《College Of Landan》


 01. The Basement

    Hear me out, I never expected to be in this predicament.


    If you''re reading this and weird things have been happening to you, you''re in the right place. My advice to you is: don''t trust anyone in your life right now. Play along with the stories your family has told you about your birth, but always be careful. I only found out the truth a few months ago. When coming back "home" from college, a mysterious creature tried to warn me about the troubles that lay ahead.


    Being non-human is dangerous and extremely scary. Most of us don''t reach adulthood because we get killed in painful and nasty ways.


    My name is Ruby Ashbluff. I''m 16 years old. Until three months ago, I was a normal, typical student at Morley college in central London. But, as expected, everything changed.


    It was a rainy evening. I had just finished writing a gruesome report for my anatomy class (which took FOREVER) when, walking out of the library, someone or "something" covered my eyes and mouth. I tried to scream, but only muffled sounds came out. Its hands were light, almost like smoke, yet I couldn''t see through them. It dragged me to some kind of enclosed space, which I''m guessing no human could enter.


    The interaction happened so suddenly. At one moment this dark shadow whispered into my ear while still covering my eyes and mouth: ''Head to your basement and find a black box hidden in one of the old closets. And make sure no one sees you. No one.''


    The next moment, I was back at the library building. It seemed like nothing had even happened. But I knew something did. I felt it drag me. Chills-literal chills-went down my spine, and I stood there for what felt like forever, questioning whether I was insane or losing my mind. Suddenly, my "mom" called me: ''Where are you? You should''ve been home half an hour ago.''


    Quickly coming out of my trance, I replied hesitantly, ''Sorry, the report took longer than expected, I''m on my way home right now.'' My "mom" replied sweetly, ''Okay honey. See you soon.'' Then she hung up.


    Walking back home, still shaken up about the "shadow thing" I felt and heard, the only thought that kept emerging in my head was: Why?


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    Okay not the "only" thought, but all of my questions DID start with "WHY". Why did that "shadow" appear? Why did it drag me and didn''t kidnap me? Why did it only talk to me? Why did it mention a box? Why a black box in my basement closet?


    These kind of questions kept surfacing in my brain. Without even realizing it, I was already back "home". My mom greeted me at the front door. We ate supper as we always did, yet something felt strange. I didn''t know exactly what it was. The atmosphere just seemed kind of... cloudy.


    I decided not to think much about it. I''d been through enough for one day. After supper, I headed to my room and decided to wait until midnight, when my "mom" would be asleep. Then I could sneak into the basement and hopefully find some answers to the questions that have been haunting me all evening.


    After waiting what felt like eternity, midnight finally hit. The clock showed 00:00. It was go time.


    I was so thankful that my bedroom was on the main floor and that I didn''t have to risk walking past my "mom''s" room. Knowing me, I somehow would''ve tripped and broken her bedroom door (yes, I am that clumsy).


    Finally reaching the basement door and opening it, a weird rush came over me. It was like a strong force pulling me deeper into the room. I went along with it, I couldn''t even pull back if I wanted to. It pulled me straight to an old antique closet placed in the corner of the basement.


    Covered in cobwebs, I carefully pried open the closet door. Before me laid a black box covered in dust. Nothing about it looked out of the ordinary. Despite that, the force that had been pulling me earlier was coming straight out of the box. Cold sweat covered me instantly. I didn''t know why I felt this way. It was only a box, right?


    I quickly wiped off the dust on the box and opened it, scared out of my mind to see what was inside. I closed my eyes and decided to take some deep breaths. ''Come on Ruby, just look inside already.''


    My eyes widened as shivers went down my body. I immediately started looking around the room. ''W-what was that? Is someone here?''


    The basement seemed empty; everything was in its usual place. But who had just spoken? ''Come out, I know someone''s here!'' I said without stuttering, trying to sound confident.


    No one answered, teardrops began forming at the corner of my eyes.


    Taking a deep breath, I finally looked into the black box. At the bottom of the box laid.. A necklace with a handwritten note? I picked up the necklace, admiring its beauty and simplicity. It had a small ruby gem as a charm. That was such a coincidence, since my name is Ruby. I laughed softly under my breath.


    But when I touched the ruby gem, everything suddenly went black.

 02. The Shadow

    Slowly opening my eyes, my head pounding like a mad man. What is saw In front of me.. Darkness? I realized I was laying down on cold, hard concrete. Wait. My basement''s floor wasn''t made out of concrete...


    I immediately sat up. Brick walls covered in vines surrounded me. Where the hell was I?! My breathing quickened, my head pounding harder by the second. I grabbed my chest, trying to steady my breathing. My hand brushed against something cold and hard¡ªthe necklace. It was around my neck.


    I definitely hadn''t put it there.


    Suddenly, something behind me spoke.


    ''Hello, Ruby. I''ve been expecting you.''


    I whipped around, my heart hammering. It was the shadow¡ªthe one that grabbed me earlier today.


    It stood in front of me, its form twisting and rippling like smoke. Its voice carried an otherworldly echo.


    ''What... what do you want from me?!'' I stammered, my voice cracking.


    The shadow tilted what I assumed was its head. ''You already know the answer.''


    ''No, I don''t! I don''t even know where I am!''


    ''You''re where you were always meant to be,'' it said, its voice like a whisper in my ear, though it didn''t move closer. ''You opened the box. You accepted the call.''


    ''What call?!'' I screamed.


    It extended a tendril-like arm toward me. ''The ruby around your neck. It''s not just a necklace. It''s a key. You''ve unlocked the first step in fulfilling your destiny.''


    I stumbled backward, shaking my head. ''No. No, I''m just a normal girl. I don''t have a destiny.''


    The shadow chuckled, a low, hollow sound. ''Normal? Is that what they told you? That you were normal? Oh, Ruby. You''re far from it.''


    The vines on the walls began to writhe as the shadow''s words sank in. My head swam with memories I couldn''t place¡ªimages of places I''d never been, people I''d never met, but somehow... I knew them.


    ''You''re lying,'' I whispered, though my voice lacked conviction.


    ''Am I?'' The shadow loomed closer. ''Do you feel the power of the ruby around your neck? Does it burn? Does it pulse with your heartbeat?''


    I clutched the ruby. It was warm¡ªno, hot¡ªlike it was alive. The pulsing intensified, matching the rapid thrum of my chest.


    ''What am I?'' I asked, my voice barely audible.


    The shadow''s tendrils coiled and uncoiled, like smoke trapped in a glass jar. Its presence seemed to fill the entire room, pressing down on me with an invisible weight.


    ''What am I?'' I whispered again, my voice trembling with fear and confusion. The shadow didn''t answer immediately, its form rippling and swirling like smoke caught in a breeze. It seemed to be contemplating my question, or perhaps deciding how much to reveal.


    ''You''re not human, Ruby,'' it said at last, its voice low and deliberate. ''You never have been. This world¡ªEarth¡ªwas never meant to be your home.''


    The words hit me like a slap to the face. ''No... No, that can''t be right. I''ve lived here all my life. My family... my mom, my friends. This is my home.''


    The shadow seemed almost pitying. ''Your life here was an illusion. A carefully constructed one. You''ve been living in a world that was never yours. And the truth of who you are¡ªof where you truly belong¡ªhas always been kept from you. But now, the time has come. The necklace, the box... they were the catalysts. Your journey has begun.''


    I shook my head, my breath coming in quick gasps. ''This... this doesn''t make sense. You''re lying. I''m human.''


    The shadow''s tendrils twisted around itself, its presence growing more intense. ''I''m not lying, Ruby. The truth is not always what you want it to be. And you, my dear, belong somewhere else¡ªsomewhere beyond this world. Landan.''


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    ''Landan?'' I repeated, my mind struggling to make sense of the word. ''What''s Landan? Where is it? I don''t even know what you''re talking about!''


    The shadow hovered in front of me, the air around it pulsing as if the very space we were in was alive. ''Landan is a place beyond Earth. A world far from the one you''ve known. It''s where you were meant to be, where you belong. Your journey will take you there, Ruby. And it will be... your home.''


    ''No. I don''t belong in some other world. I belong here, with my family, with the life I''ve known.'' I was shaking now, the ruby at my neck growing unbearably hot, as though it was reacting to my panic.


    ''You think your "mother" is your mother,'' the shadow continued, its voice soft but insistent.'' But she is not who you think she is. She has kept you from the truth for years. She isn''t the one who birthed you into this world. She isn''t even from here. You''ve been protected, Ruby, but now that protection is slipping away.''


    I froze. My heart stuttered in my chest. ''What are you talking about? My mom is my mom. She raised me. She''s the one who¡ª''


    ''Who took you in, yes,'' the shadow interrupted. ''But not the one who brought you into this world. The woman you call your mother is a mere keeper of a secret. She knows more about you than you think, but she will never tell you the truth. Because she isn''t part of your story. She was never meant to be.''


    The words echoed in my mind, refusing to leave. Not my mother? Everything I''d ever known about my life suddenly felt like it was crumbling, the foundation shaking beneath me.


    ''I know it''s difficult to understand,'' the shadow said, its voice gentler now, almost apologetic. ''But there are truths in this world that your human mind cannot yet comprehend. The only thing you need to focus on now is what comes next. You must go to Landan. You must fulfill your purpose there.''


    I shook my head violently, backing away from the shadow, my pulse pounding in my ears. ''I don''t understand. What do you want from me? What''s in Landan? Why do I need to go there?'' My chest tightened with each word, the weight of the shadow''s presence suffocating me.


    The shadow didn''t answer immediately. Instead, it seemed to pull back slightly, its tendrils swirling as if weighing the answer. Finally, it spoke again.


    ''In Landan, you will find your true path,'' it said, its voice now laced with finality. ''There, you will learn who you truly are, why you were brought here, and what you must do next. Your time on Earth is at an end, Ruby. But the next chapter of your existence... that''s where you will truly begin."


