Sora’s breath caught as the portal rippled around her, the air shimmering with a faint hum as she passed through the veil separating her private realm from Avalon. A fleeting sensation of weightlessness gripped her chest, then dissipated in an instant, leaving a cool, tingling pressure on her skin. Her copper locks fluttered in the magical breeze as she stepped onto the other side, her shoes making a soft crunch against the thick, verdant grass.

  The sight before her was no less stunning than her last trip through Avalon. The colossal river still surged to her right, roaring in vibrant turquoise waves as it jetted from the cliffside into the endless mists below. Her stomach gave a familiar squirm, equal parts excitement and unease, as she turned to take in the view.

  Overhead, the cosmic sky opened up like a living canvas, swirling nebula clouds casting radiant hues of violet and silver across the heavens. Above them were the colossal expanse of the World Tree, fruit like yellow suns spotting the vast space, providing light. In the distance, airships, massive and grand, soared like giants over the misty plains. Fae of all sizes—fairies, nymphs, even griffins—dotted the sky, flitting about like stars in motion.

  This place always feels so…alive with energy.

  “Sora,” Ember’s soft voice broke through her thoughts, the Fire Fairy hovering just beside her with a faint glow, her demeanor still unnervingly formal. “We need to proceed. The transportation hub is just ahead through the second gateway.”

  “Yeah…right,” Sora mumbled, eyes lingering on the twinkling sky for a moment longer before she reluctantly pulled herself away. Her tail flicked behind her, twitching with the residual energy from the portal that lingered on it for some reason—it was the first time she recognized the sensation.

  She followed Ember toward the next gateway, Wendy and Eyia already moving ahead, deep in conversation about classes. Well, the bushy-tailed brunette was hyped, doing a good job of distracting the Valkyrie as the blonde no doubt struggled with the one ‘apparently’ mandatory class about magical combat defense.

  Kari was as dull-eyed as ever, her thick tail lazily weaving behind her with the high ponytail her hair was pulled into. Aiden walked beside her, seemingly engrossed in studying all the various fae and creatures filing through the portals.

  The next gateway Ember guided them to wasn’t that far, a massive arch of enchanted wood and glowing crystals woven together in intricate spirals. Sora stepped through without hesitation this time, her senses fully alive as they emerged into the hub.

  Her breath hitched, eyes casting upward at the sheer size of the place. The multi-leveled platform stretched out in every direction, a colossal circular space buzzing with activity—tens of thousands.

  Portals of all shapes and colors lined the edges, each one leading to a different part of Avalon Academy. At the center stood a towering magical nexus—a swirling pillar of energy that connected all the portals, pulsing with an ethereal glow. The air hummed with the crackling force of magic, and Sora could feel it thrumming beneath her feet, resonating with the core of her being.

  Wendy’s hand found Eyia’s, playfully tugging the Valkyrie forward. “C’mon, Eyia! Let’s check out the classes I was talking about earlier. Sora, we’ll meet up after you drop off all our stuff at the dorms, okay?”

  “Wait, what?” Sora glanced between the pair, the blonde clearly shocked by the declaration. “What is happening right now?”

  She caught her sister’s half-hidden glare aimed at the bored wolf before sighing. Wendy really doesn’t want anything to do with Kari. I suppose that’s the price for peace. So long as she’s not causing problems… I mean, with Null-Void, she might actually be able to blink her out of existence. Yeah… I need to find some personal time with her to train.

  “Uh, sure. Yeah, that’s fine,” she said with a helpless smile. “Just don’t forget to check out Jin’s class and the vulpes one for me, okay?”

  Wendy stuck out her tongue. “Already ahead of you! I know how to get there. She’s got a speech that has a lot of people talking at noon. Besides, Eyia knows where everything is. We’ll be fine.”

  Before Eyia could chime in with her typical seriousness, Wendy shushed her with a finger to her lips. “Shhh! No spoilers. We’re exploring first, remember?”

  “Ah… Indeed, Sister,” the blonde said with an unconvincing laugh while looking off to the side. “It is good to be the explorer and…to be surprised by events that are of surprising nature.”

