Eye of The Wyvern

XX

The fourth floor hadn't been a spot Karissa went to very often, but there were a few times it was mandated, like when she came to the Bath or Medic. But those weren't the only things on the fourth floor, it was the one with the widest halls and biggest rooms.

On the stairway shared with the third floor women's dorms, people entered to see the Medic and the Baths. The Medic was split into sections for different people, and each was specific to one or two things in each. The main sections were shared between two races, Warlocks and Wyverns in one, Witches and Wizards in the other. The third section was exclusive for Women and Children, and focused on the health of both Females of all ages and all children between the ages of 2 and 12. The final section was for Maternity, specifically the health, well being, and the labor of pregnant Females. This section only allowed the pregnant and two people of the mother's choice in.

Across from the Medic was the section for people staying long term for medical purposes, or were for visitors of patients. Next to the Visitor's room was the Nursery, where mothers and their babies would stay throughout much of postpartum. This had its place right across from the Maternity wing of the Medic.

Down the way from the Nursery were the Detention Halls, which were divided by Male and Female. They neighbored each other, and were decently large classroom-like spaces, desks lining the rooms with dull colors throughout.

Next, just across from Detention, was the Study Lounge. This was a space similar to the second floor's library, except it was less books, more seats and tables. Many students would come here for after school studying, and oftentimes, Professors Hansor and Tethys held large group tutoring for students struggling with certain classes, of course the ones they taught.

Finally, the offices. Each office was unique to one another, not even the room proportions were the same, all having windows that foresaw the halls. Headmaster Andla's was the most square, and its back wall was lined with bookshelves and a large window foreseeing the Lounge. Her desk lined in front of the shelves, a decent space for her to roll the chair all throughout. The other walls, too, had windows, one that saw the hall leading to the Lounge's side door as well as other Professors' offices, and two next to the doors that saw the large hallway.

Professor Hansor's office had a door into the Lounge, giving him and others easy access to both spaces. His office was darker, not much light from the windows, and a lot of neutral colors within it. His desk was more long than wide, the chair holding a comfy cushion that helped support his "secret" lower back problems. A very minimalist bookshelf lined the wall closest to his second exit, which led out to the short hall that he shared with his neighboring Professors.

As peaceful as his office seemed, that peace was non-existent, for his neighbors shared an office together. Professors Chasm and Delta shared one office, having one very wide desk that stretched across the majority of their space. They had shelves with books and small game activities for visiting students to use. Often, the two of them would counsel students who struggled with their emotions and mental health. Their office was described as a safe space for each student who came to them, and each of those students was treated as if they were the Professors' child.

At last, Professor Tethys's office, which was closest to the stairs shared by the Male dormitories. She always kept quiet, watchful eyes on the halls, having a perfect view of the entire floor and every entrance on it. Her space was, like Hansor's, very minimalist. Except, she chose the brighter lighting, feeling that the dim lights would make her too tired. She didn't have many shelves or decorations, only a simple rug and a few chairs for visitors to sit in.

But in each of the Professors' offices was a secret that not many knew of. A secret that Cora and Lorelai spoke quietly of to Karissa, "All of their offices have doors behind the desks. All but Andla's. It's really weird, but I think they lead somewhere secret that only the staff know about.."

And Karissa soon found out what those doors really were.

* * *

Another couple days had passed since the Mimic's attack, and classes ran as usual, as if nothing crazy had happened. But the nightmares would strike Karissa when she least expected it, the screeches echoing in her slumber as the darkness swallowed her. Sometimes she'd sit in class and close her eyes for just a moment, and the image of it would flash into sight. Sometimes, she wasn't able to close her eyes, for she couldn't stand the sight of that thing.

As Delta had promised, more was to be discussed. Only this time, the after school tutoring was called off. Nothing to learn, no friends to see. No Ridor. No Crystalline. No Malachi.

She and Delta made their way to the fourth floor after she'd been picked up from her dorm. The walk was silent, too silent. It reminded her of the eeriness of that day with the Mimic. Karissa shuddered and decided to break the silence, "So are we going to your office to talk? Is Chasm gonna be there too?" Delta hummed, "The Headmaster and other Professors will be there," the two were halfway through the wide hall, passing Detention, "We're going to a certain meeting room. Don't worry, you won't be the only student." Who else was gonna be there?

As they made their way inside, Karissa remembered some very important details; she hadn't spoken to Malachi in days. He was very quiet, especially after her encounter with Hyra. I wonder if she said something to him.. she thought, maybe he won't talk to me anymore..

The office door was already open, the room dimmer than usual. "Follow close, Karissa," Delta said as she held the door. Karissa stepped inside, an aroma of lavender filling her nose. Delta shut the door, and with a swish of her wrists, the window's curtains flew shut, the doors locking.

"Alright," She smiled, "come now." A door behind their desk suddenly opened, and Chasm peered his head in the office, "Last one?" Delta nodded, "Your favorite is here." She joked. Chasm rolled his eyes playfully, "Come on then, we must get started." He made way for Delta and Karissa to enter the room.

Bright, large windows shined sunlight into the long room. Karissa studied every inch of it; a table sat in the center, what looked to be a map with other papers placed upon it. The walls had bookshelves with colored covers she'd never seen before, the books thick, looking heavy. The windows' curtains were dark purple silk with lilac tassels at the ends. On one side of the room, potions brewed and bubbled, and on the other, books were a messy pile on a smaller desk.

Around the center table were the Professors and Headmaster Andla. Behind them, a few familiar faces sat in chairs lined on the wall. June, glasses cleaner than the spotless windows, Tucker, who could clearly cared less to be there, Ridor, who for some gross reason was picking his nose, and Malachi, who locked eyes with Karissa. What are you doing here..? She thought, hoping he was listening.

I don't know, shimmer, his deep voice echoed back, but whatever it is, I think some of us are in some huge trouble...

Oh fuck.