    I didn''t belong here. This world wasn''t mine.


    With a deep, shuddering breath, I asked a question that felt right in that moment: ''What do I do now?''


    The shadow drifted closer, its form pulsating as it whispered, ''You have already begun. You''ve opened the box, Ruby. The journey is in motion. But there are still pieces to place, still paths to walk. The first step is always the hardest.''


    The air around me seemed to grow heavier, thick with a strange, unspoken promise. ''But you''re not alone,'' the shadow added. ''There are others, waiting for you. They know who you are. They''ve been waiting for you to come home.''


    I felt a strange pull in my chest, a force that urged me to move forward, even as my heart raced with uncertainty. But there was something else, too¡ªan undercurrent of something that felt both terrifying and inevitable. ''Who are they? Who''s waiting for me?'' I asked, barely able to keep the tremor from my voice.


    ''The people of Landan,'' the shadow answered. ''And the College of Landan. That''s where you''ll go. That''s where you will learn. Your true purpose, Ruby, lies within those walls. You''ll be trained there. It will be your new home.''


    ''College?'' I repeated, my voice thick with disbelief. ''You mean, like a school?''


    The shadow chuckled, the sound like a dry wind rustling through leaves. ''In a way, yes. But not like any school you''ve known. The College of Landan is more than that. It is a place of power, a place where beings like you¡ªlike us¡ªare taught what they need to know. A place where you will be prepared for your future, the future you''ve been running from all your life.''


    ''Power?'' The word felt foreign on my tongue. The way the shadow spoke of Landan, of the College... it was as if it was preparing me for something grand, something beyond anything I could imagine. But none of this made sense. I had always been a normal girl. Now I was supposed to go to some magical school in a world I had never heard of?


    ''The College of Landan will teach you everything you need to know,'' the shadow continued. ''It is where your kind and others belong. It is where you belong.''


    A chill swept through me, and I instinctively clutched the ruby around my neck. The warmth it emitted seemed to intensify, pulsing against my skin like a heartbeat. ''What if I don''t want to go?'' I asked, more out of instinct than genuine desire to refuse. But the pull toward Landan, toward whatever awaited me, was undeniable.


    ''You don''t have a choice,'' the shadow said, its tone gentle but firm. ''The ruby has chosen you. The College has chosen you. You were always meant to find your way there.''


    My chest tightened as the shadow''s words settled in. I wasn''t human. I wasn''t meant to be here. I wasn''t even meant to be on Earth. Everything I had known, everything I had believed, was wrong.


    Landan. The College of Landan. It sounded like a dream. But it was my reality now, whether I liked it or not.


    A cold shiver ran down my spine. ''What happens if I don''t go?'' I asked, the fear in my voice betraying me.


    ''The longer you stay here, the more you will forget. You''ll forget who you are. You''ll forget where you belong. You''ll lose everything, Ruby. Everything.''


    The threat hung in the air, a chilling promise that paralyzed me. I wasn''t sure what was worse¡ªthe idea of staying here and forgetting everything or stepping forward into an unknown world that would tear away everything I knew.


    ''Who are you?'' My voice trembled.


    For a long moment, the room was silent. Then, the shadow spoke, its voice soft yet penetrating, filling the space around her as if it were woven into the very air.


    ''I am part of you,'' the voice said, its tone deep and ancient. ''A shadow cast by your fate. Not an enemy... but something else entirely. We are bound, though you do not yet understand how.''


    My pulse quickened as I stepped back, unable to look away from the place where the shadow seemed to pulse and breathe.


    ''Why now?'' I whispered, my voice fragile with uncertainty. ''Why are you only now showing yourself?''


    The shadow didn''t answer immediately. Instead, the temperature in the room seemed to drop, the air thickening with an invisible weight. The voice that came next was quieter, but the words still rang through her like a haunting echo.


    ''Because we are at the threshold,'' it said. ''The moment is upon you. You will not walk this path alone.''


    I felt the air shift around my body, a strange pull tugging at my senses. My eyes darted to the corner of the room, where a faint light began to flicker, like a spark in the darkness.


    Suddenly, the shadows seemed to ripple, and before I could react, a swirling portal of soft, glowing light opened up in front of me. It wasn''t like anything I had seen before¡ªits edges were fluid, twisting and changing, like the very fabric of reality was bending.


    The shadow''s voice filled the space again, a quiet command that she couldn''t ignore.


    ''Go now, Ruby. The path awaits. Landan calls for you.''


    I hesitated, my heart racing. I had no idea what awaited on the other side, but something deep inside urged me forward. There was no turning back.


    ''Landan...'' I whispered, stepping closer to the portal, feeling its pull. The shadow, still present in the room, felt like an unspoken promise, a part of my fate that could not be ignored.


    The air hummed as I took a deep breath and stepped into the swirling light, the world around blurring as the portal consumed me. The last thing I heard was the shadow''s voice, soft but insistent.


    ''We will meet again, Ruby. And when the time is right... you will understand.''

 03. Headmaster Sul

    The world around me spun and twisted as I stepped through the portal. The sensation was unlike anything I''d ever felt¡ªit wasn''t painful, but it wasn''t pleasant either. It was as though I were being unraveled and pieced back together, every fiber of my being stretched thin across dimensions. The swirling light consumed me, blinding my vision until everything suddenly went still.


    I stumbled forward, my feet landing on solid ground. My head swam as I blinked to clear my vision, and slowly, the scene before me came into focus.


    I stood at the base of a massive, towering structure. Its architecture was unlike anything I''d ever seen¡ªgrand, ancient, and yet alive, as though the very stones of the building pulsed with energy. The College of Landan stretched high into the sky, its spires disappearing into the clouds. Glowing runes adorned the stone walls, shifting and shimmering in hues of gold and blue.


    A soft breeze brushed past me, and I realized I was clutching something in my hand. I glanced down to find a piece of parchment, old and slightly frayed at the edges. Written in an elegant script were the words:


    ''Find the Headmaster Sul.''


    I turned the note over, but there was nothing else written. No instructions. No map. Just that cryptic message.


    I swallowed hard, my nerves jangling. The shadow''s words echoed in my mind. Your true purpose, Ruby, lies within these walls.


    Gathering what little courage I had, I climbed the grand stone staircase leading to the College''s main entrance. The doors were enormous, carved with intricate designs depicting strange creatures and battles long past. As I approached, they groaned open on their own, revealing the world inside.


    The sight stole my breath.


    The interior was even more magnificent than the exterior. The ceilings stretched impossibly high, adorned with a shimmering mosaic of stars that twinkled as though alive. Chandeliers floated in midair, casting a warm glow over the grand hall. Students moved through the space, their chatter echoing against the marble floors.


    But it wasn''t the architecture that left me stunned. It was the people¡ªif you could call them that.


    To my left, a tall, regal-looking vampire stood in conversation with a werewolf. The vampire''s skin was pale as moonlight, and his crimson eyes glowed faintly as he gestured with an air of superiority. The werewolf, on the other hand, was massive, his broad shoulders straining against a leather tunic. His amber eyes flickered with amusement as he laughed at something the vampire said.


    Farther ahead, a group of fairies fluttered past, their delicate wings glimmering with iridescent colors. They left a faint trail of golden dust in their wake. One of them turned to glance at me, her luminous eyes narrowing as if she were assessing me.


    A creature with horns like a ram''s and skin the color of molten lava lumbered by, his footsteps heavy enough to make the floor vibrate. He carried a stack of books that looked laughably small in his massive hands. A pair of sirens glided past him, their hair flowing as though underwater, even though they walked on land.


    I stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of species around me. This wasn''t just a school; it was a convergence of worlds, a place where beings from every corner of the universe came together.


    ''First time here?'' a voice said, startling me out of my daze.


    I turned to see a girl around my age¡ªor at least, she looked human enough to be. She had dark skin that shimmered faintly in the light, and her eyes were an unnatural shade of silver, her ears pointy like an elf''s. She wore a uniform: a deep blue jacket with golden trim, a symbol embroidered on the chest that I couldn''t quite decipher.


    ''Uh, yeah,'' I said, my voice faltering. ''Is it that obvious?''


    She grinned, revealing a pair of sharp canines. ''You''re gawking like you''ve never seen a troll before.''


    I blinked. ''Troll?''


    She nodded toward the lava-skinned creature with the books. ''Don''t let his size fool you. Lumeo''s a sweetheart, but you do not want to cross him during exams. He gets... cranky.''


    I managed a weak laugh, clutching the note in my hand like a lifeline. ''I''m, uh, looking for someone. Headmaster Sul. Do you know where I can find him?''


    Her expression shifted slightly, a flicker of curiosity passing over her face. ''The headmaster? You''ve got important business, then. He''s not someone you just run into.'' She glanced at the note in my hand, her silver eyes narrowing. ''Who sent you?''


    I hesitated. ''I don''t... really know. It''s a long story.''


    She studied me for a moment, then nodded as if deciding something. ''Follow me. I''ll take you to his office. But don''t get your hopes up¡ªSul''s not exactly a people person.''


    I followed her through the corridors, my senses on high alert. The hallways were just as alive as the rest of the school, filled with students of every imaginable species. Some floated above the ground, others had tails or claws or wings. Magic hummed in the air, a palpable energy that made my skin tingle.


    ''By the way,'' the girl said as we walked, ''I''m Nyssa. And you are...?''


    ''Ruby,'' I replied, clutching the ruby around my neck. The warmth of it had dulled, but it still pulsed faintly, like it was tethering me to this place.


    ''Well, Ruby,'' Nyssa said, her grin returning, ''welcome to the College of Landan. Get ready, because things are about to get a whole lot weirder.''


    Nyssa led me through a series of winding corridors that seemed to stretch and shift as we moved. It was as though the building itself were alive, adapting and reshaping to suit the needs of its inhabitants. The walls were lined with portraits of past headmasters, their painted eyes following our every step. A chill crept up my spine as I noticed one of the figures smirk at me, just barely, before settling back into its original pose.


