Equifinality (Bare Bones)

Which Way Now

Sunday arrived with a surprising stillness that settled over Eclipsia Academy. The events of the previous night hung in my mind like a thick fog, but the peaceful morning was a welcome reprieve. As sunlight streamed through the windows of my dorm room, I lay there for a few moments, trying to let the calmness of the day seep into my bones.

But it didn't work.

Calliope and I had barely escaped with our lives, and the knowledge that a monstrous creature had been lurking in the lake—a place I had once considered a sanctuary—made my stomach churn. My thoughts spiraled, cycling through the terror of that encounter, the icy grip of the creature's presence, and the heavy warning from Professor Draven. The idea that Malachar, a deity of destruction, could be connected to my powers was terrifying. The possibility that he was rising again was a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.

I felt the weight of the world pressing down on me, a suffocating burden that threatened to crush me under its immense gravity. My parents had fought against this darkness, and now, without ever knowing them, I was expected to carry their legacy. But what if I wasn't strong enough? What if the light within me wasn't bright enough to fend off the shadows?

I forced myself out of bed, determined to make the most of the day. Sundays at Eclipsia Academy were usually less structured, with students free to study, practice magic, or simply relax. For most, it was a day to unwind. But for me, today felt like the calm before the storm, and I couldn't shake the sinking feeling that something was coming—something far worse than the creature from the lake.

After a quick shower, I stepped into the corridor of the dormitory, letting my gaze sweep over the intricate designs carved into the stone walls. Eclipsia Academy was unlike any place I had ever seen in the non-magical world. The corridors were lined with glowing runes that pulsed with a soft, ethereal light, casting flickering shadows that danced across the floor. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and faint traces of ancient spells—an intoxicating blend of knowledge and power that was unique to the academy.

As I made my way toward the Great Hall, the echo of my footsteps seemed to reverberate through the very walls, as if the academy itself was alive, listening to every sound, every breath. The sky outside was a clear, piercing blue, with the early morning chill beginning to melt away under the warm rays of the sun. The grounds were vast, filled with enchanted flora that shifted colors with the changing light, and the distant mountains loomed like silent sentinels, guarding the secrets of the academy.

But even in this magical haven, I felt like an outsider. My world had shifted last night, and I wasn't sure how to reconcile that with everything else. The academy, with all its beauty and wonder, felt like a facade—one that hid the dark truth beneath.

When I reached the Great Hall, it was already buzzing with activity. Students were scattered around, talking, laughing, and enjoying their day off. The hall was an architectural marvel, with towering stained-glass windows depicting scenes from magical history, and chandeliers that floated above, their flames flickering in time with the hum of the academy's magic. The sight of it all, so normal and carefree, made me feel like a ghost drifting through someone else's life.

I spotted Calliope sitting with Kacey and Kaden at our usual table. As I approached, she looked up and smiled, though I could see the worry still lingering in her eyes. Kacey and Kaden, on the other hand, seemed blissfully unaware of what had happened, chatting animatedly about the day's plans.

"Morning," I said, sliding into the seat next to Calliope.

"Morning," she replied, her voice soft. "Sleep okay?"

"Not really," I admitted, grabbing a piece of toast from the pile in front of us. "Too much on my mind."

"Yeah, same," she said quietly, glancing at Kacey and Kaden. "We should probably talk later. Alone."