Page 27 of Tempest Awakening

As Akira bid us farewell and gracefully exited the room, I couldn't help but notice the tension in Kane's shoulders.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, concerned by his reaction.

Kane's expression was unreadable as he watched the door close behind Akira. "Just be careful, Tess. Not everyone's motives are as transparent as they seem."

???

Glancing at my desk, I took in the mountain of work that lay ahead. With a sigh, I ran a hand through my hair, my mind drifting back to the encounter with Kane. His aloof nature had been challenging, but there was an undeniable intensity to our conversation that left me feeling oddly invigorated.

A sharp rap on the door jolted me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, Pippa burst in, her energy filling the room.

"Tess!" she exclaimed, her high-pitched voice carrying a playful admonishment. "It's your first day, and you've been holed up in here long enough. Time to come out and see the world beyond these dusty old books!"

I blinked, feeling heat rise to my cheeks at the abrupt intrusion. "Pippa, I was just—"

"No arguments." She wagged her finger at me, cutting off my protest. "I'm dragging you to the dining hall in the Dormitory. You need food and social interaction. Plus, everyone should experience the glorious chaos that is lunch there at least once."

With a sigh and a reluctant smile, I set aside my notebook. "Okay, okay. Lead the way."

Pippa's face lit up with a triumphant grin. She looped her arm through mine, practically pulling me from the office. "It'll be fun, I promise!"

As we navigated the Library's winding corridors towards the exit, my earlier weariness gave way to a growing excitement. This was my first day, and the overwhelming grandeur of my surroundings still took my breath away. The air seemed to buzz with ancient magic, making the hairs on my arms stand on end.

We stepped out into the bright midday sun, squinting as our eyes adjusted to the light.

"The dining hall's on the ground floor of the Dormitory," Pippa explained. "It's where most of the social life happens around here, especially during lunch."

We climbed the steps and pushed through the heavy wooden doors. The buzz of voices and clinking cutlery grew louder as Pippa led me down a wide hallway.

"Ready?" she asked, pausing before another set of doors.

I nodded, taking a deep breath.

Pippa pushed the doors open. My steps faltered as I took in the sight before me.

"Welcome to the dining hall!" Pippa announced.

Long tables stretched beneath a ceiling so high I had to crane my neck to see it. Enchanted chandeliers floated overhead, casting a warm, golden glow that danced across the faces of the diners. The rich aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread hit me, and my stomach growled in response.

As we made our way towards the food, I couldn't help but stare. A hulking figure at one table made the chair beneath him look like doll furniture. At another, a woman with luminous skin and eyes like starlight delicately sipped from a goblet.

"Not too busy tonight," Pippa remarked, nudging me forward. "Most of the Dragon Rider applicants and instructors prefer to stay on the weekends for training and study."

"Who else eats here?" I asked, my eyes darting from one extraordinary being to another.

"Oh, you know, the usual crowd. Library staff, Dragon Riders, applicants," Pippa said with a shrug, as if it were the mostnormal thing in the world. "It's where everyone connected to the Library and the Guild comes together."

As we approached the food stations, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Whispers followed us, and I could feel curious glances like pinpricks on my skin. I kept my chin up, mimicking Pippa's confident stride as I ladled some hearty stew onto my plate and grabbed a chunk of bread.

"Don't worry, Tess," Pippa whispered, giving my hand a quick squeeze. "They're just curious. You'll be fine."

I nodded, not trusting my voice. My mother's voice echoed in my head, reminding me how I never quite fit in. I pushed the thought away and focused on following Pippa to an empty table.

"So, how was your first day?" Pippa asked as we sat down. "Did you get to explore the library much?"

I managed a smile, grateful for the distraction. "It's been... a lot. But amazing."

As I recounted my day, I felt my shoulders start to relax. But then—

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