  “Uh-huh…”

  “Welp! Gotta go! Have fun being the porter.”

  Sora watched them go with a bittersweet smile. Wendy’s stubbornness had a charm to it, given how it showed she was returning to her former, confident self, but it was clear she still wasn’t ready to fully forgive everything that had happened between Kari and her, whatever that was.

  Ember’s voice was soft beside her, making her jump; she hadn’t even heard her flutter closer. “They’ll be fine. I can track them if needed.”

  “Oh! Ahem…” Sora’s brow furrowed, her cheeks darkening a second while shifting her eyes to Ember’s strangely composed form. “That’s not exactly what I’m worried about…”

  Hands folded neatly in front of her, Ember’s gaze lowered for a moment before she straightened. “I see. Hmm. Please, follow me. We’ll get you settled in.”

  Sora blinked at the sudden change in tone, her gut churning with unease. What is up with her? She thought, looking at Aiden, but he didn’t really know the Fire Fairy. In fact, almost none of her group saw how weird this was. Ember’s acting more like…like a noble or something. What did Elder Abigail Rosewood do to you?

  Studying her closer again, she couldn’t see anything off about her aura; it was still the same fiery energy she’d first sensed, but it was like a wall had been put up between them. Something had shifted. And whatever that punishment had been, it left Ember distant, far too controlled for the playful Fire Fairy she had been.

  What happened to the fairy that was complaining about girls stealing the attention of guys she liked?

  She followed in silence, her mind turning over the pieces of magic she’d sensed earlier. I need to get better at sensing these things. I should’ve felt whatever they did to Ember, but…it’s like there’s something I’m missing.

  Around them, other creatures moved with purpose. Fae in flowing robes conversed in low tones, their wings flickering with iridescent light. A group of dryads, their skin like bark and hair like leaves, laughed softly as they glided past on a gust of wind. Dragons flew overhead, their scales shimmering in the light of the magical nexus, and Sora couldn’t help but feel the weight of Avalon’s magic pressing down on her the more she spread out her senses.

  This place…it’s so much bigger than I imagined. So much more alive.

  Her eyes flicked to Kari, who trailed slightly behind, her amber gaze fixed on the distant figures passing by. The wolf seemed lost in her own thoughts, barely acknowledging any of the stunning views they passed on their approach to the giant portal nexus.

  This is crazy. How is anyone supposed to find each other in this place? I could wander for years and not see everything.

  Sora’s ears twitched. She blinked up at the glowing sphere detached from the arch, bobbing like a curious spirit; its magical weave felt like a giant hand that plucked people up and transported them through space-time: those who stepped on the glowing circles converted to light, launching into the sky and flying across the sky, thousands of them coming and going.

  “The East Side Mixed Creatures’ Female Second Dorm,” Ember said aloud, Sora feeling a slight tingle in the air as the magic responded to her voice.

  A soft ball of light formed out of it to hover in front of the Fire Fairy before shifting to the left.

  Kari, naturally, was less than impressed as Sora, her tail giving an irritable flick as she muttered to her, “Of course it’s on the East side. The Forbidden Forest is on the west.” Her amber eyes narrowed at the floating orb as if it had personally offended her.

  “Hey, it’s not the ball’s fault,” Sora chuckled, though her heart wasn’t really in the laugh. She was still trying to process everything—Avalon was enormous, far beyond anything she’d imagined.

  Aiden, ever the easy-going presence, reached out lazily to snatch his floating bag from the air, his free hand slipping into his pockets. His demeanor hadn’t changed since they arrived, though his casual nonchalance felt a little forced now.

  “Alright, well… I already checked out my dorm,” he said, his eyes flicking between Kari and her. “I can’t join you in the girl’s dorms. It literally won’t teleport me there. Uh… Can it teleport you, Kari?”

  Sora blinked. “I didn’t even think about that.”

  “Yeah, feels like it can,” Kari grunted. “It’s only moving people at fast speeds. So long as I let it levitate me and move me, then no issues.”

