25 Amelia Brown

Scanning the roster, I located my designation inked beside Senior Class B, the room number prominently displayed. Swiveling towards Raven, I discerned the subtle upturn of her lips—a ghost of a smile.

"It seems fate has intertwined our paths to share the classroom this year, Jade," Raven intoned, her voice tinged with a whisper of exhilaration.

I swiveled back, eyes skimming the board to validate Raven's claim. Indeed, her name was there. Yet, as my gaze drifted, it snagged on a name that resonated with familiarity—Amelia Brown. That was the heroineof the novel, wasn't it? But my musings were abruptly severed by Raven's interjection.

"Jade, we must make haste. Others are awaiting their turn to discover their classes," Raven urged, clasping my hand and steering us away from the throng clustered around the board.

"Apologies, I was ensnared in a web of thoughts," I confessed, scratching my head in a sheepish gesture as I released Raven's hand.

Raven's laughter was light, almost musical.

"It's hardly surprising. You've always been adrift in your own world since the day I met you," she teased, her curiosity piqued. "What is it that captures your thoughts so?"

"Nothing of consequence, truly. Let's proceed to our classroom, lest the prime seats be claimed by others," I suggested, setting a course for our class.

Within a few strides, we arrived at the threshold of our classroom. A smattering of students had already congregated, yet, fortuitously, the coveted seats at the back remained unclaimed. Raven and I made our way there.

As usual, we became the cynosure of all eyes, yet none dared to bridge the distance. Then, in a moment that seemed to still the very air, another figure made an entrance, commanding the attention of every onlooker—it was none other than Amelia Brown.

Amelia Brown stepped into the room, and an immediate hush fell over the crowd. She possessed an effortless grace, her movements fluid and poised. Her hair cascaded in soft, chestnut waves, framing a face that was the epitome of welcoming beauty. Her eyes, a vibrant hazel, sparkled with an inviting warmth, and her smile, generous and genuine, seemed to light up the room. She was dressed simply, yet every piece she wore seemed to accentuate her natural elegance.

Amelia gaze swept the room, a practiced ease in her demeanor as she acknowledged her peers with a brisk nod. Her eyes, however, seemed to be searching for something—or someone—until they landed on Raven and me. With a purposeful stride, she closed the distance between us.

I couldn't help but wonder about her intentions. Two years at this academy and our paths had never crossed; her sudden interest was peculiar, to say the least. She halted before us, and neither Raven nor I could mask our discomfort.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Raven, Jade," Amelia greeted us with a smile, extending her hand in a gesture of friendship. "I've longed to make your acquaintance, but the opportunity has eluded me until now."

I was about to reciprocate the handshake when Raven's grip on my hand tightened, preventing me from completing the gesture.

"What do you want from us?" Raven's tone was laced with suspicion. "It's odd that you'd approach us now after two years of silence."

"Oh, it's nothing sinister. I merely wished to extend the hand of friendship," Amelia replied, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

The collective gaze of the room shifted towards our trio, and whispers began to circulate, echoing the sentiment, "Raven is as cruel as the rumors suggest."

In that moment, I thought I saw a faint smirk grace Amelia's lips before it vanished, while Raven's mood darkened considerably. Amelia might be the heroine, but I hadn't expected her to be such a jerk.

As I was about to intervene to assist Raven, a professor entered the room—an elf. The elf professor had a presence that was both commanding and graceful. His skin had a subtle glow, and his eyes were a piercing shade of green that seemed to hold centuries of wisdom. His silver hair was long and well-kept, and his pointed ears added to his distinguished appearance. His attire was simple yet elegant, consisting of robes that blended harmoniously with the natural colors of the earth.

As he entered, a reverent silence enveloped the room. Amelia seized the opportunity to claim the seat beside me, sandwiching me between herself and Raven. I couldn't hide my displeasure; of all the available seats, she chose the one next to mine, and Raven's scowl mirrored my own.

Once all the students had settled in, the elf professor began to speak.

"Good morning, everyone. Starting today, I will be your homeroom teacher and also your magic instructor. My name is Eldarin Silvershade," he said solemnly, scanning the students in the classroom before continuing.

"As you all know, this is your final year at this school, and the ultimate goal of this year is graduation," he added, his tone laced with encouragement.

At that moment, I tuned out. Every year, it was the same old spiel. I glanced at Raven, and like me, she wasn't paying attention either. However, I could feel Amelia's gaze boring into me, but I refused to turn around and look at her. I preferred to avoid her altogether.

Time seemed to crawl by, each tick of the clock stretching into an eternity. Finally, the half-day session drew to a close, and I couldn't have been more relieved. I began to gather my belongings, and Raven did the same. We rose from our seats, eager to leave, when Amelia's hand clasped mine. Suddenly, a system alert materialized before my eyes.

[Amelia has attempted to exert control over you, but due to her insufficient level, the attempt has failed. Host, please be cautious.]

With a swift motion, I withdrew my hand from Amelia's grasp, leaving her looking bewildered. Who would have thought she harbored intentions to manipulate me? This must have been why Raven had been so adamant against our handshake.

"Jade, are you alright?" Raven asked, positioning herself protectively between Amelia and me.

"What's the matter, Raven? Jealous?" Amelia retorted with a sly smile. "I've done nothing wrong; I merely took her hand."

Raven's anger was palpable, and the other students' eyes turned towards us, their gazes heavy with judgment. But before Raven could unleash her fury, I took her hand, and we swiftly exited the classroom, leaving a stunned Amelia behind. Once we reached a secluded spot, I released Raven's hand.