SHADOW PLAY (SYLUS)

23

"Hmm... That lecture felt like it went on forever," Selina groaned, stretching her arms high above her head, releasing a deep sigh.

As the lecture finally wrapped up, Regina and Selina gathered their things, getting ready for the next class.

"Last Saturday was amazing, though! We should totally do it again soon," Selina said, her face lighting up at the memory.

"Yeah, it really was," Regina agreed with a smile, then leaned in, raising an eyebrow. "But... don’t forget we’ve got exams next week."

Selina’s face fell instantly, her shoulders slumping. "Ugh, don’t remind me... I have so much to cover," she muttered, looking completely deflated.

"How about a group study session?" Regina suggested, her eyes lighting up. "We could get Jane, Ginna, and Ava to join us too."

Selina’s face broke into a grin. "Oh, that’s actually perfect!" she exclaimed, nodding eagerly.

Without another word, Selina grabbed Regina’s arm, practically dragging her across the hall. “Come on! Let’s go round them up before they make other plans!”

Regina chuckled as Selina led the way with determination, both of them weaving through the crowd to find their friends.

"That’s perfect! Jane and I were just saying we have no idea where to even start for these exams," Ginna said, sharing a relieved glance with Jane.

"Great! Now that everyone’s on board, let’s pick a time and place," Regina chimed in, her enthusiasm lifting the group’s mood.

"So, what time works best for everyone?" Jane asked, glancing around at each of them.

"I’m free after 7," Regina replied.

"Perfect! Let’s meet at the library around then," Selina suggested, nodding with a bright smile.

They all exchanged eager looks and nods, visibly relieved to have a plan.

......

That evening, Regina hurried through dinner prep and finished up the rest of her chores.
The house was still empty—Sylus hadn’t come home yet.

She waited for a bit, glancing at the door every so often, but eventually figured he wasn’t coming.

With a small sigh, she set the table, covering the food carefully and leaving a note beside it that read, “I’m heading out for a bit.” Then, with one last look at the quiet room, she grabbed her bag and slipped out the door.

—
When Regina arrived at the library, she quickly spotted Selina, Jane, Ginna, and Ava already gathered around a table, their heads close as they whispered and laughed quietly.

She walked over, sliding her bag off her shoulder as she took a seat beside Ginna.

“Am I late?” she asked, glancing around the circle with a slight smile.

“Nope!” they all chimed in unison, and Jane added, “I was the first one here since my place is just around the corner.” She grinned, leaning back in her chair. “The others just barely sat down before you.”

Selina rolled her eyes playfully, nudging Jane. “Yeah, yeah, we know, Miss Punctual.”

They all chuckled, the atmosphere relaxed as they prepared to tackle their study session together.

.....

Sylus stepped into the house, the weight of the long day settling heavily on his shoulders.