  No way it’s that simple! Sora’s ears fell back while glaring up at the giant nexus. How does Kari know that but I don’t?

  “Cool. I’ll find you after I settle in.”

  Sora nodded, trying to keep the light tone of the conversation, but something in his gaze lingered on Kari—again. She suppressed a sigh. It wasn’t like she hadn’t noticed the distance the wolf was keeping, but no one was about to make her open up. Least of all Aiden, who seemed to think gentle persistence was the answer.

  You’re half-brother, half-pet, my dude. Awkward position to be, but she’s Ms. Independent when she wants to be and this is that time. No one makes Kari do anything… Wait, where’s Nilly?! How the freak did I forget about Nilly?!

  Casting her gaze around in shock, she heard the bell ring and the cat just appeared beside her, looking confused. Ember seemed to zone out but Sora was far too preoccupied.

  “You okay?” Aiden asked, head tilted with that gentle concern only he could pull off without it feeling patronizing. “Overwhelmed? Nilly, you have a place to sleep?”

  “Mhm!” She flashed her normal teeth and hopped over to grab her arm. “At Sora and Wendy’s feet! I don’t like to be alone. Oh, it’s the Fire Fairy, Firef… Wait, what’s your name? Mmm. I can’t remember.” Without skipping a beat, her split tail stiffened and she glanced at Kari. “Have you checked out that dark forest with the wolf?”

  Kari froze, Sora doing the same as Aiden’s brow furrowed, glancing between them. She looked at the curious cat as Kari muttered, “What…do you know about the Shadow Wolf?”

  Nilly’s gold-speckled eyes blinked and her ears flew back. “Uh, did I say something weird again? Sometimes words and things just pop into my head. I was with a man that had a cool clock, and then… I don’t know.”

  A laugh escaped Sora, and it wasn’t entirely fake. “That sounds on point for you, Nilly. Umm. So, this place…there’s just a lot to explore, y’know?” she said, her focus darting to Ember and not sure if this was a subject they should bring up in front of her.

  I can’t be sure this Ember is the same as the one I know…or if she’ll tell on us for sneaking into off-limits areas.

  Aiden mirrored her smile, that easy grin slipping into place. “Well, whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. This whole thing is a pretty simple process once you’re shown. Catch you before curfew? Uh, I’d like to go to the East Side Mixed Creatures' Male Fifth Dorm.”

  She watched him turn toward his own light guide, his long stride carrying him after the glowing sphere. “Yeah…see you then.”

  “See you then?” Kari mirrored with a snort that got a glare from her and snicker from Nilly, still latched onto her arm. “You’re a fox in heat, I swear. The fluttering eyes you give him are insane. He doesn’t have a girlfriend.”

  “Nobody asked, Ms. Too Good To Date,” she snarled, trying not to blush. “Wait, when did I ever say I liked him?” she balked, unable to process the change in direction. “Where is this coming from?!”

  “Pfft. More like too busy with more important things,” she sighed, stretching out and yawning. “Even the cat can see your tail wagging like you’ve found a new toy when he’s talking to you. Look, you do you, girl. Power to you.” She looked to the side. “The more he’s not focused on me, the more I can do my own thing.”

  Her tail flicked behind her, betraying the twinge of irritation bubbling in her chest. “Okay, I’m not even going to entertain that!”

  “Mmm.” Nilly’s grip tightened on her arm, giving her an unconvinced creased eye. “I’m not sure how well that would work out. Ah! I don’t know why I said that! Sorry! Sorry!” she cried, jumping away with a guilty expression.

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  Releasing a long puff of air, Sora was done with this topic. “Ember…”

  “Yes?” Her eyes fluttered and her sagacious smile returned. “Ah. My apologies, Lady Sora. I am here. This way…”

  Sora couldn’t help but seeth inside at seeing the smirk the wolf wore as Ember chased after the orb of light, directing them to a specific portal zone. Nilly trailed behind, displaying a self-frustrated frown.

