The week leading up to the Fall Festival was filled with excitement and preparations. The courtyard buzzed with students discussing their plans, each trying to find the perfect way to contribute to the celebration. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves and warm spices drifting from the enchanted kitchens, where seasonal treats were being prepared. The entire academy seemed alive with an energy that only came with the change of seasons and the promise of something new.
At lunch, Artemis and her friends sat together at their usual table, bouncing around ideas. Plates were piled with steaming food, and the warm air inside the dining hall provided a cozy contrast to the cool autumn breeze outside.
“We should do something as a group,” Lydia suggested, tapping her fingers against the wooden table. “Something fun but not too exhausting.”
“Food stand,” Eric declared with confidence. “I mean, who doesn’t love food?”
Kayla didn’t even glance up from her book. “Yeah, let’s poison half the academy before the festival is even halfway over.”
Eric placed a hand over his heart dramatically. “You wound me, Kayla.”
“Not as much as your cooking would.”
Cyrus chuckled, shaking his head. “Come on, let’s be serious. We need something that isn’t a complete disaster.”
Artemis thought for a moment before speaking. “What about something creative? Something people can take home with them?”
Lydia’s face lit up with excitement. “Jewelry! We could make a booth selling handmade jewelry!”
Sorrel raised an eyebrow. “You know how to make jewelry?”
Lydia’s expression softened, a nostalgic smile forming on her lips. “My grandmother taught me when I was little. She was the last full-blooded Navajo in my family. My mom never kept up with the traditions, so a lot of that knowledge was lost. I wish I had learned more before my grandmother passed.”
Sorrel’s eyes studied her with interest. “But you still remember some of it, right?”
Lydia nodded. “Yeah, a little.”
“Then teach me,” Sorrel said simply. “I’d like to learn.”
Lydia blinked, clearly surprised by his interest. “You actually want to learn?”
Sorrel shrugged. “Why not? It sounds interesting.”
Lydia hesitated for a moment before giving him a small smile. “Alright. I’d like that.”
With their plan set, they spent the rest of lunch discussing what materials they would need and how they would divide the work. The excitement in the group was contagious, and Artemis found herself looking forward to the festival even more.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As the week continued, the First Years and Fourth Years were assigned to help decorate the courtyard for the festival. Banners in deep reds, oranges, and golds were hung from the academy’s towering stone walls. Students strung enchanted lanterns that glowed in soft autumn hues, casting a warm light over the festival grounds. Tables were arranged for various booths, and magical decorations filled the air, bringing the academy’s courtyard to life with the spirit of the season.
Artemis found herself caught up in the rhythm of the work, tying garlands along the courtyard fence and stepping back to admire how the enchanted leaves shimmered under the afternoon sun. The festival was shaping up beautifully.
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As she took a moment to observe the progress, her gaze landed on a young woman directing a group of students. She had long, sleek dark brown hair cascading down her back, her fair skin providing a striking contrast to her piercing peacock-green eyes. Though her features were striking, there was a weight in her expression—a seriousness that bordered on melancholic. Even as she gave instructions, there was something distant about her, as if her mind was elsewhere.
Artemis recognized her instantly.
Regina Williamson. The new Hera.
Artemis had seen her in passing and knew she was one of the most talented and respected students at the academy. Yet, despite her reputation, Artemis couldn’t help but feel that something was troubling her. There was a sadness in her eyes, one that didn’t quite fit the commanding presence she carried.
She looks sad, Artemis thought. She considered going over to talk to her but decided against it for now. There would be time for that later.
“Artemis, a little help here?”
Lydia’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. Artemis turned to see Lydia struggling to tie up a banner. She hurried over, grabbing the other end and securing it to the post.
Just as they stepped back to admire their work, Lydia accidentally dropped one of the golden leaf decorations. Instinctively, both she and Sorrel reached down to grab it at the same time—
Their hands brushed.
The moment their skin touched, Lydia’s body went completely still. A sharp, audible gasp left her lips as her eyes flashed with an unnatural glow. Her breath hitched, and in an instant, she yanked her hand away as though she had been burned.
Sorrel’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Lydia?”
Her hands trembled as she stared at him, something indecipherable flickering across her face—no, something pained.
“I finally understand,” she whispered.
Artemis took a step forward, concern evident in her voice. “Lydia, what’s wrong?”
Lydia’s gaze locked onto Sorrel, her expression darkening. “I understand why I’ve always felt strange around you.”
Sorrel hesitated, his voice careful. “Lydia—”
“It’s because when I went to you in our past life…” Lydia’s voice wavered, thick with emotion, “…you betrayed me.”
A suffocating silence followed.
Sorrel’s face drained of color. “Lydia, that’s not—”
“I don’t care,” Lydia cut him off, stepping away as her breathing grew uneven. “Something inside me is screaming not to trust you. And I can’t ignore it.”
Sorrel’s usually calm eyes wavered with something fragile. “Lydia, I would never—”
“I can’t trust you, Sorrel,” she repeated, barely above a whisper, but filled with undeniable pain.
Something inside Sorrel shattered. His composed demeanor cracked, and for the first time, his expression was raw and vulnerable. His hands curled into fists at his sides, his breath shaky.
“If you want me to disappear,” he said, his voice hoarse, “then I’ll grant your wish.”
Before anyone could react, he turned and ran, his movements frantic—desperate.
Lydia inhaled sharply, her own emotions overwhelming her, before she spun on her heel and fled in the opposite direction.
Artemis, stunned, looked at Ren, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange.
“Go after Lydia,” he said in a calm but firm tone. “I’ll find Sorrel.”
Artemis hesitated before nodding. “Alright.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Artemis and Kayla returned to their suite, they found Lydia pacing back and forth in the common area, arms wrapped tightly around herself.
“Lydia,” Artemis said gently, “are you okay?”
“No,” Lydia answered immediately, her voice sharp and unsteady.
Kayla crossed her arms. “You’re acting like this is set in stone. None of us are exactly like our past lives.”
“You don’t understand,” Lydia snapped, turning to them, her eyes burning. “Something inside me is telling me not to trust him. What if I get hurt again?”
Artemis sighed. “Maybe you should sleep on it. Think with a clear head in the morning.”
Lydia swallowed hard before finally nodding. But Artemis could see the struggle in her eyes.
As she turned toward her room, she whispered, “I just don’t want to make the same mistake twice.”
Artemis and Kayla exchanged a worried glance.