The dorms of Spectrum Academy were quiet — too quiet.
Moonlight poured through the glass ceiling, painting soft silver across the hallways. The six domes stood in a perfect circle, each glowing faintly in its student's color.
Inside one of them, Nyra Vale's dome shimmered in soft violet light, shadows dancing gently along the curved walls.
She stirred in her bed, half-asleep — until something soft brushed against her hand.
A faint chirp.
Nyra blinked, groggy. "Huh…?"
Another chirp, closer this time.
She turned — and froze.
Two glowing blue eyes stared right back at her. Wide. Curious. Way too close.
Nyra jerked back, nearly falling off the bed.
"…Okay. Not a dream."
The tiny creature tilted its head innocently, its silver-teal fur shimmering like moonlit silk.
Nyra squinted at it. "Wait… you're that thing from the garden."
The creature squeaked happily and climbed onto her pillow, curling beside her like it belonged there. Its translucent tail flickered softly.
Nyra exhaled, rubbing her face. "Great. You followed me."
She paused… then gave a small, reluctant smile."…You're kinda cute though."
The creature yawned, circled once, and fell asleep — glowing faintly beside her.
Nyra stared at it for a moment longer… then leaned back.
"…This is going to be a problem."
A few minutes later —
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Vale, you awake?" Lyra's voice whispered urgently."Open up," Draven added.
Nyra groaned and dragged herself out of bed. She cracked the door open —
—and immediately, five faces pushed in.
"WHAT is that?!" Eira gasped."It's so cute!" Lyra whispered, eyes lighting up.Riven leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "Wow. Vale got herself a roommate."Seren adjusted his pendant, observing quietly. "Interesting… its aura is unstable."
Nyra rolled her eyes. "Very funny. It just appeared."
Lyra stepped closer to the bed. The creature stirred, then hopped straight into her hands without hesitation, chirping softly.
Everyone went still.
"…Okay," Draven muttered. "That's new."
Lyra blinked, surprised. "It's not scared…"
The creature nuzzled her fingers, its glow brightening — soft and warm, responding to her golden aura.
Nyra folded her arms, watching carefully. "…It chose you."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then —
Clang.
A metallic echo rang through the corridor.
The night guards.
"Hide it," Draven whispered sharply.
Instant chaos.
Nyra grabbed a blanket while Eira froze a small patch of air to dim the glow. Riven shut the door halfway. Seren stilled the movement of light around them.
Lyra gently tucked the creature into the blanket.
The door creaked open slightly. A guard's lantern light spilled inside.
"Students awake at this hour?" the guard's voice rumbled.
Draven stepped forward casually. "Just… studying."
"Studying?"
Riven crossed his arms. "Yeah. Advanced nocturnal resonance patterns."
A pause.
The guard stared. Then, slowly… walked away.
The moment his footsteps faded —
They burst into quiet laughter.
Lyra covered her mouth. "We're definitely getting in trouble someday."
Nyra lifted the blanket slightly. The creature peeked out, chirping softly.
She sighed. "…Guess we're keeping you hidden."
Lyra smiled faintly, brushing its head."Welcome to the team, little one."
Morning
By the next day, the creature was safely hidden inside a small pouch in Lyra's satchel.
At breakfast, it quietly nibbled crumbs, earning suppressed giggles from Eira and amused glances from Riven.
Nyra watched silently, thoughtful. Seren, meanwhile, seemed more focused on the creature's shifting energy than the food.
By the time they reached the Elemental Resonance Hall, the atmosphere had changed.
The air felt… heavier. Sharper.
At the front of the hall stood two unfamiliar figures.
They wore long robes of violet and silver, their faces hidden behind masks shaped like fractured mirrors.
The entire class fell silent.
"Good morning, Initiates," one of them said, voice deep and echoing unnaturally.
"Today," the second added softly,"we begin Phase Two of your training."
A pause.
"The art of binding truth… from illusion."
Lyra leaned slightly toward Draven. "Who are they?"
Draven didn't answer.
His eyes were locked onto the masks — because for a brief second…
He could have sworn one of them whispered his name.
"Let's begin," the first teacher said.
"We will see… which of you is ready."
A faint ripple passed through the room.
"…and which still hides behind their color."