The grand hall for the student gathering was decorated to the highest standard. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, bathing the room in a soft, warm light. The walls were adorned with silk draperies in the university's colors - burgundy and gold - giving the entire event a touch of solemnity. Tables were arranged throughout the hall, adorned with exquisite floral arrangements and gleaming silverware. In the corner stood an orchestra, ready to fill the space with lively melodies.

The evening began with the arrival of the students, who, dressed in their finest attire, curiously took in the luxurious hall. The gentle murmur of conversations and laughter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and joy. Everyone gathered eagerly awaited the start of the official part of the evening.

The formal proceedings began with a speech from the academy's principal. Silence fell over the hall as he ascended the stage and, with a calm and serious gaze, looked at the assembled students.

"Good evening, dear students. Today we are gathered here to mark the beginning of a new academic year and to welcome the new members of our academic community. For many of you, this year will be a turning point in your lives, filled with new knowledge, discoveries, and, of course, new magical skills. Our academy has always strived to create not only conditions for career growth but also an environment conducive to the personal development of each of you. I am confident that many wonderful moments await you, and we, as the administration, are ready to support you every step of the way. May this ball be the beginning of a beautiful journey, full of achievements and joyful moments. Thank you!"

A wave of applause swept through the hall as the principal stepped aside. In his place, the student council president - a girl clad in a striking crimson suit - approached the podium. She stood poised, her confidence radiating as she addressed the room.

"Dear students and teachers. This evening is our shared celebration. We are gathered here to celebrate our unity, our pursuit of knowledge, and our desire to make this world a better place. Each of us brings something unique to our world, our island, our kingdom, and our magic. The coming year will bring many challenges and opportunities, and I am confident that at this academy, we will overcome any difficulties. We will double our strength for the flourishing of our kingdom. So, today, I wish you all a good rest, for tomorrow your journey as students of Eden Academy begins. I wish you all an unforgettable evening and a successful academic year!"

With that, she descended from the stage, her calm composure a testament to her character. She disappeared behind the curtains with the principal, leaving the evening to continue with music, laughter, and dancing.

Harabi, captivated by the student council president’s demeanor, turned to Tatsuki. "Did you see how effortlessly she carried herself? It was as though she’s been speaking to crowds her whole life - not a trace of nerves."

"That’s Adena Redheart for you," Tatsuki replied, glancing across the room. "Everything she does is flawless. She’s practically perfect."

Harabi’s brow furrowed in thought. "It’s not just her poise - it’s her resemblance to the principal. The same composed demeanor, the same intensity. Do you think there’s a connection?"

Tatsuki smirked, lowering her voice. "There is. Adena is the principal’s niece."

"Seriously?" Harabi’s eyes widened. "That explains so much."

"Come on, don't tell me you didn't know. The principal and the Queen look the same." Tatsuki added. "The Redheart family has always been tied to the academy. Leadership is in her blood."

Before Harabi could respond, a sudden presence loomed behind them. Harabi felt it before she turned - an unmistakable aura of confidence mixed with mischief.

"Good evening," a smooth, teasing voice interrupted their conversation. "I hope you were talking about me."

Tatsuki turned sharply, already recognizing the voice. Her expression, calm but sharp, contrasted with the slightly smug smile of the newcomer.

"Eiles," Tatsuki said, her voice steady but laced with a hint of exasperation. "I didn’t expect to see you tonight. I thought you weren’t fond of gatherings like these."

Eiles grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, you know me. Dresses, friendly small talk, teachers fawning over students - it’s all so thrilling." Her tone dripped with sarcasm, but there was warmth behind her words. "But tonight, I made an exception. I came to see you, Tatsuki. 

Harabi watched as Tatsuki sighed, rolling her eyes but not entirely hiding the slight smirk tugging at her lips. "If that’s the case, you’ve seen me. Now go enjoy the party."

Eiles stepped closer, refusing to be dismissed so easily. "Don’t be like that, Tatsuki. I’ve always enjoyed teasing you. It’s tradition by now, isn’t it?" Her grin widened as she saw Tatsuki’s stoic demeanor waver ever so slightly.

