Weeks turned into months, and the shadow of the graduation night faded from the daily life of Silverhollow Academy. The garden was restored, though the scars of the disaster still lingered in the whispers of the students and the lingering unease in the air. The wards around the academy were strengthened, and the headmaster and faculty were more vigilant than ever.
But beneath the surface, something still stirred.
Zara visited Jaxon every day, hoping for any sign that he might wake, but his condition remained unchanged. The healers had done everything they could, and now it was up to time—and perhaps Jaxon’s own will—to decide his fate.
One afternoon, as Zara sat by his side, her hand resting lightly on his, she felt the faintest of movements. Her heart leaped in her chest, and she leaned forward, her breath catching in her throat.
Jaxon’s fingers twitched, ever so slightly.
"Jaxon?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
His eyes fluttered, just for a moment, and then they opened, blinking against the dim light of the infirmary. His gaze was unfocused, but he was awake.
Zara’s heart raced, relief flooding through her as she squeezed his hand. "You’re okay," she whispered, though she wasn’t sure if it was true.
Jaxon’s eyes slowly focused on her, and he opened his mouth, his voice hoarse and weak. "I’m… sorry."
Tears welled in Zara’s eyes, but she shook her head. "We’ll talk later. Just rest."
But even as she spoke, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The darkness beneath Silverhollow had been stirred, and it was waiting.
Waiting for the right moment to rise again.
And next time, they might not be so lucky.
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A Spark in the Dark
Short StoryOn the night of their graduation, the senior class of Silverhollow Academy-a prestigious school for wizards-gathers for a celebration that promises to be magical. After seven years of rigorous training, they're ready to take on the world, but for Ja...
