Silver Flames (Victor Rookwood X FemaleMC)

Chapter 6 - Bonds and Secrets

(Picture credit: Underl3veled on Reddit)

The next morning, the Great Hall buzzed with the clatter of dishes and the chatter of students as they gathered for breakfast. Elvira and Sebastian, both looking half-asleep and weary, yet visibly excited, joined their friends at the breakfast table. The smell of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee filled the air, mingling with the soft, golden light spilling through the stained glass windows. Gareth, Natty, Poppy, and Ominis were already engaged in light-hearted banter, laughing and joking around the table. Elvira clutching a mug of steaming tea, slid into her usual spot at the long wooden table. Sebastian ran a hand through his tousled hair, his eyes heavier than usual as he sat down next to her.

"Morning!" Gareth greeted them cheerfully, "You two look like you've just wrestled a dragon," he said casually, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as he passed a basket of warm rolls towards them.

As Elvira and Sebastian reached for the basket, their hands brushed briefly, causing them both to stiffen awkwardly. The moment they lingered, charged with memories from last night. They both could feel the curious eyes of their friends on them, noting the tension that hung in the air like a delicate veil.

Natty added softly as she raised a cup of coffee to her lips "Or maybe someone else.."

Elvira nearly choked on her tea as Natty flitted her gaze between her and Sebastian with a playful grin. Poppy and Gareth muffled their chuckles quickly, taking a bite of their toast and omelette.

Sebastian cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "Just a long night of... studying," he managed to say, his eyes avoiding Elvira's.

Ominis, leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Did you find anything in the library?" His voice was low, tinged with genuine curiosity.

Poppy raised her eyebrow, "Library?"

Elvira exchanged a glance with Sebastian, who tensed his jaw and looked away. Elvira sighed glancing back at Poppy, "We might have stumbled upon something... in the restricted section—"

"You broke into the restricted section!?" Gareth exclaimed, his eyes widening with intrigue as he leaned in closer.

"Shh, keep your voice down!" Sebastian hushed him sharply whispering through his teeth as he leaned across the table. "But yes, we did," his voice was a mixture of fatigue and excitement.

Natty's eyes narrowed in confusion as she glanced between Sebastian and Elvira, "What did you go in the restricted section for?"

Elvira sighed, pulling the black leather-bound volume from her bag. "This," she said, placing it on the table with a thud. The cover gleamed subtly in the morning light, the silver raven and runes catching everyone's eye. "It's linked to my locket. We think there's a mystery here that might go back centuries."

Poppy leaned forward, her curiosity now fully ignited, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of disbelief and excitement. "You two are incredible," she murmured, her tone mixing awe with a hint of envy. "I can't believe you snuck into the restricted section—"

"—and found something!" Gareth chimed in, his voice lower but still filled with excitement. His eyes darted eagerly at Elvira and Sebastian.

Ominis's eyes widened as he leaned over the book, his interest piqued. "May I?" he asked, his voice a whisper of excitement.

At Elvira's nod, Ominis flipped the book open, his gaze stern and focused, "Fascinating," he murmured. His fingers delicately traced the old Latin script, "I've found something in Professor Fig's classroom," Ominis confessed, his gaze still fixed on the pages. "It's just as I suspected —this script, it's old Latin." Ominous tapped his finger on the page and slid the book back to Elvira.