Deciding to change the subject, Tatsuki turned abruptly toward the table laden with dishes. "If you’re staying, at least make yourself useful. Try the food and tell me what’s worth eating."

Eiles chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. As Tatsuki led the way, Eiles leaned slightly toward Harabi, her playful expression softening. "And you, Harabi, how are you finding the party? It can be overwhelming, I know." 

Harabi hesitated for a moment, then admitted, "It’s... different. I’m not used to so many people in one place."

Eiles nodded knowingly. "I understand. Large crowds aren’t my thing either. But there’s a reason we’re all here tonight." Her tone lowered as she glanced around the room. "By the way, have you seen Rumiya today?"

Harabi blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. "Rumiya?"

Eiles leaned in conspiratorially. "There’s been a lot of talk about her lately. You know how rumors are - they spread faster than fire."

Tatsuki, sensing Harabi’s discomfort, stepped closer, shielding her from prying eyes. "It’s about Rumiya again, isn’t it?" Tatsuki muttered.

Eiles sighed. "The rumors never stop. They talk as if they know her, but all they have are baseless tales."

"Some claim she’s involved in dark dealings," Tatsuki added. "Others insist she has mysterious powers. The truth, though, is always more complicated. 

While the two friends were standing and talking amongst themselves, Harabi couldn't help but notice several whispers coming from different directions. There were other students around them, glancing sideways in their direction. Some pretended to be busy with their matters but were sneaking curious looks. Others, on the contrary, openly discussed them, barely concealing their interested gazes.

Harabi felt the tension rising, and her breathing became slightly faster. Her friend's attention remained focused on the conversation, but she knew Eiles also noticed this unusual interest. Harabi tried not to show her unease, but she couldn't shake the feeling that they had become the center of attention.

Harabi’s expression darkened. "It’s not just about her. It’s about our sisters - Meruka and Mire. My sister died 12 years ago, and people still blame Mire."

 Somewhere in the background, the orchestra struck up a slow, solemn melody  -  as if echoing the ghosts that still haunted the room.

 Eiles looked at her sharply. "And after that Mire Sudzukawa just disappeared, right?”

"Yes," Harabi said quietly. "No body, no trace of her magic - nothing. My mother refuses to believe Mire was responsible, but others aren’t so forgiving."

 Eiles hesitated. "And you? Do you believe it?"

Harabi’s gaze grew distant. "I don’t know. What I do know is that Rumiya and I share the same pain. We both lost our sisters, and I feel like I need to speak with her. To understand. To make things right."

Tatsuki placed a hand on her shoulder. "Your families have kept you apart for a reason. They think it’s safer that way."

"Perhaps," Harabi said firmly, "but this is something I need to do. Rumiya is alone, just like me. If anyone can understand her, it’s me."

Eiles regarded her thoughtfully. "You’re willing to risk everything for this conversation?"

Harabi nodded. "If we’re going to move forward as students and as people, we need to confront the past. I won’t let rumors dictate my life - not anymore."

The music in the hall grew louder, and the dancing began. Laughter echoed through the room as couples twirled under the golden light of the chandeliers.

But Harabi had never been fond of loud, crowded places.She left Tatsuki and Eiles behind. The cheerful noise, the swirling lights, the endless movement - it all made her feel strangely out of place.

Still unused to such events, she found herself retreating from the center of the celebration. With a quiet sigh, she slipped away from the crowd and stepped onto the balcony, seeking a moment of silence under the night sky.

And there she met her. Rumia Sudzukawa.

Harabi sighed, feeling the weight of the night pressing down on her.Her heart was beating faster than usual whenever she saw Rumiya. They exchanged short, cautious glances and moved to opposite ends of the balcony. The air was thick with tension and unspoken words. Harabi, determined to break through the barrier, was the first to speak.

"It's dark."

Rumiya nodded, without averting her gaze.

