A Lion's Heart (Hiatus)

An unexpected encounter

Note: A Lion's Heart will be taking a short Hiatus as I take more time to focus on future chapters. I don't want to rush this story as I'm struggling a little with future events. I hope that you can understand and look forward to when A Lion's Heart will be back up and running. Thank you.

Roughly an hour later, Dean Dovey returned to the room, her footsteps soft yet purposeful. As she opened the door, she found Allegra and Agatha fast asleep, wrapped in each other's arms. The sight was touching; the sisters looked so peaceful, their faces soft and unguarded in slumber. But Dovey knew she had no choice but to wake them—there were pressing matters to discuss. She approached the bed and gently shook Allegra's shoulder.

Startled awake, Allegra reacted instinctively. In one swift motion, she had drawn a concealed dagger from within her sleeve and pointed it at Dovey. The blade gleamed in the soft glow of the room's enchanted lights, its sharp edge a silent threat. For a moment, Dovey froze, her eyes widening in shock. Then, as recognition set in, Allegra blinked, her expression shifting from defensive to sheepish. She quickly sheathed the dagger, embarrassed by her quick reaction. "Sorry, dear," Dovey said, a strained smile on her lips. "But I've had to call an urgent staff meeting. We need to discuss your presence here and ensure you aren't caught by our security measures. Frankly, it's still baffling how you've managed to get past them so far."

Allegra cringed, the memory of how she had breached the school's defences flashing through her mind. It was a disturbing truth she preferred to keep to herself. Dovey noticed the fleeting look of discomfort but chose not to comment. Agatha, still clinging to her sister, looked up with sleepy eyes, concern etching her young face. "Don't worry," Dovey assured her, her voice gentle. "I'll have your sister returned to you before the night is out. I promise." Reluctantly, Agatha let go, watching as Allegra followed the dean out of the room.

The hallway they entered was unlike any Allegra had seen before. The walls were made of candy, vibrant and colourful, the sweet scent filling the air. As they walked, Allegra felt the hum of magic all around her, a subtle yet constant presence. It was an intoxicating sensation, like a low, thrumming vibration that resonated through her very bones. She couldn't resist the temptation and reached out to pluck a piece of candy from the wall. She popped it into her mouth and let out a soft moan of pleasure as the sugary sweetness dissolved on her tongue. It had been so long since she had eaten anything more than scraps. The candy was like a burst of sunlight in her dark, weary world.

Dovey shot her a disapproving look but said nothing. Instead, she led Allegra into a large room filled with adults sitting at students' desks. The room was neatly divided down the middle: the right side was occupied by the Evers, the educators of Good, and the left by the Nevers, the instructors of Evil. The contrast was stark, with the Evers' side filled with bright and warm, if not tired looking staff, while the Nevers' side had teachers slumped over desks, exhausted and not paying attention. Their clothing dark and leaving something to be desired.

As Allegra entered, a murmur spread through the room. The faculty members, most of whom had clearly been roused from sleep, eyed her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Alright, what's this about?" a gruff voice from the Nevers' side called out, breaking the tense silence.

Dovey stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. "Professor Sader's guest, Allegra, arrived tonight," she announced, gesturing towards Allegra.

"And?" an Ever faculty member responded, clearly irritable and eager to return to bed.

"She's Agatha's sister," Dovey continued, her voice calm and measured. The revelation caused a stir among the staff. Confused murmurs filled the room as they processed the information. A reader's family member, here in the schools? It was unprecedented.