Sunset came quicker than they expected.

Harmony band stepped into their dorm room, the soft click of the door sealing them inside.
The space was simple, but inviting—beds tucked beneath wide windows, the fading light spilling gently across the polished hardwood floor.

A small bookshelf stood quietly in the corner, its shelves lined with well-worn sheet music. The faint scent of lavender hung softly in the air, comforting and familiar.

Catherine collapsed onto the nearest bed with a relieved groan.
“Finally,” she sighed, tossing her bag carelessly aside.
“If I have to smile at one more fancy thing today, I’m gonna pass out.”

Evelyn gently placed her belongings by the wardrobe and smoothed the skirt of her uniform.
“It was a lot to take in,” she admitted with a soft laugh.
“But the Sanctum of Echoes... it really took my breath away.”

Eluera said nothing at first. She moved quietly to the window, resting her hand lightly on the cool frame.

Outside, the academy shimmered beneath the dusky sky—lights twinkling like stars, students drifting like soft shadows through the grounds.

“It’s... really happening,” Eluera whispered.
“We’re here...”

—

Evelyn drifted toward the bookshelf, fingertips grazing the spines of old music scores.
“These must’ve been left behind by students before us,” she murmured, her voice full of wonder.
“They left their stories, like whispers from the past.”

Catherine peeked into the kitchenette.
“Mini fridge. Kettle. No coffee machine… Yeah, that’s a tragedy right there.”

Evelyn smiled faintly, a small curl at the corner of her lips.
“Looks like we’ll be brewing tea the old-fashioned way.”

They explored the room, discovering every little detail—the wardrobe filled with pressed academy blazers, the shared desk bathed in the warm glow of a golden lamp. Each piece felt like a gentle invitation, folding them closer into this new life.

Evelyn changed into her nightdress first, brushing her yellow hair as peppermint steam curled from their teacups.

Catherine stayed sprawled across the bed, scrolling through the academy schedule on her phone.

Eluera remained by the window, her gaze tracing the moonlight spilling silver across the rooftops.
Her voice was soft, fragile—an honest whisper.
“Do you think… we really belong here?”

Catherine exhaled quietly and shrugged.
“We’re not exactly prodigies, you know.”

Evelyn tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her tone calm but sure.
“No. But they invited us. That has to mean something.”

Catherine glanced over, a small, sincere smile forming.
“Maybe we’re not meant to shine just yet. But maybe... someday, we will.”

After a pause, one by one, they slipped beneath their blankets, the room settling into gentle shadows.

Tomorrow, the welcoming ceremony would begin.
But tonight—they rested.

“Huh?!” 

Eluera jolted awake in the middle of the night, heart pounding, cold sweat clung to her skin. 
She didn’t know why her body was trembling

The door creaked. 

Catherine and Evelyn appeared in the doorway, worry. 

“Eluera?” Evelyn’s voice was gentle. 
“What’s wrong?” 

Eluera hesitated. 
She sat on the edge of her bed, pulling her knees close, fingers curling tight. 

“I… I just had a thought,” she whispered, her lips trembling with every word. 

“What if… what if I’m a burden?”

Her voice cracked—soft, almost voiceless, barely more than a breath. 

“What if coming to Aria Luna… was a mistake? I can’t even… sing like the others. I can’t... speak up like you. 
My fear… what if it holds us back?” 

Catherine strode in, dropping beside her with a huff. 
“Stop right there,” she said firmly, elbow nudging Eluera’s side. 

“We chose to be here—with you.” Her grin softened, eyes shining fiercely. 

Evelyn knelt in front of her, taking her hand. 
“Eluera,” she said, her voice like moonlight.
“Your voice… doesn’t need much of courage. Your heart speaks louder than any words.” 

Catherine leaned her head against Eluera’s shoulder. 
“And besides,” she added with a teasing smirk.
“Who else would keep me from doing something stupid?” 

Eluera’s breath hitched—tears welling, 

She wrapped her arms around them both, pulling them close, feeling their warmth, wrapping around her like a melody.