The incident of the missing male students was finally over. The Academy halls that had once echoed with frightened whispers were now silent. Celeste and Cleo had left that grim place to fetch help, while Kai—wounded and poisoned—was saved by the timely use of a rare Scepana Orchid from Professor Briar’s private collection. Steeped in water, the flower was a potent cure-all for poisons.

Now, morning light was just beginning to touch the infirmary windows.

Kai was currently resting, the curtain around his bed drawn to shield his eyes from the brightening sun. His breathing was slow and steady, his chest rising and falling in a calm rhythm that spoke of hard-won rest.

Celeste lay in the next bed over, restless despite her aching muscles’ protest. She tossed and turned, her gaze finally settling on Kai’s silhouette through the curtain.

“He might not like me,” she whispered to herself, “but I’m glad he’s safe.”

On the far side of Kai’s bed, Luna’s voice came like a quiet, amused laugh. ‘Dog, thank your human for me. She saved my Master’s life.’

Cleo stirred, lifting her head from her paws. She opened her mouth to respond—but froze as the infirmary doorknob began to turn.

The door opened, revealing Headmaster Helion, his dark robes swaying as he stepped inside. Upon his shoulder sat Corvus, feathers sleek and posture straight, eyes gleaming like onyx stones.

“We meet again, Ms. Rathmore,” Helion said, his tone carrying a strange blend of amusement and disappointment.

“Hello, Headmaster Helion…” Celeste replied slowly, dragging out his name as if bracing for trouble. She pushed herself upright, meeting his gaze cautiously.

Helion crossed the room and pulled up a chair beside her bed, though his eye lingered on the drawn curtain around Kai. “Since he’s resting, I’ll have to ask you for the details of what happened down there.”

Celeste clasped her hands in her lap, staring down at her fingers. She couldn’t tell him everything—not about the voice she’d heard, the one that had set this whole ordeal in motion for her.

“Well… I heard a noise in the hallway. When I went to investigate, I ran into him. He warned me not to follow, but I did anyway…” She paused, her eyes flicking toward Kai before a faint smile softened her face. “I’m glad I didn’t listen though. He probably wouldn’t be alive right now if I had.”

A small twitch crossed Helion’s lips before he cleared his throat. “So… you must have found out who he truly is down there. Professor Briar mentioned he had several broken bones before she administered the antidote.” His voice was calm, but there was a sharpened edge beneath it.

“Yes, I did,” Celeste admitted. “But I promise not to say anything! I know there must be a reason he keeps it secret, and I’d hate to give him even more of a reason to despise me.” Her head dipped, shadowing her expression.

‘He doesn’t hate her,’ Luna said, making Cleo’s ears perk. ‘He doesn’t?’ Cleo tilted her head. ‘Then why is he always angry when he sees her?’

‘It’s because of what her presence means to him,’ Luna explained. ‘When a beastman’s tail emerges, it’s a sign they’ve found their life partner. In his homeland, that means marriage is expected almost immediately.’

‘What?! That’s ridiculous! They’re just kids!’ Cleo exclaimed, stomping her front paws in annoyance. Luna's laughter echoed in Cleo's mind before she continued.

‘I agree. So does Kai. That’s why he wants to leave before the news spreads home—otherwise, he’ll be forced to return to the capital of the Lupenyr Federation… with Celeste in tow.’

The conversation between familiars faded as Helion continued with Celeste.

“Moving on—did Professor—” he stopped himself, “—I mean, the Lamia spy—say why she abducted the boys?”

Celeste nodded. “She said she wanted to eat them. But… if that was her goal, why keep them alive so long?”

Helion’s expression darkened, his eye avoiding hers. “Lamias… prefer to mate with humans before they devour them,” he said, clearing his throat after the uncomfortable explanation.

‘So she was a pervert! I called it!’ Cleo thought, making Luna snort.

“Ugh, disgusting…” Celeste muttered, shuddering.

Just then, Kai stirred behind the curtain, groaning as he gently pushed his blanket aside and slowly swung his legs over the edge of the bed.

“Kai Fenris,” Helion’s voice cracked like a whip, “you get back in bed right now, or I won't hesitate to send a letter to your father about your tail.”

Kai clicked his tongue but obeyed, settling back down. “Damn you, Kayn,” he muttered under his breath before glancing toward Helion. “Did she tell you?”

“Corvus hears all in this school,” Helion replied evenly, “which means I do as well.”

Kai sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Anyway, your students are safe, and the criminal is captured. Once I’ve recovered, I’ll be on my way, as promised.”

Helion opened his mouth to speak, but closed it soon after as a scowl marred his features, his attention drifting elsewhere. 

“Things may not be that simple, Kai.”

Something in Helion’s tone had changed. He stood suddenly, and Corvus cawed sharply, wings flaring.

“What’s wrong, Headmaster Helion?” Celeste asked, startled by his sudden urgency.

“It seems we have some uninvited guests.”

Outside the School Grounds

Beyond the shimmering edge of the barrier, five hooded figures in black stood in a loose semicircle, poking and prodding at the magical defense.

“Why’d we send Sister here again?” a deep, gravelly male voice muttered. “She plays with her toys too much.”

“That’s exactly why we sent her, silly!” said a female with a gentle voice. “Besides, she’s the best at human transformation magic, which made her the only choice.”

“Be quiet, you two,” came a calm, smooth voice from the figure at the center—the leader. His head tilted slightly, nostrils flaring. “…I can smell someone approaching. Fast.”

“Yes, big brother,” the two answered in unison. The leader’s voice dropped, laced with a cold, murderous promise. “And you two…” He glanced at the remaining pair to his right. “Have as much fun with your prey as you can stand.”

The two merely laughed in reply, the sound carrying into the dawn air.

To be continued…