The Avatar of Chaos

The fading golden light of late afternoon bathed the academy grounds in warmth as Lilith fastened the last button on her pristine uniform jacket. Around her, the clamor of the stables had quieted, the scent of hay and horse lingering faintly in her sleeves. Elaris had been brushed to a glossy sheen and fed well, now resting peacefully in her clean stall. Lilith ran a gloved hand once more over the mare's black muzzle before turning to rejoin the others, her calm composure giving way to quiet exhaustion.

Elias was already waiting outside with Raffin, both boys freshly changed and looking equally worn from the day's efforts. "Finally," Elias groaned with a dramatic stretch. "If I have to scrub another stable wall, I swear I'll charm the broom to do it for me."

"You'd need to learn proper spellwork first," Raffin quipped, nudging him with a grin.

Lilith raised an eyebrow as she approached. "You'd probably make the broom come alive and chase after you."

"I'd like to see that," Tamsin laughed, joining them with Lyra, both girls fixing their sleeves as they walked. "Actually, no. I've seen Elias run. It wouldn't be fair to the broom."

They all chuckled, the camaraderie easing the day's fatigue as they headed down the cobbled path toward the dormitories. The tower bells in the distance marked the end of classes, the last toll echoing across the courtyard like a sigh of relief. Around them, other students meandered off in twos and threes, uniforms slightly scuffed, shoes dusty, but spirits lifted.

As the group made their way down the winding path from the stables, the amber hue of the late afternoon sun gave the academy grounds a warm, sleepy glow. Their boots echoed against cobblestones, and despite the fatigue clinging to their limbs, there was a lightness in their steps—the kind that followed a day of hard work well done. The smell of hay and polished leather still lingered on their clothes, but their thoughts were already turning to what came next.

"So," Tamsin said, her voice perking with curiosity. "Club selections start next week. Anyone thinking of joining something? There's way too many options. I don't even know where to begin."

"I heard the Chess Club's already preparing its tournament brackets," Lyra chimed in. "It's quiet, strategic... and there's definitely less horse muck involved."

Raffin stretched his arms behind his head. "Music Club's not a bad idea. They say if you're talented enough, you get to play during academy feasts—and skip evening drills to practice."

"I'm definitely not doing Embroidery Club," Elias declared with a look of mock horror. "Or the Gardeners' Guild. I'd end up stabbing myself with a needle or killing the plants out of spite."

"There's a Duelist Circle," Raffin offered. "They train with different blade forms and even test enchanted weapons."

That got Elias thinking. "Now that sounds worth joining. Or maybe the Tracking & Wilderness Club—they train with survival magic and spend weekends in the forest. I bet it's fun sneaking around in the dark."

"You mean getting eaten by wyverns," Tamsin teased, smirking.

Lilith let their banter wash over her, her eyes half-lidded as she walked with practiced grace. Her thoughts, however, had drifted elsewhere the moment Lyra had softly mentioned, "There's also the Monster Study Circle. I wonder what they actually do—if they study origins, behaviors, or just the scary stuff."

Lilith's gaze lingered on the shadows between the hedges and trees, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly. Monster Study Circle. The title alone stirred something deep in her chest. Not fear… but curiosity.

The Goddess of Chaos—her goddess—wasn't only the sovereign of wild magic. She was also the Mother of Monsters. All of the non-human creatures were created by Her hand. They had once followed Her, born of magic twisted and raw, misunderstood and hunted. If this club dared to look beyond fear—to understand—perhaps she might find something unexpected there. A bond, like she had with Elaris. And maybe, she could gain allies in that class.

"I think I'll look into the Monster Study Circle," Lilith said at last, voice quiet but firm.

That drew some glances. "Really?" Tamsin blinked. "Aren't they the ones who get permission to visit the lower vaults and do field studies?"

"That's the rumor," Lyra nodded.

Lilith tilted her head slightly. "Then it might be more useful than people think."

The others considered her words, then slowly nodded in approval—though Elias gave her a sidelong glance that said he was going to keep an eye on that particular club. She ignored it with a faint smirk.

As the group turned the last corner and the dormitory towers came into view, the weight of the day settled gently over them. It didn't take long for the group to enter the dormitory. 