    ''Does... does this place usually feel so alive?'' I asked, my voice echoing faintly.


    Nyssa chuckled. ''Alive is an understatement. The College is alive, in its own way. It reacts to us, sometimes helps, sometimes... doesn''t. You''ll get used to it. Or you won''t.'' She threw me a mischievous grin over her shoulder. ''Depends on whether it likes you.''


    I wasn''t entirely sure how to feel about that. Before I could dwell on it, we stopped in front of a massive set of double doors. They were carved from dark wood, adorned with glowing symbols that pulsed faintly like a heartbeat. Nyssa gestured toward them with a flourish.


    ''Here we are. Headmaster Sul''s office.''


    I stared at the doors, my throat dry. ''And he''s... in there?''


    Nyssa raised an eyebrow. ''If you''re lucky. If not, well, the doors will let you know.''


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    I frowned. ''The doors?''


    As if on cue, the runes on the wood flared brighter, and the air around us seemed to vibrate. I stumbled back instinctively, but Nyssa didn''t seem fazed. She crossed her arms and leaned casually against the wall.


    ''Go on,'' she said, smirking. ''Knock. Or don''t. The doors might open for you if they think you''re important enough.''


    I hesitated. This whole situation was surreal. A living building, doors that judged whether I was worthy... What had I gotten myself into?


    Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward and raised my hand to knock. Before I could make contact, the doors creaked open on their own, revealing a dimly lit room beyond. The air inside was heavy with the scent of old books and something faintly metallic.


    Nyssa''s eyebrows shot up, and she let out a low whistle. ''Huh. They like you. Lucky you.''


    I turned to her, but she was already walking away. ''Wait, you''re not coming with me?''


    She grinned over her shoulder. ''This is your journey, Ruby. Good luck.''


    And just like that, I was alone.


    I stepped into the office, my heart pounding. The doors groaned shut behind me, sealing me in. The room was massive, lined with shelves crammed full of books, scrolls, and strange artifacts. A large desk sat in the center, cluttered with papers and glowing objects that hummed softly.


    Clutching the note tightly, my eyes scanned for any signs of ''Headmaster Sul.'' I glanced at the intricate carvings on the walls and the faintly glowing sconces that lined the corridor, casting dancing shadows across the hall. The building seemed almost endless, its scale overwhelming.


    A low, rumbling chuckle echoed through the room, startling me.


    ''Ah, a new arrival,'' came a voice, resonating as if it were emanating from the very walls. It was deep yet strangely melodic, with an odd rhythm to its speech. ''Young... Ruby, yes? Yes. The air around you carries... hmm... the scent of purpose. Yes, yes. Come forward.''


    I froze. My heart pounded, and I turned toward the source of the voice. In the center of the hall, where there had been nothing moments ago, a figure began to materialize, as if forming from the shadows themselves.


    At first, it was hard to discern what¡ªor who¡ªit was. The being shifted constantly, its form fluid, melting from one shape to another in a seamless, hypnotic motion. One moment it resembled a towering humanoid with flowing robes; the next, a wolf with golden eyes; then a great bird with sleek, iridescent feathers. But through all these changes, two things remained constant: the creature''s piercing gaze and the strange air of wisdom it exuded.


    ''Headmaster Sul?'' I asked, my voice hesitant and small.


    The figure tilted its current form¡ªan angular, feline-like head with too many eyes¡ªstudying me with an almost predatory curiosity. Then, he morphed again, settling on a vaguely humanoid shape with shimmering skin that seemed to ripple like liquid mercury. His face, though alien, had a kind of warmth that surprised me.


    ''Ahhh, yes. Headmaster Sul. That is... one name I carry, yes,'' the being said, his words stretching and contracting in odd places. ''You are punctual. Or are you late? Time, you see, is slippery here.'' He waved a hand¡ªor a tendril; I couldn''t quite tell¡ªdismissively. ''Irrelevant, irrelevant.''


    I took a cautious step forward. ''I¡ªI was told to find you. The note...'' I held it up, my hands trembling slightly.


    Headmaster Sul leaned forward, his form rippling as it studied the scrap of paper in my hand. ''Mmm, yes. A note. A simple thing, yes, but also not. Much like you, little Ruby. Much, much like you.''


    My brow furrowed in confusion. ''What do you mean?''


    Sul''s form shifted again, this time into something more humanoid and steady, with features that seemed easier for me to process¡ªa tall, robed figure with glowing, golden eyes. ''You wear the ruby, yes. The key. You hold questions, mmm. So many. But answers... answers are earned, not given. Tell me, young one¡ªwhat does it whisper to you? Does it burn? Or sing?''


    I instinctively reached up to touch the ruby necklace around my neck. It pulsed faintly beneath my fingertips, warm and alive. ''It... it feels like it''s pulling me. I don''t know why, but I feel like I''m supposed to be here. Like it''s... guiding me.''


    Sul hummed, a deep, resonant sound that vibrated in my chest. ''Ahhh, good, good. It knows. You see, the ruby is not just a key. It is a thread, yes¡ªa thread to the tapestry of your destiny. And the tapestry... mmm, it is vast. Full of knots and patterns unseen. But you, Ruby, are a thread we do not yet understand.''


    I blinked, trying to make sense of the cryptic words. ''I don''t understand. Why me?''


    Sul tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. ''Ah, the question they all ask. The why. The why. Such a human thing, yes. But also not.'' He began to pace, his steps silent despite his towering presence. ''You see, the ruby chooses. It always chooses. And why it chose you, mmm, that is something even I cannot say. Not yet. Perhaps not ever.''


    I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. ''So, what am I supposed to do? Why did the ruby bring me here?''


    Sul''s form began to shimmer, its edges blurring as it leaned closer. ''You are here to learn. To train. To understand what you are, who you are, and what you must become. The College will prepare you, yes, but it is not... simple. Nothing here is simple, Ruby. Not the learning, not the choices, and certainly not the truths you seek.''


    I swallowed hard, my throat dry. The weight of Sul''s words¡ªand his presence¡ªpressed down on me. ''What if I''m not ready?'' I asked, my voice cracking.


    Sul chuckled softly, a sound that was both comforting and unnerving. ''Ready? Ah, my dear, no one is ever ready. Readiness is a myth, a lie we tell ourselves to soothe the fear. But you do not need to be ready. You need only to begin.''


    He extended his hand¡ªif it could be called that¡ªtoward me. ''Come, little weaver. Your thread awaits its place. Shall we begin to unravel, or to weave?''


    I hesitated, my mind racing with doubt and fear. But deep within me, I felt the faintest flicker of something else: resolve. With a deep breath, I stepped forward, placing my trembling hand in Sul''s.


    The headmaster''s golden eyes glowed brighter, and his form rippled with approval. ''Ahhh, good. The first step, yes. The hardest step. But not the last.''


    With a wave of his other hand, the grand hall seemed to shift, the walls and floor melting into a new space¡ªa vast library filled with floating books and glowing runes. ''Your journey begins here, Ruby. The College will test you, shape you, change you. But you must decide what you will become.''


    ''Now, young Ruby,'' Sul began, his voice softer yet still resonating with authority, ''you will need tools for your journey. A place to rest your head, a guide to your days, and garments suitable for one who walks these halls.''


    Sul waved a shimmering hand, and a scroll materialized in the air before me, gently unfurling itself. It floated at eye level, glowing faintly. ''This is your schedule,'' Sul said. ''Your days will be structured, though not rigid. Flexibility is key to learning here, for the College has a way of... shifting.''


    I blinked at the scroll, scanning its contents. It was written in elegant, looping script that seemed alive, the words reshaping themselves as I read. Classes like "Fundamentals of Manipulation," "Ethics and Alchemy," and "Astral Navigation" stood out, along with blocks of time labeled simply as "Independent Study."


    ''Do not fret,'' Sul said as my eyes widened. ''Your professors will guide you, and the tasks will unfold as they must. Ah, but one thing¡ªnever be late to the Practical Magic Trials. The College does not take kindly to tardiness.''


    I nodded slowly, still trying to process the sheer variety of the classes. ''What... what happens if I''m late?''


    Sul''s form shimmered, and though he didn''t answer directly, his slight chuckle was unsettling enough to suggest I shouldn''t test the College''s patience.


    ''Now,'' Sul continued, turning his attention to the air beside me. With another wave of his hand, a bundle of fabric appeared, neatly folded and hovering just above my outstretched arms. ''Your uniform. It will adapt to you, as all students here are unique in form and preference. But wear it with care¡ªthis is no ordinary garment. It will serve as a symbol of your place here and as protection, should the need arise.''


    I reached out and grasped the bundle. The fabric was softer than anything I''d felt before, yet it held an almost imperceptible weight, like it was alive with faint magical energy. As I unfolded it, I noticed the deep crimson accents on the otherwise charcoal-grey ensemble, matching the ruby I wore around my neck. The details seemed to shift slightly when I looked at them, as if responding to my thoughts.


    ''And lastly,'' Sul said, his voice grounding me again, ''your place of rest.'' He gestured, and a small, ornate key appeared, floating gently toward me. I grabbed it, marveling at the intricate engravings on its surface¡ªa swirling design that seemed to mirror the patterns of the shifting murals I had seen in the grand hall.


    ''This key will lead you to your dormitory,'' Sul continued. ''Your room lies in the East Wing, on the third floor. The path will reveal itself as you walk; the College has a way of guiding those who belong. Rest well there, for the days ahead will demand much of you.''


    I nodded, clutching the key tightly. I was still absorbing the weight of everything Sul had said when its golden eyes fixed on me once more. ''Ah, and one final matter of importance,'' he said, a faint ripple running through its shimmering form. ''The College is more than just a place of learning; it is a community, a tapestry woven of alliances and shared purpose. Tomorrow, at noon, the list of guild assignments will be displayed in the main hall. Pay close attention.''