  I’m not that easy to read, am I? I mean, he’s so friendly that it sounds like he’s flirting all the time! Is he or isn’t he! He doesn’t have a girlfriend, so…why hasn’t he asked me? Has he already asked me on a date? Were those dates? He’s so frustrating!

  Unsettling emotions mixing within her gut, she stared at the tall, dark-haired wolf in front of her, arms held behind her neck and as relaxed as could be.

  I’ll get back at you for that. And I bet you’re going to ditch me the moment you get your bag dropped off. I really am just a porter at this point! At least I know Nilly won’t leave… She paused in her thought, her eyes flicking to the sulking cat, ears low. Wow. I just had that thought. Am I destined to be alone? What did I ever do, Mom?! Is this your punishment somehow for leaving you home?! Aghghh!

  Now fuming inside, she crossed her arms as they stepped on the platform. Kari’s smug smile had faded, no doubt falling into her typical storm clouds. A thought suddenly struck her, making a grin tug at her lips.

  “Kari?”

  “Mmgm?”

  Sora’s eyes narrowed with glee as the taller girl looked down at her. “I think I’ve got it. You’re the perfect mix between a jock and an emo. What a combination you are.”

  “Emo… You’re stupid,” she grumbled, but Sora cheered inside as she saw the annoyed flick of the wolf’s tail and twitching ears. “I’m not an emo.”

  “So are!” Sora sang as the light directed toward a smaller circle, waiting for several others to line up in their own areas.

  Sora didn’t push harder. She’d learned enough from their time together that Kari would speak when she wanted to, and nothing could force the wolf into it sooner. Still, that didn’t mean it didn’t sting, feeling like the wolf was keeping her at arm’s length, but this was a good first few steps in the right direction.

  Smack talk session, check! Now, if only I could figure out what Ember’s issue is… Nilly will be Nilly. Just roll with it and try to help her have fun and feel included.

  Sora hoped to the left to bump hips with Nilly, making the cat jump and smile. “Hmm? Oh. I’m fine! It’s just hard to sort through timelines and events sometimes. Thanks for not spraying me with a water bottle.”

  Am I going to do that in the future?! I mean, it sounds funny. Sure. But I can never tell with her.

  The sphere pulsed brightly and sank into the stone ground and the magical energy thrummed under her feet. It resonated with a pulse, and then, it felt like a cocoon had wrapped around her. Everything went white.

  When everything cleared, her ears flattened back against her copper locks as they emerged from the central transportation ring. The dorms were stunningly uniform and precise—everything about it seemed to radiate perfection.

  The circular courtyard was bordered by neatly manicured shrubs and glistening paths that sparkled in the soft glow of magical lanterns suspended overhead. The ring itself was like something out of a dream, perfectly symmetrical with smooth marble floors etched in intricate fae designs that pulsed gently with energy.

  Crystals were embedded into the stone, glowing softly in a variety of colors. A soft breeze drifted through, carrying the faint scent of lavender, further enhancing the serene beauty of the area.

  Kari, however, looked utterly unimpressed. On the other hand, Nilly was skipping along, spinning in circles, and looking in every direction.

  “You’re way too easily wowed,” she grunted, her amber eyes rolling as her tail flicked lazily behind her. “I’m not an emo…”

  Sora’s lips puckered into a pout. “Well, I didn’t grow up in a mystical realm crafted by my mom like some people.”

  Her words came out sharper than she intended, a twinge of guilt twisting in her gut as soon as they left her mouth. She stole a quick glance at Kari, half-expecting the wolf to bristle at the comment, but the girl barely reacted—just kept walking, her thick tail swaying behind her as if nothing was said.

  Of course, she doesn’t care, Sora mused, a little deflated by the lack of response. I got more out of the emo comment. Wait, no that should have really dug… Something has changed with Kari after meeting Ylva…but what?

  Stumped and feeling a tad left behind by Wendy and Kari at this point, she tried not to let it get her down as Ember floated beside them. The Fire Fairy’s usual formal demeanor slipped back into place from her spacy moment earlier as she directed them toward the broad entrance ahead.