The warm glow of lanterns flickered in the dormitory cafeteria, casting long golden shadows across the polished floors and busy wooden tables. The scent of roasted meats, buttered vegetables, and fresh-baked bread wafted through the air as students bustled in—still in uniform, still sore from a long day, but now with laughter clinging to their words.

Lilith entered with her group—Elias, Tamsin, Lyra, and Raffin—all of them exhausted but in good spirits. They moved to their usual corner table, already half filled with steaming trays and low chatter. Elias had barely sat down before Lilith's hand gently tapped his shoulder.

"I won't be staying for dinner," she said quietly.

"You're not hungry?" he blinked up at her, halfway through pouring himself some juice.

"I'll eat," she replied. "But in my room. Could you ask one of the maidservants to bring my meal later?"

Elias frowned but nodded. "Alright. I'll make sure it's warm."

She offered him the faintest of smiles—one of those rare, soft ones—and then turned to the others. "Enjoy your meal."

"Don't forget dessert," Tamsin called cheerily. "They're serving apple tart!"

"I'll try not to," Lilith said, her voice light, though her mind was already drifting elsewhere.

She stepped out of the noise and warmth, slipping into the quiet corridors of the dormitory with only the soft click of her boots on the polished stone for company. Once in her room, she locked the door behind her and shrugged off the day's fatigue like a cloak.

The moonlight spilled faintly through the tall window, silvering the floor and her desk. She pulled out a parchment, uncapped a vial of ink, and dipped her pen. Her emerald eyes scanned the blank surface for only a second before she began writing in elegant, flowing strokes.

To Caelum Thorne

The first day has concluded. I am unharmed. Elias is adjusting well—too well, perhaps. He's already made friends, unsurprisingly. I've kept a cautious distance from them, but even I am getting effected from time to time.

The Academy's staff are varied and interesting.

Professor Elowen Sirelith, gentle but wise. She teaches Theory and Spellcasting with grace. It would be wise if we can pull her to our side.

Professor Thaddeus Greyvale, the historian, speaks with authority but spreads falsehoods. He believes the Eternal Four's version of history without question. What a fool! He must be disposed of.

Professor Sera Halcorth, field instructor—stern, commanding, battle-scarred. A soldier through and through. We can not afford to make her our enemy. I believe I managed to gain her interest. I can only hope that it will turn out into a positive one.

Dean Maerwyn Edevane, High Priestess of Idite, motherly and beloved by the students. A skilled manipulator beneath that smile, perhaps. Or just a fool, being lied and played to by her beloved goddess. She looked way too naive. Still, I do not have any more information about her.

And today, I met Professor Corvin Maithe. Teaches the old tongue. He is strange. Cold. But he carries knowledge deeper than he lets on. He seems to be an open minded person. If we could offer him some forgotten knowledge, he might be interested in helping us when we need someone about runes.

All classes are proceeding as expected. I've already drawn attention for chantless casting as planned. But there is something I want to request.

I believe we will need eyes. Hidden ones.

The Academy is a nest of noble ambitions, rivalries, and secrets. The students here wear smiles, but they are sharpened like daggers. The professors are not fools either. There are too many watchers. Too many pieces on the board already in motion.

For this, I want you to begin forming an information network. Quietly. Use your influence in Silford and your personal assets. You'll know who to trust.

Name it The Nightborne Pact. Operate it from the shadows as the vice leader until you have gathered enough followers. Then I shall come forth as the leader. They will be my ears, our knives, and our unseen allies.

Burn this letter once it's read.

— Lilith Silford

She blew softly over the ink to dry it, then rolled the parchment and sealed it with a wax stamp marked with twin moons—a private symbol between her and Caelum.

The letter in her hand, she turned towards the corner of her room. There stood a birdcage with a black feathered, small owl. Owls were silent fliers, and this particular one could become nearly invisible thanks to its small size and black feathers.

She gently let the bird out of its cage. As the bird rested on Lilith's glowed hand, she carefully strapped a parchment holder on its back before sliding her note in. Then, she opened the window and whispered a name. The bird knew the name of Caelum. Right after hearing it, she immediately flew out, flapping its wings in silence towards the sky.