"And quiet."

Harabi glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, feeling the awkwardness thickening between them.

"Have you been here long?" 

"Since the beginning," 

"Enjoying the moment of silence?" 

"Something like that. Miki and I arrived a bit early, but then we split up."

"And where's Miki?" Harabi quickly asked to keep the conversation going.

"She's with her boyfriend right now. Maybe they're talking somewhere too."

"She left you alone for him?" 

"No, I told her it was fine," Rumiya said calmly. "I can take care of myself tonight."

They fell silent again, and Harabi, gathering her courage, decided to steer the conversation in a more personal direction.

"You know, I'm glad I wasn’t the only one who entered the academy this year. My head was filled with so many thoughts - what could happen? How would people accept me? And the teachers, too."

Rumiya slowly turned to Harabi, her deep blue eyes reflecting the night sky, holding her gaze steady.

Harabi smiled awkwardly and continued:

"The Kurosaki family and the Sudzukawa family... Our families have been in a complicated relationship ever since my sister..... died... and yours..."

Her voice faltered, and she clenched her fists, trying to gather her thoughts. Finally, with a smile, she added:

"Reading my sister’s diary, I learned a lot about yours. And you know, I’d like to preserve their friendship. It was pure and beautiful. And… I find it hard to believe that Mire killed my sister."

 Silence. 

Hearing her elder sister's name, Rumiya tensed and turned away. She had never known her sister personally, as they had never met. She only knew of her through rumors. The topic was painful for her, but she also felt there was truth in Harabi's words, even though she wanted to believe otherwise.

"Rumiya… What would they think if we became friends?" Harabi asked softly and uncertainly. Her words were filled with doubt and gentle unease.

Rumiya, watching Harabi, took a step back.

"Harabi... I..." Her voice wavered. "I’m not against it. But the rumors… People have never been kind. ‘If you want to survive, stay away from me. It’s better this way."

Harabi looked at Rumiya, catching a whirlwind of emotions in her gaze, full of pain and sorrow. She felt a mixture of feelings within herself - regret and hope intertwining.

Harabi froze for a moment, as if all her emotions - fear, hope, and determination - clashed in her chest. But she couldn’t let them take over her thoughts.

"Rumiya..." Harabi began softly, her voice trembling but steady.

"I believe that even in a world full of secrets and hidden intentions, we can find true friendship.

"I don’t have many friends or people close to me whom I can trust. I think you feel the same way. We’re alike, Rumiya."

Rumiya, still gazing into the distance as if trying to see beyond the night’s veil, noticed the change in Harabi’s tone. There was uncertainty in her voice, but also determination.

"Harabi," Rumiya began, her voice soft yet tinged with sadness.

"We live in a world where the truth is often masked by lies and deception."

"Rumiya, I understand that our friendship won’t be easy," Harabi said.

"But sometimes, it’s worth taking a risk to find something real. I believe we can do it."

Rumiya remained silent, her gaze fixed on the distance, lost in thought. She seemed to be wrestling with inner conflicts.

"You don’t understand, Harabi," Rumiya said, her voice barely audible.

"My family… your family… we’re tied together by too many painful memories and betrayals. Even if I wanted to be your friend, it could lead to even more conflict."

"But we can try to change that," Harabi countered, her voice firm but kind.

"We can show our families that it’s possible to live in peace despite the past. Isn’t that worth trying for?"

Rumiya glanced at her, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes before she turned away again.

"Maybe you’re right," she whispered.

"But I’m scared. I don’t know if I can handle it."

"There’s so much you don’t understand, and so much I don’t understand either," Rumiya added, looking down at her hands. She clenched them again.

"It is about my magic..." she said softly, her voice trailing off, leaving Harabi with a sense that there was still so much more to uncover.

Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by a loud crack and the sound of shouts coming from the hall. Both girls flinched and turned their heads. Flames burst from the hall, illuminating the night sky with a brilliant glow. In panic, students ran outside, some screaming, others crying.

"Fire!"

"We have to run!"