200 bucks!

200 bucks!
The portal shimmered one last time before sealing shut, leaving Astrid, Nyxthera, Killian, Jason, and the rest of the battered group walking out into the academy courtyard. They weren’t falling or stumbling this time—just walking steady, step by step, worn but alive.

The courtyard was already full. Professors, students, Headmaster Donovan himself—all gathered as if they had been waiting every second for this moment.

The first to break was Dove. Her eyes went wide, lips trembling before the tears spilled. “You’re—” Her voice cracked, and then she didn’t finish. She sprinted forward, skirts flying, and before anyone could brace themselves, she threw herself at them all in a messy, sobbing hug. She clung to Astrid, then Killian, then Jason, shaking with relief.

“They’re back!” someone shouted.

And then it rose like a tide—the academy erupting in cheers. The cry swept across the courtyard, loud, proud, full of fire:

“The academy warriors have returned!”

Astrid felt her chest tighten, her throat catch. Pride, guilt, gratitude—all tangled inside her. She leaned close to the ones around her, voice low so it was just for them. “I’m… sorry. For the injuries. For everything.”

Jason gave a wry smile. “Don’t apologize. We’ve had worse scrapes.”

Elsie shook her head, hand on Astrid’s arm. “We’ll heal. That’s what matters.”

“Damn right,” Hera muttered with a grin.

Nyxthera smirked at the scene, crossing her arms. “Look at you. Already a hero.”

Within the hour, the academy came alive with celebration. Torches were lit, music carried through the halls, and tables were filled with food and drink. A feast was thrown in their honor, the air electric with relief and joy.

Students clustered around Archie, who was standing on a bench, gesturing wildly as he recounted everything that had happened. “…and then she just—bam! Shadows everywhere, fangs out, terrifying as hell!” He swung his arms like claws, nearly smacking Odin in the face.

“Don’t forget to add the portal Dove did for us!” Odin called out, raising his cup with a grin.

Dove, who had just set down a plate of roasted meat, flushed red and smacked him on the arm. “Shut up!”

The table roared with laughter, cups clinking, voices high.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Astrid let herself sink into the warmth of it. She wasn’t just back. They all were. Together.

The great hall was overflowing with music and laughter, the glow of golden lanterns warming every corner as the feast stretched into the night. Platters of roasted meats, baskets of bread, and pitchers of sweet wine moved from table to table as students retold the story of the battle a hundred different ways, each version wilder than the last. For the first time in what felt like forever, the academy brimmed with joy instead of fear.

Astrid was still smiling at Dove—who was trying (and failing) to wipe away her happy tears—when a familiar presence approached. She turned to see Nyxthera, standing there with that sly, knowing smile that carried both sharpness and softness at once.

“You did well,” Nyx said, her voice velvet-smooth but steady. “I’m… proud of you, Astrid.”

Astrid blinked, heart tightening. She had fought alongside Nyx, bled with her, and in some ways, been saved by her. For a moment, words threatened to knot in her throat, but she managed a shaky smile. “No. I’m the one who should be grateful. You—you were the reason we made it through. Without you…”

Nyx waved her hand dismissively, though her eyes softened. “Don’t make me blush, little sister. It was nothing.”

“Nothing?” Astrid scoffed, stepping closer. “You stood against him. You gave me courage. That’s not nothing.”

Nyx tilted her head, studying her as though committing every inch of Astrid’s face to memory. Then she exhaled, her smile turning faint, almost bittersweet. “I won’t be staying here.”

Astrid’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean? This is your place too now. You belong here—”

Nyx chuckled low, a sound that carried both mischief and finality. “No, this isn’t my world. Not really. I’ve fought my battles, carried my war. I want something different now. Something… soft.” She glanced toward the windows, where the night sky stretched endless and glittering. “I want to see the human world. Live like them for once. Maybe even find myself a Prince Charming and start a family.”