Lilith then sat back down in her chair, leaning back, she exhaled quietly. Her fingers brushed her necklace lightly as she started to think about what she should do tomorrow.

A soft knock came at the door just as the moonlight fully claimed the sky outside Lilith's window.

She rose from her desk, robes still pristine despite the long day, and opened the door to find Elias standing there with a sheepish look, one hand scratching the back of his head. Behind him, a maidservant bowed politely, holding a silver tray with her dinner—grilled venison, roasted vegetables, a bowl of soup, and a small slice of apple tart.

"Here's your royal feast, Your Grace," Elias quipped gently as the maid stepped inside and set the tray on her desk. "Delivered warm, as requested."

"Thank you," Lilith said, nodding to the maidservant, who bowed once more and departed, closing the door behind her.

Lilith sat at the desk, lifting the fork with quiet poise. Her eyes flicked up at Elias, who remained by the door, his usual cheer now dulled.

"You're unusually quiet," she said, taking a bite of the tender meat. "Sit. Tell me what I missed during your swordsmanship and ethics classes."

Elias obeyed without hesitation, pulling the chair from beside her bed and sitting across from her. His posture straightened, his tone shifting into something more mature—closer to the boy who had spent nights training in secret just to stand beside his sister with pride.

"The instructor—Master Dorian Vael—is as terrifying as you'd expect," Elias began. "He has silver hair and a face carved from granite. Doesn't tolerate sloppiness. Half the class got berated just for holding their blades wrong."

Lilith gave a small nod, taking another bite. "And you?"

"I didn't get yelled at," Elias said simply, with a flicker of pride. "But I could tell he was watching me. A lot."

"Of course he was."

Elias leaned forward slightly. "Then there's this boy. Caspian Drakeford. He's… well, he's intense. Two years older than me, and acts like swordsmanship is his life's only purpose. Keeps challenging me to duels. I didn't accept the first two times, but when I finally did—he was good. Very good."

Lilith arched a brow, pausing her meal.

"He uses earth magic—nothing major, but enough to shift his footing or push me back. He doesn't talk much. Just scowls and fights. But I think he respects me, in his own weird way. After our last spar, he said I wasn't 'completely hopeless.'"

A soft smile touched Lilith's lips. "High praise."

Elias huffed. "He'll never admit it, but I am almost certain that he had fun while sparring with me. And I do not mind it in general, for he's making me better."

Lilith nodded slowly, finishing a spoonful of soup. "Good. Let him push you. But be cautious. Friends made in competition can shift with the wind."

"I know," Elias said, his tone surprisingly firm. "But I'm not going to fall behind. Not here. Not when I'm supposed to protect you."

The room fell quiet for a breath.

Lilith glanced at her brother, then set her fork down gently. "Elias, I appreciate the sentiment, that you want to keep me safe. However, I am the big sibling here. Thus, protecting you is my job, not the other way around."

Elias gave her a pout and opened his mouth to say something, but Lilith quickly continued on speaking, not allowing him a chance to protest. "You're doing well. Better than I expected. Keep your guard up, but don't close yourself off. Trust… in small doses."

Elias smiled at that. "You're the only one I fully trust anyway."

"Good. Keep it that way."

She returned to her meal, and Elias sat back, watching her with the kind of steady loyalty only a younger brother could carry. In between her bites, she spoke one last time. "And do not forget to write your report to Caelum with necessary and minimal information before going to bed. You do know how to send it, right?"

Elias paled slightly, have totally forgotten about that part. He quickly looked at his hands, trying to remember what he needed to do while mumbling under his breath. Lilith gave a sigh and leaned back, dinner finished.

"Use the special ink he gave us to write what has happened, then seal it with the twin moons. Then send it using the owl."

"Y-yes, sis! I will do that now!" He said and quickly jumped up to his feet. He opened the door and stopped for a moment to turn back to say "Good night," before closing it behind him.

Lilith, blinking in surprise at how fast he ran to complete his mission, let out a low chuckle. She then changed her attire and went to her bed.

The introduction to the classes has finished. Tomorrow, she would give her full attention to gaining popularity amongst the teachers so she can get closer to the dean.