𝐻𝐸𝐼𝑅𝑆 𝑂𝐹 𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝑇𝐻𝑅𝑂𝑁𝐸

𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝟔

-LYSANDER-

I couldn't concentrate at all during the first class. Seraphina's words lingered in my mind. I just knew she was right. Her instinct had never lied before, and the uneasy feeling that had settled in my chest refused to go away. The lesson passed in a blur, the teacher's words barely registering. I glanced over at Seraphina, who was equally distracted, her gaze distant. Something was coming, and I had a feeling we weren't prepared for it.

During break, we retreated to our usual spot—a hidden lake surrounded by lush, ancient trees. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the vibrant greens and blues of the surrounding foliage. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the surface of the lake. The air was filled with the soothing sounds of nature: birds singing, leaves rustling, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. It was a place of tranquility and secrecy, known only to us, where we could escape the pressures of court and school.

Thalasia and Seraphina were engrossed in making flower crowns, their laughter mingling with the gentle sounds of the lake. Elowen, now chatting animatedly with her new best friend Luna, seemed to have fully recovered from her hangover. Meanwhile, Finnian was relentlessly disrupting my silent time, his incessant chatter a stark contrast to the peaceful surroundings.

"You know, Lysander," Finnian said, nudging me with his elbow, "you really should learn to relax more. Look at Thalasia and Seraphina—they're having the time of their lives."

I sighed, my mind still preoccupied with Seraphina's earlier words. "It's not that simple, Finnian."

Finnian raised an eyebrow. "Is this about that weird vibe again?"

"Maybe," I replied, glancing over at Seraphina. "I just can't shake the feeling that something's off."

Finnian's playful demeanor softened slightly. "Well, whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. Just try to enjoy the break, alright?"

I nodded, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. As much as Finnian's interruptions could be annoying, his loyalty and friendship were undeniable. I took a deep breath, trying to let go of my worries, if only for a moment, and focused on the serene beauty of our secret lake.

The lake was a hidden gem, surrounded by towering trees with leaves that shimmered like emeralds in the sunlight. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the vibrant blue sky above. Tiny ripples danced across the surface, created by the gentle breeze and the occasional splash of a curious fish.

Thalasia and Seraphina's flower crowns were nearly complete, each one a delicate masterpiece of intertwined blossoms and ivy. Their laughter was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile as I watched them. Elowen's conversation with Luna seemed to grow more animated, her hands gesturing wildly as she recounted some story or another.

Finnian, seeing that I was starting to relax, took the opportunity to stretch out on the grass beside me. "You know," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "we should keep an eye out for anything unusual. Just in case."

I nodded. "Agreed. But for now, let's just try to enjoy this moment."

He smiled, closing his eyes and soaking in the sun. "Sounds like a plan."

Just then, Seraphina stood up, her flower crown finished and perched perfectly atop her head. She walked over to me and placed a second crown on my head, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "There," she said with a satisfied nod. "Now you look like the king of the lake."

I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me at her gesture. "Thanks, Seraphina. I needed that."

Thalasia, not to be outdone, placed her own creation on Finnian, who accepted it with a mock solemnity. "I hereby declare this lake a place of peace and relaxation," he proclaimed, raising his arms dramatically.