  “The dorm rules are simple—try not to disturb your roommates, keep the noise down after dark, and if you feel so inclined…” Her voice lowered slightly as they began ascending a wide wooden staircase to the third level, her fiery wings fluttering in the magical breeze, “Any mating processes are only condoned in the designated groves. No males are allowed inside the dormitory wings.”

  Both Sora’s and Kari’s ears shot up at that, Nilly looking totally unperturbed.

  “Excuse me?” Sora blurted, trying to hold back her whiplash. “Mating? What groves? No, not that I’m interested. I just—that’s…insane. Who even thought that rule was necessary? There are places for…that?!”

  Kari’s snort came out almost like a laugh, her tail twitching with mild amusement. “Yeah, well, welcome to nature, Ms. Virgin. The age gap here’s probably bigger than you think, too.”

  Sora made a face, the reality settling in as she considered how vast the magical population in Avalon was but the wolf’s comment instantly sent her tail bristling.

  “Ms. Virgin—excuse you, but have you looked in a mirror? You can’t tell me that’s not crazy,” she muttered under her breath.

  “I never said I wasn’t. Why so on-edge for a fact?” She snickered as if it wasn’t a big deal at all what she’d just said.

  Sora glanced at Ember, who offered no further explanation, simply guiding them through the dorm’s hallways, her composed expression unchanged. However, now she had to wonder if Kari had felt a little prickly after her earlier comment.

  Fair comeback. I guess I can feel less guilty now… Thanks? This is weird.

  Still reeling from the absurdity of the last several minutes, Sora followed silently, her tail flicking in unison with Nilly and Kari’s as they walked.

  Sora climbed the final set of stairs. The dormitory floor was just as breathtaking as the rest of Avalon, which helped to cool her burning cheeks, but this space felt a little more grounded. The walls of living wood pulsed gently with magic, spiraling into delicate patterns that shifted with the ebb of energy coursing through the building; it was no doubt enchanted with observation weaves to make sure everyone was inside at the right time.

  Ember stopped in front of a door with their names woven into the very wood, gesturing for her to open it. “Here we are, Ladies. Please, let me know if it suits your needs or if I should speak to the Dorm Mistress.

  Taking a deep breath, she reached out, twisted the knob, and stepped into the room she’d be sleeping in for the next month. “Well, it’s spacious,” she commented, finding her hands behind her back while moving around it, Nilly and Kari spreading out.

  Three large beds were spaced evenly around the room, each with its own set of drawers and a walk-in closet. The floor was soft underfoot, covered in a luxurious rug that shimmered slightly with enchantment. The air was fresh, infused with a faint scent of lavender and pine, calming her after the hectic journey: there were no windows, which seemed like a safety hazard.

  Sora dropped her luggage at the foot of one of the beds and spun in place, taking it all in. “Well, it’s not bad, I guess” she muttered under her breath, though her gaze quickly moved to Kari, who had her arms crossed, a familiar, bored look on her face.

  “Well? What about me so I can get out of here?” Kari quickly asked, her tone clipped as if every second spent standing in the room was an unbearable waste of time.

  Sora put a hand on her hip, narrowing her eyes at the wolf. “Oh, c’mon. You could be a little less subtle about how much of a drag it is to hang out with me, you know. Think about how that sounds.”

  Kari snorted, rolling her eyes. “It’s not like that and you know it,” she muttered, hefting her own bag over her shoulder and jabbing her thumb at the door. “I’m next door, right?”

  Ember, who had been silently hovering, nodded as passive and unlike her ditzy personality as ever. “Yes, your room is just across the hall.”

  Without waiting for more, Kari strode out the door, and Sora jogged after her, Nilly in-tow. “Hey, wait up! I want to meet your roommate too.”

  As they passed through the hallway, a soft, melodic humming could be heard from the opposite door, a lilting tune that carried through the wooden walls. Sora’s ears perked up, intrigued upon spotting the names on the door. “Nerida… That’s her, huh? Only the two of you?” she whispered upon seeing Kari and her roommate’s name.

  “A siren—” was all Ember got out.