Astrid’s jaw dropped slightly. “You? Prince Charming?” She laughed in disbelief, swiping at her tears as they welled. “You’d scare him away before he even said hello.”

“Then he wouldn’t be the right one,” Nyx said slyly, and the two of them laughed together, their shoulders bumping. The sound drew warmth from Astrid’s chest, the kind only sisters could share.

The laughter faded, and the moment stretched tender. Astrid touched Nyx’s arm gently. “You deserve it. A chance to write your own story, not just fight in everyone else’s war.”

Nyx’s lips trembled before she masked it with another smirk. “Don’t make me soft, Astrid. I already made up my mind.” And with that, she pulled Astrid into a sudden, fierce embrace. Astrid froze for a second before clutching her back, burying her face against her sister’s shoulder.

When Nyx finally pulled away, Astrid’s cheeks were wet, her throat tight. Nyx wiped a stray tear from Astrid’s face with her thumb and whispered, “Don’t cry, sister. This isn’t an ending. It’s just… a new beginning.”

Astrid nodded, though her lips trembled. Killian and Jason, watching from nearby, stepped forward when Nyx finally turned to leave. Killian’s hand rested gently on Astrid’s back, Jason’s hand brushing her arm, both silent in their comfort.

The entire school seemed to pause as Nyx walked toward the doors. Students and professors alike straightened, many bowing their heads in thanks, others clapping softly in respect. She gave them all a single parting smile—mysterious, radiant, unforgettable—and then disappeared into the night.

Astrid sniffed, pressing a hand to her mouth as Killian leaned close. “She’ll be fine. Stronger than anyone here. If anyone can carve her own path, it’s Nyx.”

Astrid nodded, but the tears slipped anyway. Jason squeezed her hand. “She’ll come back when she’s ready. Until then, you’ve got us.”

Before Astrid could respond, a firm voice cut through the hall. “May I have everyone’s attention?”

It was Headmaster Donovan, standing tall at the center of the feast, his usually stern features lit with something warmer, lighter. The crowd hushed instantly, every eye turning toward him. Astrid blinked at the sparkle in his eyes—an expression she had never quite seen before.

“I know tonight is already one of celebration,” Donovan began, his voice carrying steady and clear. “But there is something I cannot wait another moment to do.”

The crowd murmured, curious. And then gasps rang out as Donovan turned toward Professor Sera, who sat wide-eyed at the long table. In his hand gleamed a silver ring, the firelight catching it as he knelt on one knee.

“Seraphina,” Donovan said, his voice deep with emotion, “will you marry me?”

The hall erupted—screams, cheers, laughter bursting all at once. Students leapt to their feet, pounding the tables in wild celebration. Astrid’s hands flew to her mouth, heart swelling.

Professor Sera’s hands shook as she pressed them to her lips, eyes glistening. “Yes!” she exclaimed, her voice breaking with joy. “Of course, yes!” She leapt up, throwing her arms around Donovan as the hall shook with applause.

“I always knew something was up with these two.” Archie snapped his fingers.

But then she pulled back, laughing through her tears. “And—I have something to announce as well.”

The noise hushed again, expectant.

“I’m…” She paused, emotion bubbling at her lips. “I’m expecting a baby. Your baby.”

If the cheers before had been wild, this time they were thunderous. Students screamed, clapped, stomped their feet, professors cheered, and Dove practically fainted in excitement.

Jason laughed, clapping Killian’s shoulder. “This is insane.”

Killian grinned, his lip still bruised but his eyes bright. “For once, in the best way.”

“Odin, you owe me 200 bucks, I won the bet!” Archie laughed.

“What bet?” Zora laughed.

“We actually placed a bet if these two might have fucked,  now I owe this gambler 200 bucks!” odin laughed and they all did too.

Astrid, smiling through her tears, pressed a hand to her heart as the noise filled the hall. Laughter, cheers, joy—it was everything they had fought for. Everything they had nearly lost.

And in that moment, the academy was more than a school. It was family.