    ''Guild assignments?'' I asked, tilting my head.


    ''Yes,'' Sul replied, his tone calm yet firm. ''Each student is placed into one of four guilds: Veil, Seekers, Valorium, or Pathfinders. These guilds form the backbone of the College, shaping how you will train, compete, and collaborate with your peers. They reflect a blend of your potential and the College''s vision for your growth.''


    I frowned slightly. ''What''s the difference between them?''


    Sul''s golden eyes seemed to glow brighter. ''The guilds are... layered, much like the College itself. Veil is the most exclusive, its members gifted in mastering the hidden and arcane. Seekers, bold and cunning, are driven to uncover truths others fear to touch. Valorium, the steadfast, champions strength and leadership. And Pathfinders, ever resourceful, find their way where none existed before.''


    Sul''s form stilled, his presence heavy. ''You may wonder which guild is "best", as humans often do. But the truth is more complicated. The guilds are ranked by tradition, from most powerful to least: Veil, Seekers, Valorium, and Pathfinders. However, power is not always what it seems. Each guild serves a purpose, and your placement will align with the ruby''s will.''


    I glanced down at the ruby hanging from my neck. It pulsed faintly, as though reacting to Sul''s words. ''So, I don''t get to choose?'' I asked.


    ''No,'' Sul said simply, his tone leaving no room for debate. ''The decision is not yours to make. The ruby, the College, and the unseen threads of destiny will decide. You need only be patient. Tomorrow at noon, you will know.''


    The weight of Sul''s words sank in as I tried to imagine what guild I might belong to¡ªand what it would mean for my future. Before I could ask more, Sul''s towering form began to shimmer and shift again.


    ''Rest now,'' he said, his voice softer, almost soothing. ''Explore if you must, but let the College guide you. You have taken the first step, Ruby. The path ahead will reveal itself in time.''


    With that, Sul''s form dissolved into a swirl of shadow and light, leaving me alone in the vast, glowing library. In my hands, I held the key, the schedule, and the uniform¡ªthe first tangible pieces of my new life. Tomorrow, the guild list would decide another piece of my fate. But for now, I had to find my room. Taking a deep breath, I turned and began to walk, letting the College lead me where I needed to go.

 04. Guild assignments

    I clutched the key tighter in my hand as I wandered through the glowing hallways, each turn feeling both unfamiliar and oddly intuitive. The College seemed alive, subtly nudging me in the right direction with the faint flicker of lights or the distant echo of footsteps that led nowhere. The East Wing wasn''t far, I could sense that much, but the sheer size of the building made me feel like a speck in an endless labyrinth.


    I turned another corner, admiring the faint shimmer of the walls, and didn''t notice someone coming from the opposite direction until it was too late. We collided hard enough that I stumbled back a step, the key slipping from my hand and clattering onto the marble floor.


    ''Oh! Sorry,'' I said quickly, bending down to grab the key.


    ''No worries,'' came the response, the voice low and smooth, but almost dismissive.


    I straightened up and glanced at him. He was tall¡ªeasily over six feet¡ªwith dark hair that fell in slightly messy waves around his face. His uniform was sharp, pristine, and accented with deep purple detailing, the color catching the light just enough to make it seem alive. He had an air of quiet confidence, his gaze steady and assessing as he looked me over.


    For a moment, I thought he might say something else, but instead, he gave a slight nod and stepped around me as if I wasn''t worth a second thought.


    ''Uh, sorry again,'' I mumbled, more to myself than to him.


    He didn''t reply, already walking away. His long strides carried him quickly down the hall, his figure soon blending into the ambient glow of the College.


    I shook my head and adjusted the grip on my key. Weird. But I had more important things to focus on than some random guy.


    The halls became narrower as I moved closer to what I assumed was the East Wing. The lights seemed warmer here, more inviting, and the occasional door I passed bore strange engravings similar to the ones on my key. My pulse quickened when I finally saw a staircase spiraling upward, a faint hum emanating from it. The third floor¡ªmy dormitory¡ªwas just a few steps away.


    I glanced back over my shoulder once, but the hall was empty now. Shrugging off the brief encounter, I ascended the staircase, each step feeling lighter than the last.


    The staircase opened up into a cozy landing bathed in a soft golden light, the hum from below fading into a gentle silence. Doors lined the corridor, each one marked with intricate symbols that glowed faintly, pulsing as if alive. I held the key tighter, its cool surface pressing against my palm, and walked slowly, scanning the doors until I spotted one that matched the swirling engravings on my key.


    This was it.


    The door responded to my presence, its symbols flaring brighter for a brief moment before unlocking with a quiet click. I pushed it open hesitantly, stepping into a surprisingly warm and inviting space. The room was spacious, with high ceilings adorned with faintly glowing constellations that shifted slowly, like the night sky come to life. Two large beds sat on opposite sides of the room, separated by a wooden divider carved with patterns similar to the ones on the key. One side of the room was already decorated¡ªa soft, flowing tapestry of dark greens and blues hung above the bed, and books were neatly stacked on the nearby desk.


    The other bed, clearly mine, was bare but inviting. A neatly folded set of linens sat at the foot of it, along with a note that read, ''Welcome, Ruby.''


    ''Finally,'' a familiar voice said from the other side of the divider, pulling my attention away from the bed.


    I froze for a second before peeking around the corner. Sitting cross-legged on her chair, a book in her lap and a cup of tea balanced precariously on the armrest of her chair, was Nyssa¡ªthe same girl who had greeted me when I first stepped into the College building. She looked exactly as I remembered: sharp, with deep auburn hair tied back into a loose braid and those piercing hazel eyes that seemed to see too much.


    ''Oh,'' I said, blinking. ''You''re¡ª''


    ''Nyssa,'' she interrupted, a sly smile tugging at her lips. ''And you''re Ruby. Seems we''re roommates.''


    ''Roommates?'' I repeated, still trying to process it. Of all the people in this massive College, it had to be her?


    She tilted her head, clearly amused by my reaction. ''Surprised? You shouldn''t be. The College has a way of placing people where they need to be.'' She closed her book with a soft thump and gestured toward the unmade bed. ''That''s yours. Welcome to the East Wing, Ruby. Or should I say, welcome to your new home.''


    I let out a small laugh, unsure of what else to do. ''Thanks... I guess.''


    Nyssa took a sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving mine. ''So, how''s your first impression of this place? Overwhelmed yet?''


    I sat down on my bed, running a hand over the soft linens. ''Completely. Sul kind of unloaded a lot on me.''


    Nyssa chuckled softly, her tone understanding but tinged with mischief. ''Yeah, Sul tends to do that. Don''t worry, though¡ªit gets easier. Or maybe you just get used to the chaos.''


    I couldn''t tell if she was being reassuring or teasing me. ''And the guild assignments?'' I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Her expression flickered, just for a moment, before she leaned back in her chair. ''Ah, the infamous guild assignments. You''ll see tomorrow. Everyone gets all worked up about them, but honestly? It''s just another layer of this place''s weird hierarchy. Don''t stress too much about it.''


    ''Easy for you to say,'' I muttered, setting the key on the bedside table.


    Nyssa smirked, her hazel eyes glinting with something I couldn''t quite place. ''You''re sharp, Ruby. You''ll figure it out. But for now...'' She gestured toward my bed. ''Unpack. Settle in. We''ve got a long day tomorrow, and trust me¡ªyou''ll want to be well-rested.''


    Her words lingered in the air as she returned to her book, leaving me to my thoughts. I glanced around the room again, feeling a strange mixture of comfort and anticipation. The College was already throwing more at me than I''d expected, but for now, I had a place to rest, and maybe even a tentative ally in Nyssa.


    As I unpacked my things, the room fell into a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft rustle of Nyssa turning a page in her book. The quiet was nice, giving me a chance to process the whirlwind of events since I''d stepped into the College.


    ''So,'' Nyssa said suddenly, breaking the silence. Her tone was casual, but something in it made me look up from where I was folding the linens. She was watching me again, her hazel eyes sharp with curiosity. ''What kind of species are you, anyway?''


    I froze for a second, caught off guard. ''What?''


    ''You know,'' she said, setting her book aside and leaning forward slightly. ''What are you? Human, fey, elemental, shapeshifter? Or maybe something more unique?''


    I blinked at her, my mind scrambling. ''I... don''t know,'' I admitted, feeling a strange sense of vulnerability as the words left my mouth.


    Nyssa''s brows shot up. ''You don''t know?''


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    ''No,'' I said, shaking my head. ''I''ve never really... thought about it. I mean, I grew up with humans, so I just assumed...'' I trailed off, not entirely sure how to finish the sentence.


    Nyssa''s expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and intrigue flickering across her face. She didn''t say anything right away, her gaze lingering on me as if she were trying to piece something together. Then, after a moment, she leaned back, her smirk returning but softer this time.


    ''Huh,'' she said, almost to herself. ''That''s... interesting.''


    ''Interesting?'' I repeated, frowning.


    ''Yeah,'' she said, waving a hand dismissively. ''It''s just not every day someone gets into the College without knowing what they are. Usually, people have a pretty good idea by the time they''re chosen.''


    I felt a pang of self-consciousness. ''Well, I guess I''m the exception.''


    ''Maybe,'' she said, her tone light but thoughtful. She didn''t push the topic further, which I appreciated, though her curiosity was still evident in the way she glanced at me occasionally as I continued unpacking.


    After a while, she stood and stretched, her movements fluid and unhurried. ''Well, whatever you are, you''re here now. That''s all that matters, right?''


    ''I guess so,'' I said, though the uncertainty in my voice was hard to hide.


    Nyssa shrugged, flashing me an easy grin. ''Don''t overthink it, Ruby. This place has a way of revealing things in its own time. Just focus on surviving tomorrow. The first full day''s always a test, even if they don''t call it that.''


    I nodded, her words settling into my mind as I finished unpacking. Whatever I was¡ªor wasn''t¡ªit didn''t seem to bother her too much, and for now, that was enough.


