Echoes of Betrayal

Chapter Five Karyna

Weeks had flown by in a blur, each day filled with the anticipation of the upcoming Mage-Dragon Rider Integration Ceremony. Now, with only two days left until the event, the excitement in the air was palpable.

In the quiet sanctuary of our dorm room, Lyra and I collapsed onto our beds, exhausted from the whirlwind of activity that had consumed our days. Despite the fatigue that weighed heavily on our limbs, there was an undeniable sense of excitement that pulsed through our veins.

"Weekend's almost here," Lyra mumbled, her voice tinged with exhaustion but also excitement.

I nodded, a weary smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I can't believe it's finally almost here. The Mage-Dragon Rider Integration Ceremony... it feels like we've been preparing for it forever."

Lyra grinned, her hazel eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I know, right? It's going to be amazing. I can't wait to see the mages and dragon riders working together."

As we talked, the door to our dorm room swung open, and we both turned to see Professor Blackwood standing in the doorway, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Professor Blackwood!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement at seeing him again. It had been weeks since our last lesson with him, and I had missed his guidance and wisdom.

"Karyna, Lyra," he greeted us warmly, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "I have news about the upcoming event. But you must promise me that you won't breathe a word of it to anyone else. It's meant to be a surprise, you see."

Lyra and I exchanged a curious glance before nodding eagerly. "Of course, Professor. You can trust us," Lyra said, her voice filled with sincerity.

The professor chuckled, a twinkle of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Very well, then. As you know, the Mage-Dragon Rider Integration Ceremony is fast approaching. But what you may not know is that there will be a special guest in attendance."

"A special guest?" I echoed, my curiosity piqued. "Who is it?"

The professor smiled enigmatically. "You'll just have to wait and see," he teased. "But I can promise you this: it's someone who will make the event even more memorable."

With that tantalizing hint, Professor Blackwood bid us farewell and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Lyra and me buzzing with excitement.

"Who do you think it could be?" Lyra wondered aloud, her eyes wide with curiosity.

I shrugged, my mind racing with possibilities. "Who knows? But one thing's for sure: this ceremony is going to be one for the history books."

"Lyra, what have you been up to lately?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity as I turned to face my friend.

Lyra's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced down at her hands, a shy smile playing at her lips. "Well, um, I've been spending some time with Marcus," she admitted, her voice soft.

My eyes widened in surprise at her confession. Marcus? The same Marcus we had befriended during our time at the academy? I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought.

"Marcus?" I echoed, unable to hide the surprise in my voice. "As in Marcus Reed from our class?"

Lyra nodded, her smile growing wider. "Yes, that Marcus. We've been spending a lot of time together lately, and I don't know... I think I might be catching feelings for him."

My heart soared at Lyra's words, thrilled at the possibility of romance blossoming between her and Marcus. "That's incredible, Lyra!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. "Tell me everything. What made you start liking him?"