A hollow mid autumn night

Part 10 (end)

See you in the afterlife

The next morning, Audrey and her friends buzzed with excitement. They fidgeted in their seats as they waited for Melanie to take them to the Grand Academy of Arcane Arts. They longed to share the incredible story with their parents, but Melanie had insisted they wait until after meeting Hugo.

The journey to the academy was a whirlwind of wonder. They traveled through quaint villages nestled in rolling hills, past shimmering lakes and ancient forests that seemed to whisper secrets on the wind. Finally, they arrived at a magnificent castle nestled amongst soaring mountains. Its spires scraped the clouds, and intricate carvings adorned its walls, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and magical feats.

Upon entering, a vibrant world unfolded before them. Students flitted through the halls, their laughter echoing off the ancient stone walls. They practiced spells in airy courtyards, conjuring swirling mists and levitating objects. The air crackled with a tangible energy, an intoxicating blend of curiosity and power.

Melanie led them to a secluded room where a young man sat, his back towards them. He had a shock of windblown blonde hair and an aura of quiet concentration surrounding him.

"Hugo," Melanie called out softly.

The young man turned, his eyes widening in surprise. He possessed a familiar warmth in his gaze, a spark of blue that flickered faintly within them – an undeniable echo of his father.

"Auntie Melanie," Hugo greeted, his voice laced with a hint of surprise. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted you to meet someone special," Melanie said, gesturing towards the awestruck girls. "These are Audrey, Kayla, and the others. They've heard your parents' story."

Audrey, unable to contain her excitement, stepped forward. "It's true then," she blurted out, her voice trembling slightly. "The story of the wisp and the witch's daughter. My mom used to tell it to me all the time."

Hugo smiled warmly. "It is," he confirmed. "And it's a tale that holds a lot of meaning for me. My parents' love story reminds us that magic can exist in the most unexpected places."

The girls bombarded Hugo with questions, their curiosity insatiable. He patiently answered each one, describing his life at the academy, the challenges of wielding his unique dual-nature magic, and the growing acceptance of witchcraft in society.

As they delved deeper into the conversation, Audrey noticed subtle signs of Hugo's heritage. The way his eyes seemed to flicker with an inner light, the effortless grace with which he manipulated objects in the room without speaking a word. It was a reminder of the extraordinary bond his parents shared, a bond that resonated even generations later.

When it was time to leave, the girls felt a bittersweet pang. They were filled with wonder and a newfound respect for the world of magic, but they also understood the loss Hugo had endured. He was a reminder of the power of love, even when faced with the impossible.

Back at Melanie's cottage, the girls finally spilled the beans, eagerly recounting their visit to the academy and their encounter with Hugo. To their surprise, their parents weren't dismissive. Instead, they listened intently, their faces etched with a mixture of curiosity and a flicker of recognition.

"Melanie told me this story when we were younger," Audrey's mother admitted, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "I never thought it was true."

The other parents shared similar sentiments. They had grown up with hushed whispers of the wisp and the witch's daughter, a tale that had always been shrouded in mystery. Now, with Melanie's confirmation and the girls' firsthand experience, the legend took on a new reality.