    Nyssa plopped back onto her bed, grabbing her book again. ''If you''ve got more questions, feel free to ask,'' she said over her shoulder. ''Otherwise, get some rest. Trust me, you''ll need it.''


    With that, the room returned to its comfortable quiet, though my thoughts were far from settled. What kind of species was I? And why did it seem like not knowing was such a big deal? As I slid under the soft covers of my bed, the ruby hanging around my neck pulsed faintly, its warmth soothing yet strangely alive.


    The answers would come eventually¡ªI hoped. But for now, all I could do was close my eyes and let sleep take me, the weight of the day finally fading as the constellations above shifted gently, their soft glow painting the room in a quiet, otherworldly light.


    The next day


    The sound of soft chimes echoed through the room, waking me from a surprisingly restful sleep. I blinked at the beams of golden light filtering through the sheer curtains, momentarily disoriented. Then it hit me¡ªI was still here. At the College.


    I sat up slowly, the ruby around my neck warm against my skin. Across the room, Nyssa was already awake, stretching lazily with a satisfied groan.


    ''Morning,'' she said, her voice groggy but cheerful.


    ''Morning,'' I replied, rubbing my eyes.


    Nyssa threw on her uniform, the deep teal fabric looking pristine despite having been folded overnight. ''Better get moving if we want to eat before the hall gets too crowded,'' she said, her tone light but purposeful.


    I nodded, quickly pulling on my own uniform and securing the ruby. It glimmered faintly as it rested against the dark fabric. Nyssa gave me a once-over and smirked.


    ''You clean up pretty well,'' she said with a teasing edge.


    ''Thanks, I guess?'' I said, chuckling softly.


    We left the dorm and followed the winding corridors of the East Wing. As promised, the College seemed to guide us, the path subtly shifting to lead us toward the main dining hall. The air was alive with the hum of voices, and the faint scent of warm pastries and spiced tea wafted through the halls.


    When we stepped into the dining hall, I couldn''t help but gape. The space was enormous, with vaulted ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly. Sunlight poured through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across long tables laden with food. Students bustled about, their uniforms a patchwork of guild colors: deep purples, vivid reds, shimmering silvers, and earthy greens.


    Nyssa nudged me with her elbow. ''Better grab food before it''s gone,'' she said, already heading toward a table piled high with fresh bread, fruits, and steaming mugs of something that smelled like cinnamon.


    I followed her lead, loading a plate with an assortment of food. There were things I recognized¡ªlike scrambled eggs and toast¡ªand others I didn''t, like a shimmering blue fruit that seemed to glisten in the sunlight. I hesitated for a moment before grabbing one, curious.


    Nyssa plopped down at a nearby table, gesturing for me to join her. As I sat, she tore into a pastry, her hazel eyes scanning the room.


    ''So,'' she said between bites, ''how are you feeling about today?''


    ''Nervous,'' I admitted, poking at the shimmering fruit with my fork. ''The whole guild assignment thing has me on edge.''


    Nyssa shrugged. ''It''s not that bad. Sure, the guilds have their reputations, but at the end of the day, it''s just another group of people to figure out how to deal with.'' She grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. ''Besides, you''ll have me to keep you sane. Assuming we don''t get split up.''


    ''Thanks,'' I said, managing a small smile. Her confidence was oddly reassuring.


    As I took a bite of the blue fruit¡ªsweet, with a tangy aftertaste¡ªI noticed a ripple of attention shift through the room. A group of students entered, their purple-accented uniforms standing out against the sea of other colors. At the center of the group was the tall guy I''d bumped into the day before.


    He didn''t look my way, and I quickly turned my focus back to my plate, hoping Nyssa wouldn''t notice.


    ''What''s up with you?'' she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ''Nothing,'' I said quickly, shaking my head.


    She gave me a curious look but didn''t press the issue. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. ''Well, eat up. The main hall''s going to be packed when they reveal the guild list, and trust me, you''ll want to get there early.''


    I nodded, taking another bite and trying to quiet the swirl of nerves in my stomach. The day had barely started, and it already felt like it was carrying the weight of something important.


    As we finished our breakfast, Nyssa stood, brushing crumbs off her uniform. ''Let''s go,'' she said, her tone light but steady. ''No use stressing over it until we know.''


    I followed her out of the dining hall, the ruby around my neck pulsing faintly as we walked.


    We pushed through the crowd, our footsteps echoing across the stone floor of the main hall as students jostled to get a closer look at the large bulletin board where the guild assignments were posted. The air was thick with anticipation, a nervous buzz swirling around us as the names were slowly being revealed one by one.


    Nyssa walked beside me, her eyes scanning the list with practiced ease, as though she already knew exactly where she would be placed. I couldn''t say the same for myself. My hands were clammy, my heart racing in my chest, and I found myself unable to focus on anything other than the buzzing in my ears.


    ''Here,'' Nyssa said, pulling me gently toward the board. Her finger pointed to a section near the top, where a group of names had already been listed.


    I followed her gaze, my breath catching when I saw the words.


    Nyssa Quinn


    Guild: Seekers


    ''Of course,'' I muttered under my breath. Nyssa had always seemed like the type to fit in with the Seekers¡ªthe ones who were bold, cunning, and ready to uncover truths no one else dared to touch. Magic and combat were her strengths, and I had no doubt she''d be a natural fit.


    ''Nice,'' I said with a smile, trying to hide the pang of envy in my voice.


    She grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ''I knew I''d be placed in Seekers.'' She paused, glancing at me. ''You okay?''


    ''Yeah,'' I replied, though I wasn''t sure I believed it myself. My heart was pounding as I shifted my gaze to the next section, searching for my name.


    Finally, I found it.


    Ruby Ashbluff


    Guild: Pathfinders


    I blinked at the words. Pathfinders. The weakest of the guilds, the ones who were neither feared nor revered. The ones who weren''t quite sure of themselves, the undecided. The guild that wandered without direction, their members meant to find their own way in the world.


    My stomach dropped. This wasn''t how I''d imagined it. I wasn''t part of something powerful, something important. I was in the guild that was seen as lacking, the one people dismissed as unremarkable.


    ''I''m in... Pathfinders,'' I said, my voice hollow as I stared at the paper in disbelief.


    Nyssa turned, her face softening with sympathy. ''Hey, it''s not that bad. They say everyone has their place. Maybe this is where you''re meant to be.''


    But all I could feel was a sense of disappointment. I hadn''t realized until that moment how much I had hoped to be placed in something that would give me purpose¡ªsomething that would make me feel strong. Instead, I had been given a guild that was seen as the lowest of the low, a group for those who hadn''t yet figured out who they were.


    ''Pathfinders,'' I whispered again, as if saying it would make it more real. ''I''m... I''m just lost.''


    Nyssa''s hand landed on my shoulder. ''Hey,'' she said softly, ''don''t overthink it. You''ll find your way. Trust me.''


    But the words didn''t reach me. I couldn''t shake the feeling of being worthless. Why would the College, or whatever force guided these decisions, place me with the Pathfinders? What did I have to offer?


    As I stood there, my heart sinking deeper into my chest, the hall grew quieter. A tall figure stepped to the front of the room, his presence immediately commanding attention.


    ''Students,'' he said, his voice smooth and authoritative. ''I am Professor Silver Loui, Master of Ancient Magic. I trust you all have your assignments.''


    A ripple of murmurs passed through the crowd, but most of us were still too absorbed in the shock of our placements to respond.


    ''Now,'' Professor Loui continued, his voice carrying over the chatter, ''you will all head to your guild rooms to meet your guild leaders and begin your training. The Pathfinders will head to the eastern wing¡ªsecond floor. Seekers, you will be meeting in the west tower.'' He paused, his eyes scanning the crowd, and I couldn''t help but feel his gaze briefly linger on me, though I wasn''t sure why.


    ''Go now,'' he finished with a slight flick of his hand, ''and remember, this is only the beginning. There is much to learn, and you all have potential, even if you don''t see it yet.''


    The moment he finished speaking, the students began to file out of the main hall, the buzz of conversation rising again as everyone began to move toward their respective guild rooms.


    I stood frozen, feeling smaller than ever. I had no idea where to go, no idea what I was meant to do now. Pathfinders. It felt like a label, one I couldn''t shake.


    Nyssa nudged me gently, her eyes still kind. ''C''mon. We''ll head to your guild room first, alright?''


    I nodded, but my steps felt heavy as I followed her through the hall. The weight of my guild assignment pressed on me with every step, and I couldn''t shake the fear that I was falling behind before I''d even started.


    What if I wasn''t good enough? What if I was just wandering, never finding my place? What if being in Pathfinders meant I was destined to fail?


    I tried to push the thoughts away, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn''t see a way out.

 05. Watched

    As we made our way toward the eastern wing, the atmosphere felt heavier with each step. The winding corridors felt longer now, the walls narrowing, like the College itself was pushing me into this unknown space. I could feel the weight of my guild assignment dragging me down, the label of Pathfinders etched in my mind like an unwanted mark.


    When we reached the door to the Pathfinders'' guild room, I hesitated for a moment. Nyssa''s presence beside me was a small comfort, but I could tell she was eager to go to the Seekers'' meeting. She gave me an encouraging smile.


    ''You''ve got this,'' she said. ''Don''t overthink it. You''ll fit right in.''


    I nodded, even though I wasn''t sure I believed her. I pushed the door open, and the room beyond was dimly lit, with a large wooden table surrounded by mismatched chairs. The walls were lined with shelves of books, maps, and strange relics. The scent of parchment and old wood filled the air, a far cry from the bright, bustling halls of the College.


    At the far end of the room, a tall figure sat in one of the chairs, a pair of boots propped up on the table. His dark, red eyes glinted with a knowing light, and his presence was immediately imposing. He looked every bit the demon that he was, his horns curving just above his dark hair, which was slicked back into a neat style. His black and silver uniform was a sharp contrast to the casual, lazy air he exuded.


