❝ 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ❞ ʲᵃˢᵖᵉʳ ʰᵃˡᵉ ( EN )

☇ 𝟭𝟰

The next morning, Theodora headed to school with a newfound energy, a sense of inner clarity she hadn't felt in a long time. The conversations she'd had with Rosalie and Jasper had brought her unexpected peace, as if an invisible weight had lifted. She wore a beige wool coat that draped elegantly over her shoulders, a light gray turtleneck sweater under which she had slipped a thin white shirt that peeked out slightly, paired with fitted black pants. On her feet, her favorite white sneakers, simple but stylish, completed the outfit, reflecting that subtle mix of comfort and modernity that defined her style.

As she walked through the school doors, she could almost physically feel this renewed sense of confidence. The sound of her friends' laughter and chatter greeted her from down the hallway, and without her saying a word, they all noticed her lighter demeanor. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and for the first time in weeks, she felt truly present, fully anchored in the moment.

"Well, looks like someone finally slept more than two hours last night!" Thomas called out when he saw her, a teasing grin on his face.

"Maybe," Theodora laughed. "But don't get too excited, Thomas. I could still show up with my zombie face again."

Eleanor quickly joined her, holding a coffee. "Oh no, please don't! You're way more fun when you're awake!"

"In that case, I'll make an effort," Theodora joked, grabbing the cup her friend handed her. "But only if you keep bringing me coffee every morning."

Laughter erupted, and Theodora felt more alive than ever, savoring every moment spent with her friends. Shortly after, they headed to their civilization class together, a subject they often found a bit dull. Theodora mused that if she hadn't slept well, she could've caught up during that class without anyone noticing.

That day, as the sun's rays filtered softly through the leaves, Theodora noticed Alice's familiar figure waiting for her at the school's exit. Surprised to see the vampire, she approached her with a curious smile. "Are you here to keep an eye on me or to accompany me?" she asked, adjusting the strap of her backpack.

"A bit of both," Alice replied with her usual mischievous air, her eyes sparkling with a mysterious gleam. "I felt like spending some time with you. And besides, I need to take you somewhere."

Theodora squinted, intrigued. She noticed that Alice was dressed elegantly, wearing a long beige wool coat cinched at the waist, and a silk scarf that fluttered slightly in the breeze. "And where are you taking me?" Theodora asked as she followed Alice to her car.

"A surprise," Alice replied, starting the engine of a gleaming car. "You'll love it."

As she got into the car, Theodora couldn't help but smile when she saw the backseat filled with fashion magazines of all kinds. Pages filled with models, extravagant outfits, and shiny accessories that seemed to belong to another world. Alice noticed her gaze and smiled.

"I told you, I'm a fashionista," Alice explained with a wink. "It's my little guilty pleasure."

Theodora burst out laughing. "So, vampires can be fashionistas too?"

"Absolutely," Alice confirmed, her eyes playful. "And if you want, I can give you some fashion advice. I see incredible potential in you."

"I'll keep that in mind," Theodora replied with a laugh, letting herself be carried away by Alice's good mood.

The journey continued, the car slowly leaving the town behind as it ventured into the forest. The road wound through the trees, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. The landscape became wilder, with distant mountains silhouetted against the horizon. After a few minutes of driving, they arrived at a small hidden lake, surrounded by majestic trees that seemed to shield the place from the rest of the world. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky and the clouds drifting across it.