ready to ruin a perfectly good moment," he quipped, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

     Illiad's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his gaze flickering briefly with irritation before he composed himself. "Just thought I'd see what all the fuss was about," he replied smoothly, his tone betraying none of the unease he felt.

     Stella cast a reproachful glance at Lorian, her brow furrowing in mild disapproval. "Lorian, be nice," she chided gently, her voice a soothing balm to the tension that hung in the air.

     With a sheepish grin, Lorian relented, his playful demeanor softening as he turned his attention back to Illiad. "Apologies, Illiad," he said, his tone genuine. "You know I can't resist a good tease."

     Illiad's offered a tight-lipped smile in response, his eyes flickering between Stella and Lorian. Despite Lorian's jest, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within him, a silent reminder of the complexities of their relationship. But for now, he pushed aside his concerns, focusing instead on the camaraderie shared beneath the sheltering branches of the oak tree.

     As the tension eased beneath the shade of the oak tree, Stella shifted the conversation towards a more practical topic. "So, Lorian, what are your thoughts on how the classes might be structured this semester?" she asked, her gaze thoughtful as she turned to her companion.

     Lorian considered her question for a moment, his silver eyes alight with curiosity. "Well, I imagine there will be a mix of theoretical lectures and practical exercises," he mused, his voice tinged with enthusiasm. "Perhaps some field trips to explore the mystical wonders of Gaia Forest."

     Stella nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "That sounds promising," she replied, her mind already racing with possibilities. "But we'll also need to consider individual study time and group projects."