    ''Well, well,'' he said, his voice a smooth rumble that echoed through the room. ''Another lost soul walking through the door.'' His lips curved into a smirk as he pushed his boots off the table and stood. ''You must be Ruby Ashbluff.''


    I stiffened. ''Yeah. That''s me.''


    ''Tyson,'' he said, with an almost bored tone, as if introducing himself was the least important thing on his mind. ''Your guild leader.'' He gave me a long, assessing look, clearly taking in my uniform, the ruby necklace hanging around my neck. ''You''re in the right place. Though...'' He gave a mock frown. ''I''d hoped for someone a bit more... competent.''


    I couldn''t help it¡ªI bristled. ''I''m not incompetent,'' I shot back, my voice sharper than I meant it to be.


    Tyson raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. ''Well, we''ll see. Pathfinders aren''t about being competent, they''re about finding your own way. A group of misfits, in case you hadn''t figured that out yet. Welcome to the club.''


    I opened my mouth to retort, but then the door to the room swung open, and another figure entered. He was shorter than Tyson, but his presence immediately made itself known in the room. His ginger hair seemed almost too bright against his dark clothing, and he carried himself with the kind of swagger that immediately made me want to roll my eyes. His smile was wide, infectious, and the lightest glimmer of mischief danced in his hazel eyes.


    ''Well, look at this,'' the newcomer said with a playful grin, looking between Tyson and me. ''A demon and a lost lamb. How adorable.''


    ''Wes,'' Tyson muttered, rolling his eyes. ''Don''t start with me.''


    Wes chuckled, his smile widening. ''Oh, come on, Tyson, you know I can''t resist. Besides, I''m here to help guide the lost souls. It''s my specialty.'' He gave me a wink.


    I couldn''t help but smile despite myself. There was something about his playful attitude that was disarming. But then again, I had no idea what to expect in this guild. Tyson was intimidating, and Wes seemed like the complete opposite¡ªtoo relaxed for his own good.


    ''I''m Wes Calloway,'' he said, extending a hand toward me. ''Shape-shifter extraordinaire. And I''m guessing you''re Ruby. Though, you don''t exactly look like someone who would end up in the Pathfinders. No offense.'' He gave me a mock appraising look, but his smile softened the blow.


    ''None taken,'' I said, trying to sound confident, but feeling anything but.


    Tyson looked between us, his red eyes narrowing. ''Wes, don''t you have something better to do than crack jokes? There''s actual work to be done.''


    Wes waved a hand dismissively, like he was above the idea of working seriously. ''Yeah, yeah. Let me guess¡ªare you going to make her go on some soul-searching journey, Tyson? You''ve been a bit much since we first met.''


    Tyson gritted his teeth, clearly frustrated. ''I''m just saying, Wes, you could stand to take things more seriously. Not everyone needs to rely on cheap jokes to make it through the day.''


    ''Oh, I take plenty seriously,'' Wes replied, not backing down. ''Just not when I''m around you, buddy.'' He grinned, looking at me as if Tyson were some big brother he liked to tease. ''Besides, I''m sure Ruby will figure it out in her own way, right?''


    I found myself laughing, even though I wasn''t sure what was so funny. The ease with which Wes teased Tyson was oddly comforting, as though it was okay to not have everything figured out. For the first time that day, I felt a small flicker of hope. Maybe this guild wasn''t going to be so terrible after all.


    Tyson cleared his throat, cutting through the banter. ''Enough. I''ve got something for you two. A little task to... test your skills. Or rather, to help you find your path. There''s a pearl hidden somewhere on campus. Your job is to find it. You''ll need to follow the clues carefully.''


    I raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to feel excited or uneasy. ''A pearl? What does that have to do with anything?''


    Wes stepped forward, clearly intrigued. ''Wait, this sounds interesting. A hidden treasure hunt? Now we''re talking.''


    Tyson waved a hand as if brushing aside the theatrics. ''The clue says: "Where knowledge flows and wisdom gleams, A quiet place with rippling streams. Beneath the bridge where students tread, A pearl lies where the books are read."''


    Wes let out a low whistle. ''Ah, this sounds easy enough. A bridge near the library, huh? That''s got to be the one with the peaceful stream. I''m sure it''s a nice little spot for a hidden treasure.'' His grin was wide, but there was a gleam of determination in his eyes too.


    I could feel a flicker of excitement building in my chest. A task like this might give me something to focus on, something I could do to prove myself. I wasn''t sure about my place in the guild yet, but I could prove that I was capable of handling this.


    Tyson sighed, clearly not enjoying the idea of Wes'' enthusiasm. ''Just don''t get too cocky. It''s not about the treasure. It''s about learning to work together, figuring things out on your own, and testing your skills. You both need to work together, and if you can''t¡ªwell, then we''ll see if you''re really cut out for this guild.''


    Wes chuckled, clearly unfazed by Tyson''s stern tone. ''I think we''ll manage just fine. Right, Ruby?''


    I smiled faintly, nodding. ''Yeah, we''ll figure it out.'' I was starting to feel the weight of the task settle in, but there was something in Wes'' energy¡ªsomething playful¡ªthat made me feel like I could handle whatever came next.


    Tyson gave us a final look, his eyes still narrowed in suspicion. ''Don''t screw this up,'' he muttered, then turned to leave, clearly done with both of us for the moment.


    Wes watched him go, his smile fading into a more serious expression. He turned back to me, hands in his pockets. ''So, what do you think? Ready to find that pearl?''


    I nodded, my nerves tingling. ''I think so. Let''s do it.''


    We turned toward the door, and as we walked down the corridor, I couldn''t shake the feeling that this was the start of something much bigger than I''d anticipated.


    10 minutes later


    The bridge was quiet, the faint sound of a stream gurgling beneath it mingling with the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. The library loomed behind us, its stone walls quiet and imposing, as if it had seen centuries of secrets whispered within. Wes was already pacing the edge of the bridge, his fingers brushing against the old wood as he muttered about how easy it was to spot a pearl hidden somewhere so... obvious.


    I wasn''t so sure. The task felt simple enough on the surface, but something in the back of my mind kept gnawing at me. As I stepped closer to the stone railing, scanning the area for any sign of the hidden pearl, I felt an odd sensation¡ªlike eyes were on me.


    My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly turned around, my gaze darting to the nearby woods that stretched just beyond the bridge. A chill ran down my spine, and I squinted, my senses sharpening.


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    For a moment, everything was still. The wind was quiet, the stream had slowed, and I felt an unsettling silence settle over the area.


    Then¡ªjust as quickly as I''d noticed it¡ªa shadow flickered between the trees at the edge of the forest. It was quick, almost too fast to register. My breath caught in my throat as I stared, trying to make sense of what I''d seen. The shadow had the shape of something tall and thin, and just as I moved to focus on it, it vanished into the underbrush.


    "Did you see that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.


    Wes, who had been fiddling with the edge of the bridge, glanced over at me with a raised eyebrow. "See what?"


    "Something... something moved in the woods." I felt my pulse quicken. The air around me felt thick, heavier somehow, like the atmosphere had changed.


    Wes rolled his eyes with a grin, clearly not taking me seriously. "Ruby, it''s just the woods. It''s probably an animal or the wind. You''re letting your imagination run wild."


    I shook my head, not convinced. "No, this felt different. Like someone was watching me."


    Wes stepped closer to me, his smile turning a little more serious. "You sure you''re not just feeling the pressure of the task getting to you? You''re not exactly in the most comfortable spot to be on edge."


    I wanted to brush it off, to tell him that it was nothing. But the feeling didn''t go away. I glanced back at the trees, my eyes scanning the shadows beneath the branches, hoping for any sign of movement. But it was as quiet as before.


    "Maybe you''re right," I muttered, trying to shake it off. "It was probably nothing."


    Wes looked at me, his playful grin returning, though his eyes still held a hint of curiosity. "Come on, let''s focus on the task. A pearl''s not going to find itself."


    He stepped away from me, heading toward the side of the bridge where the stream wound through the rocks. I hesitated for a moment, still uneasy, but forced myself to follow. The whole area was too quiet, too still.


    We continued to search the space around the bridge, Wes pulling aside some rocks and inspecting the dirt, all while cracking jokes to lighten the mood. But I couldn''t shake the feeling that something¡ªor someone¡ªwas out there, watching us from the edges of the woods.


    I tried to focus, pushing the sensation aside. If I was going to prove myself in the Pathfinders, I needed to be sharp, to handle whatever came my way. But every time I looked toward the trees, I felt that sense of unease creeping back.


    Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw a flicker again¡ªa movement, quick and deliberate. My heart skipped a beat. I whipped around, but again, the shadow was gone, vanishing into the thick underbrush with impossible speed.


    "What is it, Ruby?" Wes asked, not looking up from where he was crouched by a pile of stones.


    "I saw something again," I said, my voice low, my breath coming quicker than before. "It''s like someone''s out there, watching us. I don''t know who or what, but..." I trailed off, my stomach twisting with anxiety.


    Wes straightened, dusting his hands off as he looked up at me with an amused but concerned expression. "Alright, alright, now you''re really creeping me out. You''re telling me there''s some kind of spooky figure lurking in the woods?"


    "I don''t know," I admitted, shaking my head, trying to focus. "It''s just a feeling. Like... someone''s there. I swear I saw something move."


    Wes sighed, standing up fully now. He looked thoughtful for a moment before turning to face the woods, scanning the tree line. "You know, I might have heard some rumors about strange things happening around this part of the campus. But hey, we''ve got a job to do, right? Let''s focus on finding this pearl and leave the ghosts and shadows for later."


    Despite his casual tone, I could tell Wes was taking it seriously now too. He glanced around once more, his usual lightheartedness dimming for just a second.


    I nodded, even though my insides were still coiling with unease. Wes gave me a reassuring grin, though, and it helped calm me just a little.