  Kari didn’t respond, but the slight twitch of her ears betrayed her acknowledgement. She pushed open the door to her new room with her usual bluntness, barging inside without a second thought.

  The girl within nearly jumped out of her skin, her humming cutting off abruptly. She was slender with long, silver hair that shimmered like the ocean under the moonlight, her wide, sea-green eyes blinking in surprise. She fumbled with the sheets on her bed, clearly flustered by Kari’s abrupt entrance.

  “Sorry! I didn’t—uh, I didn’t expect anyone so soon,” Nerida stammered, her hands shaking slightly as she tried to straighten out the mess she’d just made, including the scattered items all across the floor. “I was just decorating… Oh, a…werewolf? That will be new—not that I’m judging!”

  Kari stood in the doorway, as imposing as ever, arms crossed over her chest. “Chill! No need to freak out. Geez. I’m just here to drop off my shit.”

  Sora slipped in behind Kari, offering the girl a reassuring smile before bouncing forward to extend her hand. “Hi! I’m Sora, Kari’s friend. Don’t mind her, she’s just…blunt. Viciously blunt, but not mean. Well, most of the time.”

  The siren’s cheeks turned pink as she nodded, still awkwardly shifting on her feet while accepting the handshake, weak and trembling. “I’m, uh… My name’s Nerida. But…you probably knew that already from my name on the door,” she said in a rush, brushing her hair behind her ear. Her voice was soft, like the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean, yet it trembled slightly under the weight of her nervousness. “I’ve, um, heard about werewolves—”

  “Fenris wolf. Not a werewolf.” Kari shrugged, clearly uninterested in small talk as she tossed her bag onto the bed. “Cool. Now that’s done. Well, I’ll be off,” she said before turning to leave.

  Sora lingered a moment longer, not needing powers to sense Nerida’s discomfort. “Kari! You don’t need to be—and you’re gone. Worst first impression ever!”

  She huffed as Kari growled back, “A metal I’m proud of. Just ‘cause we’re friends doesn’t mean I need others. Tell the cat to snuggle her legs if you feel bad for her.”

  “I bet you are! And bullshit! Freaking tsundere. I swear… Uh, hello again,” she repeated with a strained smile upon breaking away. “Like I said, don’t let her scare you. Her bark’s worse than her bite…if she likes you.”

  Ember floated to the side, allowing Kari by and closing the door with a wave of her small hand once the wolf left, possibly not to disturb the other occupants milling about the hallway.

  Nilly rubbed her elbow, glancing off to the side. “I don’t just sleep at anyone’s feet. Why am I catching strays? Not that I’m a stray cat! I, uh…wait, I should shut up.”

  Nerida gave a small, shaky laugh, clearly in a death spiral. “O-Oh, only if she likes me… Great. I’ll…try to be likable! Haha-haaa.”

  Sora crossed her arms, a strained grin tugging at her lips while trying to lighten the atmosphere. “It seems you really do know how to make an impression. Props. Is the plan to get a room all to yourself?”

  “No! No, I…want to make friends.”

  “Wait,” Sora swiftly interjected, feeling a little bad and reevaluating the atmosphere and how to talk to the siren. “I’m joking! I’m not trying to put you down.”

  Nerida tried to laugh, standing near her messy bed, her hands nervously clasped in front of her. Her wide, sea-green eyes darted between Nilly and her, the cat looking just as nervous as the silver-haired girl, both their cheeks a faint shade of pink. “Right… Funny. Um, I hope I didn’t cause any problems.”

  Sora blinked. “You, cause the problems? Oh, no! Not at all. And you’re good, Nilly.” She took a step forward, giving both embarrassed girls a warm smile. “Kari’s just…going through a lot. Believe it or not, she’s a lot nicer now.”

  Nerida fidgeted with her hands, pressing a hand over her thumping chest as she glanced awkwardly at the third bed. “I…I understand if she’d want to change rooms,” she mumbled, cheeks flushing deeper. “The last girl didn’t want to stay because of the, um, and I quote, ‘Noises sirens make while sleeping.’ So…yeah.”

