In the Heavens

Chapter Fifty-Six

The dim glow of twilight filtered through the windows of the assembly hall, casting long, somber shadows across the room. The usual vibrant energy of Alfea had been replaced with an oppressive stillness as the staff of both Alfea and Red Fountain gathered around the polished oak table.

Faragonda sat at the head, her hands clasped tightly, her expression a delicate balance of resolve and weariness. To her right, Saladin leaned forward, his keen eyes observing the assembled group. Beside him sat Professor Lewis, his face a storm of emotions. 

His usually light and joyous demeanor had unraveled; his jaw tightened, the muscles working in silent protest as his lips formed a thin, grim line. His eyes burned with a desperate mix of fury and anguish.  

Professor Palladium adjusted his tie nervously. Griselda stood rigidly at Faragonda's side; her authoritative presence no less diminished by the obvious concern in her gaze. And to Saladin's left sat Professor Avalon, the newest addition to the Alfea faculty. 

 Finally, Faragonda broke the silence, her voice measured but carrying an unmistakable edge of tension. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to discuss an event of great magnitude and importance. Isadora. the fairy of the Celestial Dragon, has finally awakened from her coma."

A collective breath seemed to be held as the room absorbed her words. Saladin was the first to speak, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "After two months? She was... so close to the edge of mortality." 

"Closer than we could have imagined," Faragonda confirmed grimly. "The healers and nurses who have tended to her are astonished. They have provided me with a detailed report of her condition." 

She gestured to a stack of parchment on the table. "Her physical body is stable, but her magical core... it's unlike anything they've encountered. The Celestial Dragon within her has evolved, leaving her magic in a state of flux. It is powerful, overwhelming, and perilous." 

 Professor Avalon, ever the pragmatist, adjusted his posture. "Faragonda, if her magic is as unstable as you describe, the danger extends beyond Isadora herself. We must act swiftly to prevent any unintended consequences." 

Lewis' eyes darkened, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "You speak as if she's a threat, Avalon. She is a young woman who has suffered greatly. She is not some ticking time bomb." 

Avalon met Lewis' gaze; his tone calm but dispassionate. "And yet, her power has the potential to level cities— kingdoms, even, if it continues to go unchecked. We must consider all options for her to control her own magic and the safety of those around her." 

The room tensed as the conversation veered into treacherous territory. Palladium's voice was hesitant but steady as he asked, "What are you suggesting, Avalon?" 

Avalon folded his hands, his expression unreadable. "A containment spell. Temporary, of course, but one strong enough to suppress her abilities until we can guide her control." 

Lewis shot to his feet, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "A containment spell?! You would strip her of her magic— of her very essence— when she has just returned to us? I will not stand for this... this barbarity!" 

Faragonda raised a hand, her voice firm but protective. "Enough, Lewis. Your anger is justified, but we must remain civil." 

Lewis' chest heaved as he struggled to rein in his fury. "Isadora is the daughter of my best friend and mine own in all but blood," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. "I swore to protect her, not to subject her to such cruelty." 

Avalon, ever the smooth talker, leaned back in his chair. "Lewis, you devotion is commendable, but you must understand that this is not about punishment. It is about safety— for Isadora and for everyone in the Magic Dimension."