NIGHT WATCH

*Chapter 26: Crossing Paths, Blurring Lines*

Yan Shuren watched from the library's tallest window as the academy banners unfurled for the annual Lumina Tournament. Her raven, Nightshade, preened on her shoulder while students buzzed below, excitement hiding nerves. Yan had spent nights piecing together the puzzle of Li Wei's group—her scribbled notes filling half a journal, each page a tangle of charm diagrams, possible alliances, and the quiet question: What are they truly hiding?

When the teams for the tournament were announced, a ripple of surprise swept through the crowd. This year would pair up students at random across classes, all to encourage "unity and surprise talent discovery," according to Headmistress Zhou. Yan's heart skipped a beat when she saw her name linked with Bao Yu—gentlest of the "secret five," more likely to nurture seedlings than throw spells in anger. Next, Mei Fen was paired with Yan's own shadowy friend from Iron Lotus, San Peng. Li Wei and Chen Xiulan found themselves together again, but Jin Ming had been matched with a grinning prankster from Year Four.

The first tournament trial tested teamwork in the enchanted hedge maze, where the walls shifted at the gleam of moonlight and whispers from hidden faeries tempted students toward dead ends. Yan and Bao Yu moved in tense silence at first. Nightshade flitted overhead, with Yan's calculating glances always landing on the faint green glow that followed Bao Yu's fingertips.

Finally, as roots barred their path, Yan said quietly, "Why do you always help first, ask later?" Bao Yu didn't hesitate: "Because helping grows things. My power works best when I trust." For the first time, Yan's shield of ice cracked; her answer was soft, almost bitter: "Trust isn't easy when you're taught to hide it."

Meanwhile, Mei Fen's wild magic bounced off San Peng's rigid discipline, turning the maze into a blur of illusions and counter-spells. Jin Ming and his prankster ally somehow managed to arrive at the center first but forgot their clue in the excitement, earning only laughter from the judges.

At the heart of the maze, Li Wei and Chen Xiulan found themselves face-to-face with a final challenge: a puzzle that could only be solved if both partners revealed a secret hope. Li Wei, heart pounding, whispered, "I hope I'm never alone in this place." Chen Xiulan, eyes bright and full of courage, answered, "My hope is to always belong with those who see the real me." The enchanted archway opened before them, sparkling with magic—and in that golden light, their fingers twined shyly.

When Yan and Bao Yu arrived, Yan hesitated. She looked at Bao Yu and, after a long pause, admitted, "I hope one day someone will let me in." Bao Yu smiled, offering a hand. This time, Yan took it.

As the teams exited the maze, cheers rose across the grounds. For a fleeting moment, rivalries blurred, and something like understanding grew in the twilight. Yet, as the sun set and Nightshade circled above, Yan knew the secrets were still there—deeper, sharper, and somehow a little less lonely.