    "Alright. I''ll take the left side, you take the right. Let''s see if we can''t find this pearl and get back to Tyson without being haunted by whatever''s in the trees."


    We moved into our separate spaces, Wes stepping toward the far end of the bridge and me toward the path that curved around a large boulder. As I moved along the edge of the stream, I couldn''t shake the feeling that I was being followed. Every rustle of the wind through the trees seemed to echo in my ears, and each time I looked over my shoulder, I half expected to see a figure looming just out of reach.


    Then, my foot hit something cold¡ªsmooth, polished. I froze, my heart skipping a beat.


    There, half-buried in the dirt near the water''s edge, was a small object¡ªa gleaming pearl.


    I bent down slowly, my fingers trembling slightly as I reached for it. The moment my hand touched the smooth surface, a strange, almost electric sensation shot up my arm. The world seemed to hold its breath for a moment, and I quickly snatched the pearl, clutching it tightly in my palm.


    As I stood up, a sharp, sudden rustling sound broke through the tension, followed by a deep, low growl. My blood ran cold. I spun around, heart racing, ready to defend myself¡ªbut there was nothing. Just the quiet sound of the stream, the rustling of the leaves, and the distant chirp of birds.


    No shadow. No figure.


    I exhaled, trying to calm my racing heart. My grip on the pearl tightened, and I made my way back toward Wes, trying to shake off the feeling that the woods had been watching, waiting for me to leave.


    "Wes," I called, my voice trembling despite myself.


    He looked up from where he was inspecting another stone, his face lighting up as he noticed the pearl in my hand. "Oh hey, there you are. Did you find it?"


    I held it up, still shaken. "Yeah... but I swear, I felt something."


    Wes grinned, but I could see the concern in his eyes now. "Hey, at least you found it. Maybe your instincts were right."


    I nodded, feeling the weight of the pearl in my hand. Something was definitely off, but for now, I had the Pearl and that was enough.


    Wes and I made our way back toward the college grounds, the quiet tension lingering in the air as we walked together. The pearl was a solid weight in my palm, its smooth surface both reassuring and strange. I glanced over at Wes, who seemed to be trying to shake off the unease as well, his usual joking demeanor slightly muted.


    "So," I said, breaking the silence, "we found the pearl. Tyson''s gonna be thrilled."


    Wes grinned. "Yeah, though I think we made it look way too easy. You know Tyson''s probably been sitting there all smug, assuming we''d screw it up somehow."


    I chuckled. "Yeah, you''re probably right. But hey, we got it done."


    Wes''s grin widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. "And now we get to see Tyson''s grumpy side. He''ll probably act like it was no big deal¡ª''cause it wasn''t for him."


    I couldn''t help but smile at his teasing. It was easy to forget the weight of the morning''s task when Wes was around, making everything feel a little less daunting. We reached the guild room, and I hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open.


    Inside, Tyson sat at a large desk, his dark eyes scanning over a stack of papers. His horns, just visible beneath his messy black hair, gave him an almost intimidating appearance, but there was something oddly comforting about his presence. As he looked up, his sharp gaze softened, and a grin tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Well, well, looks like you two made it back in one piece. That''s a surprise."


    I rolled my eyes. "Not funny, Tyson."


    Wes stepped forward, holding up the pearl. "We got it. No thanks to your cryptic clue-giving." He smirked, his ginger hair falling messily over his forehead.


    Tyson''s grin faded into a more serious expression as he looked at the pearl, his eyes flickering with approval. "Nice work. This is exactly what I expected."


    I felt a small sense of pride, but it was overshadowed by the unsettling thoughts from earlier. I had almost forgotten about the strange feeling in the woods, but the moment Tyson looked at the pearl, something in the room shifted. The air felt charged again, like the task had unlocked something hidden.


    Wes, ever the jokester, slapped me on the back. "I''ll let Ruby take the credit. She found it, after all. I just helped with the hard part."


    Tyson raised an eyebrow. "You two are ridiculous, but fine. Good job."


    I smiled faintly, but my mind kept drifting back to that feeling of being watched. It lingered even now, even with Tyson and Wes joking around. I just couldn''t shake the sense that there was more to this than what we had uncovered.


    "So, now what?" I asked, pushing my concerns aside.


    Tyson leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Now we wait. There''s always something else coming up for Pathfinders. We''ll figure it out when the time comes. You''ll learn quickly enough."


    I nodded, my gaze dropping to the pearl in my hand.


    "Alright," Wes said, his voice brightening, "we should probably let Tyson get back to his papers. No need to bore him with our stellar sense of humor."


    Tyson gave him a pointed look. "I''m never bored, Wes. Not when I have you two to keep me entertained." His eyes flicked toward me, a brief flicker of something unreadable in them. "Don''t take too long to figure things out, Ruby. There''s a lot waiting for you here."


    The weight of his words made my stomach twist. Tyson didn''t often get serious, and I wasn''t sure what he meant, but I couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off.


    Later that afternoon


    As I walked back to my dorm, the familiar sights of the college felt oddly foreign. The halls were quieter than usual, and the air had a crisp bite to it, signaling the change of seasons.


    I adjusted the strap of my bag, my mind still on the events of the day, trying to put them in order. I had barely made it to the entrance of my dorm before a figure stepped out from the shadows.


    Before I could react, a hand gripped my wrist, pulling me back into the hall. I gasped, panic surging through me, but the person was quick, a whisper barely reaching my ear.


    "You''ve been selected to join The Gem Order," the voice murmured, low and urgent. "Come to the garden at 1 AM. Don''t tell anyone."


    The words hit me like a cold wave, and for a moment, I couldn''t move. The voice was muffled, cloaked in a sense of secrecy, and the grip on my wrist tightened as the person leaned in closer, their breath cool against my ear.


    "You must come," they said, their tone pressing into me like a command.


    I barely had time to process before they released my wrist and vanished into the shadows, leaving me standing there in stunned silence. My heart was hammering in my chest, my breath shallow as I tried to make sense of what had just happened.


    I looked around quickly, but there was no one in sight. The halls of the dorm seemed impossibly still, like I was the only one left. I took a few steps forward, my pulse racing, and my mind was spinning.


    The Gem Order? I had never heard of it, and yet the urgency in the stranger''s voice was undeniable. What did it mean? Who was this person, and why had they chosen me?


    I pressed my hand to my chest, trying to steady myself. The feeling of being watched from earlier in the day returned, stronger now. It felt like something¡ªor someone¡ªwas pulling the strings, controlling the course of my life. But why?


    I stood frozen in the hall for a moment longer, my mind whirling with questions. Should I go? Could I trust this stranger? What was The Gem Order, and why had I been selected?


    I knew one thing for certain¡ªthis wasn''t a coincidence. Whatever was happening, whatever had just started, it was only the beginning.


    And I had a feeling I wasn''t ready for what came next.

 06, No way out

    The college grounds were eerily silent as I slipped out of my dorm, my breath curling into the cold night air. Shadows stretched long across the stone pathways, and every sound seemed amplified¡ªthe crunch of gravel beneath my boots, the whisper of the wind through the trees. My pulse pounded in my ears.


    I didn''t want to be here.


    But I didn''t have a choice.


    The whisper from earlier echoed in my mind, low and sharp: ''You''ve been selected to join The Gem Order. Come to the garden at 1 AM. Don''t tell anyone.''


    It hadn''t been a request. It had been a command.


    And something about the way it had been delivered¡ªthe firm grip on my wrist, the breath against my ear¡ªmade me certain of one thing: if I didn''t go, they would come for me.


    The garden loomed ahead, its hedges curling into a labyrinth of twisting paths and shadowed alcoves. I hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside. The air here was thicker, heavier, almost humming with something unseen.


    A figure stood at the center, waiting.


    Dressed in black, his long coat shifting like liquid darkness, he barely moved as I approached. His hood was drawn low, but even in the dim moonlight, I could see his sharp features and piercing gray eyes. He radiated control. Authority.


    I knew instantly: this was Rueben.


    Only... I didn''t know who Rueben was.


    His name meant nothing to me, but there was something unsettlingly familiar about him. Like a name on the tip of my tongue, a half-forgotten dream slipping through my fingers.


    ''You came,'' he said, his voice smooth as glass.


    I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. ''Did I have a choice?''


    A slow smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, though there was no warmth in it. ''No,'' he admitted. ''You didn''t.''


    The confirmation sent a chill down my spine.


    I forced myself to stand tall. ''What do you want from me?''


    Rueben tilted his head slightly, as if considering his response. ''The Gem Order does not extend invitations lightly. Those who join us do so because they must¡ªbecause they are meant to.''


    Something in his tone made it clear: ''meant to'' didn''t mean destined. It meant trapped.


    ''You were chosen because you possess something unique,'' he continued. ''A potential the college would rather you never unlock.''


    I swallowed. ''What kind of potential?''


    ''You will learn soon enough.'' Rueben stepped forward, and though his movements were slow, they carried an undeniable weight. ''But first, you must prove yourself.''


    The moment he said those words, a sharp heat flared against my chest.


    I sucked in a breath, wincing as I reached for my ruby necklace. It was burning¡ªhotter than I''d ever felt it before. The pendant glowed with an eerie crimson light, the same deep red as fire embers, and for a moment, I swore it pulsed in time with my racing heartbeat.


    Rueben''s eyes flickered to it. His expression didn''t change, but something in the air shifted, crackling with unseen energy.


    ''What''s happening?'' I demanded, my fingers tightening around the pendant.


    Rueben didn''t answer. Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small, smooth stone, no larger than a coin. It shimmered faintly in the moonlight, a deep, iridescent blue.


    ''This,'' he said, holding it between two fingers, ''is a Locator''s Eye. It attunes to lost things, hidden things. We need you to retrieve something valuable to the Order.''


    He extended the stone toward me. I hesitated before reaching out, the cool surface pressing against my palm.


    ''What am I looking for?'' I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.


