𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

Thirty four.

Days later, Akira sat alone in the quiet of the academy library, her mind churning with everything Rosaria had said. No matter how much she tried to push it aside, the truth kept resurfacing. Rosaria was right—it was time. Time to stop running, time to accept the reality of who she was, and time to take her grandfather's place.

Her fingers trailed over an old, weathered book she had found in the archives. It detailed the history of Silvermoon Academy, including her grandfather's reign as headmaster. He had been a leader of wisdom and strength, someone who united the supernatural factions within the school. But his disappearance had left a void that others had struggled to fill.

And now it's my turn, she thought, her chest tightening.

The weight of the responsibility felt suffocating, but Akira knew she couldn't ignore it any longer. Her grandfather's legacy wasn't just about her—it was about the academy, her friends, and the future of their world.

Later that evening, she sought out Rosaria, finding her waiting in the shadows of the courtyard as though she had anticipated Akira's arrival.

"I've made my decision," Akira said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her. "You were right. I can't keep running from this. If my grandfather wanted me to take his place, then I'll do it. But I need your help."

Rosaria's expression shifted, pride flickering in her eyes. "Good. I knew you'd come to understand your destiny, Akira. And of course, I'll help you. But remember, this journey will not be easy. You'll face challenges that will test you—your strength, your loyalty, and your heart."

"I'm ready," Akira said, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt.

Rosaria gave her a nod. "Then we begin tomorrow. There's much to prepare."

As Akira walked back to her dorm, her thoughts were a whirlwind. She hadn't told her friends yet. She wasn't sure how they'd react, especially Rowan, who had been increasingly worried about her.

The next morning, Akira gathered her closest friends in their usual spot near the fountain. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to meet their curious gazes.

"There's something I need to tell you," she began.

Rowan's eyes narrowed. "This is about that woman, isn't it? The one you won't talk about?"

"Yes," Akira admitted. "Her name is Rosaria. She knew my grandfather, and... she's helping me prepare to take his place."

Her words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

Renetta was the first to speak. "Wait—your grandfather's place? You mean as headmaster?"

Akira nodded, bracing herself for their reactions.

Rowan's jaw tightened. "Akira, are you serious? This is huge! Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"Because I wasn't ready," Akira said, her voice firm. "I needed time to figure out what I wanted. But now I know—I can't ignore this. It's my responsibility."

Renetta reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Akira's arm. "If this is what you want, we'll support you. Right, Rowan?"

Rowan hesitated, her expression conflicted, but eventually she nodded. "I just don't want you to lose yourself in all this. You're more than some legacy, Akira. Don't forget that."

"I won't," Akira promised. "And I'm not doing this alone. I'll need all of you to help me through it."

Her friends exchanged determined glances before nodding.

"We're with you," Renetta said, smiling.

Rowan sighed. "Fine. But I'm keeping an eye on that Rosaria woman."