  Sora raised an eyebrow, trying to stifle a laugh. “Noises? What kind of noises?”

  The siren’s face grew redder. “It’s…a siren thing. I haven’t reached that stage yet but…she didn’t stay long enough to hear me out.”

  “Well,” Sora said with a thoughtful grin, “I’ve got some unique dream magic that could help if there is a problem. If you want it stopped or whatever, so long as it’s not too spicy, that is.” Her playful tone softened when she noticed Nerida’s tension.

  Nilly was still trying to process the idea of sleeping at random people’s feet, apparently, but before the girl could respond, a delicate bubble floated through the window, popping in front of Ember, hovering by the doorway as if not even listening to them.

  Ember’s eyes flicked to the bubble, a frown creasing her features. “On that note, I apologize, Lady Sora, but I must attend to something. May I be excused?”

  Sora’s ears twitched, an uneasy feeling creeping into her chest. “Uh…sure, is everything alright? You really don’t seem okay.”

  Ember curtsied, a small, unreadable smile on her lips. “Who is to say this was not how I was all along?” Her words held an eerie calmness that sent a shiver down Sora’s spine.

  “Fair enough, I guess…” Sora muttered, one ear tilting in doubt. “I was just worried.”

  “There is no need to worry about me, Lady Sora. I am perfectly fine.” The Fire Fairy’s voice softened slightly, though her distant demeanor remained intact. “Have a good first day.” With that, she vanished in a swirl of flames, leaving Sora with a lingering sense of unease.

  There’s no way Ember could have done that kind of crazy teleport magic before, right? The ditzy failure girl of the academy, as she described herself? Yeah, Avalon is getting weird.

  Sora stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where Ember had disappeared, Nilly and Nerida remaining silent. No, that’s totally not Ember. Her gut twisted with the thought. What if… What if she’s been corrupted by The Darkness? But I didn’t sense anything wrong, like with Sela… What am I missing?

  The sound of someone clearing their throat snapped her back to the present. Nerida shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, her hands wringing nervously in front of her, now breathing with difficulty.

  “Do you, um, have anywhere you need to go?” she asked, her voice small. “I was…well, my mother said I should try to make friends and, um, well…my roommates didn’t quite work out. So…”

  Sora’s heart softened. Kari would eat her alive with her bluntness if she wasn’t careful. She couldn’t help but feel the need to protect this girl from the harsher side of Avalon. “You’re from Earth, right? I bet you are.”

  Nerida nodded. “Yes, France. Is that a problem? I can do any accent and speak many languages if English isn’t your thing. I can mirror your accent…”

  Sora’s eyes lit up. “Miami, United States! It’s perfect. That’s amazing!”

  Nerida blushed, a shy smile tugging at her lips. “It’s not that impressive… You’re a fox spirit, right?”

  “A vulpes,” Sora gently corrected, chuckling and waving her hand dismissively. “A Founder vulpes, but you can call me whatever. Nilly?”

  “Hmm?” Her tail rose with her smile. “Right! I’m Nilly, the teen Cat Mom of all kitties. Uh, maybe I shouldn’t introduce myself like that. Yeah…weirdo. Sorry.”

  Sora giggle and pulled her into a hug. “Isn’t she cute?!”

  “Very.” The siren’s smile grew a bit more confident. “I grew up in a cave…literally. So, I don’t have many social interactions other than talking to sailors who…obviously, think they’re going crazy when the mist speaks to them.”

  Sora’s heart ached for her. Kari’s blunt nature would crush her self-esteem. With a kind smile, she motioned for Nerida and Nilly to follow her. “Why don’t you come with us? Our first stop is a vulpes class. Wanna join?”

  “Oh, you should!” Nilly chimed. “You can meet Wendy and Eyia. Fen should be there, too, but she’s… Yeah, she’s Fen.”

  Sora wasn’t sure how to take that comment from that Cat Mother, but Nerida’s eyes brightened at the comment, her shoulders relaxing.

  “That sounds…really nice. I’d love to. Thank you for inviting me.”

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