    Rueben''s gray eyes locked onto mine. ''A key,'' he said. ''Hidden somewhere deep within the Forbidden Archives.''


    My stomach dropped.


    The Forbidden Archives¡ªa place no student was allowed to enter. The professors guarded it with spells, and those who tried to sneak in were expelled. No exceptions.


    Rueben must have seen the hesitation in my eyes, because his voice dropped lower, turning sharper. ''Failure is not an option, Ruby.''


    I clutched the Locator''s Eye tighter, my other hand still gripping my burning ruby necklace.


    The glow was starting to fade, but my skin still tingled from the heat.


    What does this mean? Why had my necklace reacted to him?


    I wanted to ask. I wanted to demand answers¡ªwho Rueben really was, why my necklace burned in his presence, what exactly The Gem Order was.


    But I already knew I wouldn''t get answers.


    Not yet.


    Rueben turned slightly, gesturing toward the path behind me. ''Someone will be waiting to guide you to the entrance. You leave now.''


    ''Now?'' I repeated, my breath catching. ''I¡ª''


    But Rueben was already stepping back into the shadows, his figure dissolving into the night like he had never been there at all.


    I looked down at the shimmering stone in my palm, my pulse hammering in my ears.


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    No way out. No way back. Only forward.


    The air in the garden had been thick with the scent of damp earth and something else¡ªsomething sharp and metallic, like the taste of blood after biting your lip. Rueben''s voice still echoed in my head as I slipped through the silent corridors of the College, my footsteps barely making a sound against the cold stone.


    Retrieve the key from the Forbidden Archives.


    The task was vague, the details sparse, but Rueben''s command had left no room for negotiation. This wasn''t a choice¡ªI''d been forced into this.


    My fingers brushed against the ruby necklace at my throat. It had glowed and burned in Rueben''s presence, as if it knew something I didn''t. As if it recognized him. But I didn''t know who or what he was.


    I just knew I was alone in this.


    The entrance to the Forbidden Archives loomed ahead, an iron-wrought door with an intricate pattern of runes glowing faintly along its surface. I swallowed hard. There were dozens of places in the College that were off-limits, but this? This was different. The Archives weren''t just restricted. They were sealed. Locked behind layers of magic that only those with the right access could break through.


    So how was I supposed to get in?


    I crouched beside the door, tracing a finger over the runes. The magic was old¡ªolder than the College itself, maybe. But as I concentrated, the ruby at my neck pulsed, a slow, steady rhythm like a second heartbeat. Heat flared against my skin.


    Then the runes flickered.


    I yanked my hand back just as the glow around the door faded. A soft click echoed in the silence, and the iron creaked open an inch.


    My breath hitched.


    The ruby had done something.


    I wasn''t sure if that was a good thing or a very, very bad thing.


    I pushed the door open just enough to slip inside, my pulse thrumming in my ears.


    The moment I crossed the threshold, the air changed. The warmth of the College halls vanished, replaced by a chill that seeped into my bones.


    The Forbidden Archives were nothing like the grand library I was used to. Here, the shelves stretched endlessly into darkness, twisting in unnatural ways, like they didn''t follow the normal rules of space. The air was heavy with the scent of old parchment and something decayed.


    The door creaked shut behind me.


    I was on my own.


    I moved carefully through the aisles, my fingers grazing the spines of books whose titles had been scratched away. The dim, flickering lanterns along the walls barely lit the way, their blue flames casting distorted shadows that danced like figures in the dark.


    The key, I reminded myself. Find the key.


    But Rueben hadn''t told me what it looked like. Just that it was here, waiting.


    I rounded a corner and stopped short.


    In the center of the aisle, an old wooden desk stood alone, covered in scattered papers. But it wasn''t the desk that caught my attention.


    It was the pedestal behind it.


    And the object resting atop it.


    A small, ornate key, gleaming like molten silver.


    Found it.


    I took a step forward¡ªbut the moment my foot hit the floor, the temperature dropped. The lanterns flickered violently.


    And then, from the shadows, something moved.


    A figure emerged from the darkness, slow and deliberate.


    At first, I thought it was a student, someone like me who had wandered too far. But as it stepped into the weak glow of the lanterns, my stomach twisted.


    It wasn''t human.


    Its form flickered, shifting like smoke, its face featureless save for hollow, empty eyes. Its presence seeped into the air, thick with something unnatural.


    A guardian.


    It didn''t speak. It didn''t need to. The way it moved, the way the shadows curled around its limbs, I knew exactly what it wanted.


    I wasn''t supposed to be here.


    The moment I reached for the key, it would stop me.


    Or worse.


    I took a slow step back, but the guardian moved with me, its empty gaze locked onto mine.


    I needed a plan.


    I needed to move.


    My fingers curled around the ruby at my throat. I didn''t know what it was, or why it had reacted to Rueben, but it had helped me before.


    I took a risk.


    Clenching my fist around the stone, I focused¡ªon the heat, on the power thrumming beneath my skin.


    Do something.


    A pulse of warmth flared through my chest, and for a second, nothing happened. Then the air shifted. The lanterns flared brighter, their blue flames surging, and a sharp gust of wind howled through the aisle.


    The guardian hesitated.


    That was all I needed.


    I ran.


    I grabbed the key from the pedestal just as the shadows surged toward me.


    Cold, clawing hands brushed my skin¡ªbut before they could take hold, the ruby burned.


    A burst of crimson light exploded from the pendant, slamming into the guardian like a shockwave.


    It let out a soundless scream, its form unraveling into black mist.


    I didn''t wait to see if it would reform.


    Clutching the key, I turned and bolted for the exit.


    I didn''t stop running until I was back in the garden.


    The night air was sharp against my skin, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My hands shook as I uncurled my fingers, revealing the key resting against my palm.


    It was warm.


    Like it had been waiting for me.


    A shadow shifted in the moonlight.


    Rueben.


    He stood at the edge of the garden, dressed in black, watching me with unreadable eyes.


    For a moment, neither of us spoke.


    Then he stepped forward, his gaze flicking to the key in my hand.


    ''You did well,'' he said, voice smooth and calm.


    The ruby burned against my skin.


    I clenched my teeth, shoving my emotions down. ''I didn''t have a choice.''


    Rueben tilted his head slightly, considering me. Then, without another word, he held out his hand.


    I hesitated. But in the end, I placed the key in his palm.


    He closed his fingers around it, the silver gleam disappearing into his grasp. Then he smiled.


    ''Welcome to the Gem Order, Ruby.''


    ''Now that you''ve completed your task, I''ll explain the rules. You''re a part of something bigger than you can comprehend right now, Ruby. But for now, you need to understand this.'' He paused, his gaze steady and cold, like a warning. ''You cannot tell anyone. No one. Not your friends. Not your fellow guildmates. Not even your closest allies. Not a single soul.''


    I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. My fingers tightened around the ruby necklace, which still burned against my skin. I wanted to ask him what this was all for, why I was being forced into this secretive group, but I held my tongue.


    He seemed to sense my frustration and continued, his voice becoming more intense.


    ''If anyone finds out about the Gem Order, it will put everything in danger. You, your friends, the Order itself. There''s no room for mistakes, no room for weakness. You''ll learn more in time, but for now, you cannot speak of it to anyone.''


    I nodded stiffly, though the weight of his words settled heavily in my chest.


    ''You''ll have tasks to complete, things you may not understand at first,'' Rueben went on. ''But you must follow them, no questions asked. The Order will guide you when it''s necessary, and it will test you when it''s needed. Your loyalty is paramount.''


    Loyalty. That word seemed to echo in my mind, a reminder of everything I was being forced into. I wasn''t sure how much I could trust this cryptic leader, but I knew one thing for sure¡ªrefusing him was not an option.


    He gave me a long, measured look, and then, finally, a cold smile tugged at the corner of his lips.


    ''You''ll be contacted again soon. Until then, keep your head down. Don''t draw attention. Do your best to forget this conversation.''


    My chest tightened at the finality in his tone. He was done talking. But I wasn''t done feeling the weight of the situation.


    Without another word, Rueben turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving me standing alone in the quiet garden.


    The only sound that remained was the faint whisper of the wind¡ªfamiliar, yet unsettling. The ruby at my throat was still warm, and I felt a growing sense of dread in the pit of my stomach.


    What had I gotten myself into?


    I turned and quietly made my way back to the dorm.


    The College was eerily quiet as I walked through the halls, the shadows long and stretching beneath the faint glow of the lanterns. I moved with as much stealth as I could muster, my heart still racing with the adrenaline of my mission and the cryptic words of Rueben swirling in my mind.


    I reached my dorm in silence, the door clicking softly as I entered. My heart was still pounding, but I tried to keep my breath steady. The last thing I needed was to wake anyone, especially Nyssa, with all the questions I had swirling in my head.


    I didn''t know what to make of Rueben''s offer¡ªor threat, really. I''d been inducted into something I didn''t understand, with rules that felt suffocating, and a leader who was cold and distant. It was all too much to process.


    The room was dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the moon through the curtains. I tiptoed to my bed, not daring to make a sound. My heart was still a drumbeat in my chest, but the fear and confusion were starting to settle into a heavy weariness.


    I slipped under the covers, the softness of the bed doing little to ease the tension in my body. My fingers brushed against the ruby necklace again, feeling the warmth of it still lingering on my skin. Why had it reacted to Rueben like that? Was it because of the Gem Order? What was so special about this necklace?


    So many questions, none of which I had answers to.


    I closed my eyes, willing my thoughts to stop, trying to convince myself that I could rest¡ªjust for a few hours. My mind kept racing, but the weight of exhaustion slowly dragged me under, my body surrendering to the call of sleep.


    I would have to deal with the consequences tomorrow, I realized. But for now, all I could do was sleep.


    And as I drifted off, I couldn''t shake the feeling that my life was already spinning down a path I couldn''t turn back from. The Gem Order had already taken hold of me, and I had no idea where it was leading.