Celine walked down the hall toward the council room. After brushing off some invisible dust from her uniform, she raised her hand to knock on the door, but before she could, it opened. A tall, handsome boy with black hair and sharp black eyes stepped out. "Nevra...?" she thought in surprise.
Nevra looked at her for a moment, equally caught off guard. He gave her a small wave before silently walking past and disappearing into the corridor.
Celine blinked, still a bit stunned. How did he get here so quickly? Wasn't he staying at the inn that day? she wondered.
– Please, come in – a calm voice called from inside.
Celine peeked through the door, finding a young man with long black hair reading a stack of papers. She stepped inside and gently closed the door behind her. Sitting across from him, she watched as he glanced up, his emerald eyes meeting hers. After a quiet moment, he smiled gently.
– You must be Miss Celine. I'm Thamy, president of the student council – he said politely, handing her a few documents and a pen – You can sign here.
– Thanks – She took the pen and signed the forms, realizing they were her registration records for high school.
Thamy stood, still holding a few papers, and walked over to a large cabinet along the wall. Opening an unusually long drawer, he filed the documents neatly before returning to the table and collecting the ones she had just signed.
– You don't need to explain your delay – he said, not looking up.
– Oh, right… – Celine replied, feeling awkward under his composed gaze as he reviewed her information, thinking that she actually managed to be late.
He must be from the Eastern Archipelago, she thought, observing his features and posture. Probably from one of the kingdoms, Zhenan, Wu Wang, Yu Kuan, or Li Tui. But with a name like his and those green eyes, maybe he was mixed heritage. Still, his name sounds familiar...
Noticing her staring, Thamy glanced back up. Embarrassed, Celine pursed her lips and quickly looked down. He smiled again at her reaction, then walked back to the cabinet to store her file.
– Come, I'll take you to the girls' dormitory – he said gently.
She followed him out, waiting as he locked the office door. Gathering some courage, she asked – I feel like I've heard your name before... May I know your full name?
Thamy glanced at her, his voice soft as he answered – Waterfall. Thamy Waterfall.
Celine froze mid-step. Thamy Waterfall... Now she remembered. He was the primary disciple of King Leonar, ruler of the Kingdom of Waterfall. He likely didn't have a surname of his own, being granted "Waterfall" was a rare honor, reserved for the King's most trusted. And more than that, this young man was one of only six known Night Mages across all Nine Realms.
Though technically the youngest among them, he had reached that level without the help of the First Night Mage, a feat unheard of and revered by many. People often idolized him for it.
King Leonar had two disciples and a daughter, and though Celine had expected she might meet one of them eventually, she hadn't imagined it would happen this quickly, or that it would be him.
Her eyes sparkled slightly as she followed beside him.
– Let me carry that for you – Thamy offered, reaching for her heavier bag.
Celine nodded gratefully, allowing him to take it as they continued walking.
– I heard that fourth-period students usually don't stay in the dorms since they're preparing for their mandatory missions, right? – She asked.
– Yes, missions are required in fourth period, but some students choose to complete them in third. I'm one of those students – he explained calmly.
– So... you could've gone home, then?
Thamy smiled softly – I could have, yes. But I chose to stay. A few others made the same choice. It would be a waste not to enjoy a bit more of what Kesla has to offer.
Celine smiled back and nodded – You're right.
They passed through several corridors and staircases, occasionally greeted by students who quickly straightened up when they saw the student council president.
Eventually, they reached a large hall at the back of the school. Celine looked around, impressed. The space was beautifully arranged, with bookshelves in the corners, cozy seating areas, and paintings of various styles on the walls. Large windows revealed a garden outside with a stone path leading to the buildings she had seen earlier in the distance through the window.
They stepped through a large door and began walking along the path.
– It's nice when it's this quiet – Thamy remarked, almost to himself – But that only happens when everyone's in class.
Celine didn't respond, but the silence between them felt comfortable. She appreciated the peaceful moment beside him.
Within a few minutes, they arrived between the rear buildings. Thamy pointed to the right.
– That's the girls' dormitory. The ones on the left are for the boys. Come, I'll show you inside.
– Thank you – Celine said, walking beside him.
There were a few students around the garden.
– I thought everyone would still be in class? – She asked.
– It depends on their schedules. Some classes end earlier than others. It also depends on the teachers – he explained.
– I see…
They entered the girls' dormitory, and Celine was immediately struck by how cozy it felt. The entrance hall was warm and inviting, filled with sofas, plants, study tables, and large windows. A few students were reading or chatting quietly.
As they walked past, many girls turned their attention toward Thamy. Their eyes widened and cheeks flushed as they realized who he was. His aura was hard to ignore: handsome, composed, and powerful. He was one of those people who didn't need to speak to make an impression.
Thamy cleared his throat lightly, and the girls quickly turned back to their books, embarrassed.
He led Celine down a long hallway. After a minute or two, they arrived at a large door at the end. Thamy knocked gently.
A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal a young woman with vibrant red hair.