𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

three.

As Akira walked alongside the two girls, she glanced at them, curiosity burning in her eyes. "What exactly do you mean? How is my grandfather connected to this academy?"

Nara looked around, as if ensuring no one was within earshot, then sighed. "Your grandfather was one of the founders of Silvermoon Academy. He and a few others created it with a purpose—a purpose not many people know about."

Amara nodded, glancing at Akira with a serious expression. "This place isn't just a regular school. There's... let's call it a hidden side to Silvermoon. And your grandfather was deeply involved in it. He was kind of like a guardian of the academy's secrets."

Akira's heart pounded. "Secrets? Like what?"

Nara hesitated, exchanging a wary look with Amara. "We can't say too much right now, but... let's just say Silvermoon has a way of attracting people with unusual talents, people who don't quite fit in anywhere else."

Amara offered Akira a reassuring smile. "You'll start to understand soon enough. Just be careful. Not everyone here has your best interests at heart."

Akira was getting closer to uncovering her grandfather's connection to the academy and the reason for his deep involvement. She remained cautious, keeping her guard up and wary, even around the new friends she'd made. Trust didn't come easily here.

Amara noticed Akira's guarded expression and gave her a gentle nudge. "You know, you can relax a little. Not everyone here is out to get you," she said with a small, reassuring smile.

Nara nodded in agreement, her tone softer. "We get it, though. This place has... a reputation, and you're probably feeling overwhelmed. But we're not like some of the others. We just want to help you understand what's really going on."

Akira studied their faces, searching for any sign of deception. She wanted to believe them, but something about this place kept her on edge. "I appreciate the offer, but I've learned to be careful," she replied, her voice guarded.

Amara shrugged, accepting her response. "Fair enough. But if you ever need someone to watch your back, you know where to find us."

Nara glanced ahead, spotting the grand, gothic entrance of Silvermoon Academy. "Looks like we're here. Welcome to your dorm and to a world that might just change everything you thought you knew."

Akira looked up, taking in the towering, gothic architecture of the academy with its dark stone walls and intricate spires reaching toward the sky. Shadows seemed to cling to every corner, giving the place an eerie yet captivating allure.

Amara gestured toward one of the older buildings nearby. "That's the dorm building. You'll be staying here with the rest of us," she explained with a grin. "It's not as creepy as it looks... once you get used to it."

Nara smirked, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "But don't get too comfortable. Silvermoon has a way of keeping everyone on their toes."

Akira felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This place was unlike anything she'd ever known, and despite her reservations, she felt a strange pull, as if Silvermoon was calling her to uncover its secrets.

Amara placed a reassuring hand on Akira's shoulder. "Come on, let's show you to your room. And don't worry—you're not alone here. You'll be staying with me and Amara!" Nara replied excitedly.

As they walked down the dimly lit hallway, Nara chatted excitedly, pointing out different rooms and quirks of the dorm. "This is the common room, where we all hang out after classes. And over there, that's the library—it's a bit... unconventional, but you'll see."

Amara led the way, her footsteps echoing on the polished wood floors. "We're just down here," she said, gesturing toward a door at the end of the hall. "Our room is one of the bigger ones, so there's plenty of space."

Akira took a deep breath, steeling herself as she stepped inside. The room was cozy, with a mix of vintage furniture and personal touches that reflected both Amara and Nara's personalities. Posters, fairy lights, and books lined the walls, creating a surprisingly warm atmosphere.

"Make yourself at home!" Nara chirped, flopping onto one of the beds. "We're basically like a family here, so don't be afraid to just be yourself."

Akira managed a small smile, feeling a little more at ease. For now, she decided to let go of her worries and try to settle in, even as the mysteries of Silvermoon loomed in the back of her mind.

"Thanks," she replied, though her mind continued to wander back to thoughts of her grandfather and his connection to all of this. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this academy—and her place here—than met the eye.

"You're welcome! Classes start in a few minutes so you should be prepared. Do you have your schedule I'd like to see if you have any classes with us!" Nara smiled looking over at Akira.

"Yeah!" Akira pulled out her schedule to compare with her new friends.

They had only two classes together. This made Akira nervous because she couldn't understand what this school was about yet she had the strangest feeling and being alone in classes did not feel like the best idea but she had to deal with it.

"Aww it sucks..we only have like two classes together but hey at least we get to see you!" Nara said in a very bubbly tone.

"Yeah it's cool..two classes is better than nothing." Amara agreed.

Akira forced a small smile, grateful for their support, though her nerves still lingered. The hallways were already beginning to fill with students hurrying to their first classes, their faces a mix of excitement and mystery. She noticed some students casting glances her way—some curious, others harder to read.

"We'll walk you to your first class," Amara offered, sensing Akira's unease. She and Nara led Akira down the bustling corridor, pointing out various rooms and sections of the school as they went.

As they arrived at the door to Akira's first class, Nara gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You've got this! And remember, if anything seems... off, come find us." She winked, her usual cheerful tone suddenly laced with a hint of seriousness.

Amara leaned in, lowering her voice. "And if you see anything strange, don't ignore it. Silvermoon has a way of revealing things to people who are paying attention."

Akira nodded, a chill running down her spine as she entered the classroom. She couldn't shake the feeling that her journey at Silvermoon was just beginning and that her grandfather's secrets were waiting for her to uncover—whether she was ready or not.