Chapter 15 Flying Bird Brooch
Evelyn's POV
Morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains. I groggily opened my eyes, having slept really well and feeling great. I stretched, rolled out of bed, and headed to the bathroom. It was still early, so I took a shower before coming out.
I walked barefoot across the soft carpet toward that magical wardrobe.
"I wonder what clothes the magic wardrobe has prepared for me? Will it match that bird brooch?" I muttered to myself as I pulled open the closet door.
Inside hung a complete outfit—a green long-sleeved dress with delicate silver vine patterns embroidered on the hem. The fabric felt warm and comfortable to the touch.
I was a bit stunned. This wardrobe was getting smarter and smarter, understanding my thoughts at any moment and updating with the most suitable outfit.
After changing into the dress, I walked over to the jewelry box and took out the silver bird brooch Kane gave me last night.
In the morning light, the ruby on the brooch sparkled with a passionate yet restrained glow, like flames.
I pinned it at the neckline of the green dress. The silver bird seemed to come alive. Its eyes appeared to meet mine.
"It really does match perfectly." I glanced at myself in the mirror. The entire look gave off a fresh and elegant vibe.
I rarely wore dresses before, but this brooch did look better with a dress. "What if I give the magic wardrobe a challenge and have it match the bird brooch with pants tomorrow?" I said with a wicked smile.
I checked the time and decided to go get Kane for breakfast.
As soon as I opened my door, I heard the door next to mine opening too. I turned to see Kane just stepping out. He wore a black shirt with the cuffs rolled up a bit, matching casual pants, and a short jacket over it. His silver-white hair fell casually over his shoulders, gleaming in the morning light.
He saw me too and paused for a moment. His deep golden eyes were full of surprise, landing his gaze on the brooch at my neckline.
"Morning, Kane." I closed my door and jogged toward him. "We're really in sync, aren't we? Look, I'm wearing the brooch."
Kane closed his door somewhat flustered. His voice was a bit low and husky. "Okay."
His gaze stayed on the brooch. If not for that, I might have thought he didn't like how I styled it. There was a careful sort of "possessiveness" in his eyes.
"Let's go have breakfast! The sunshine outside is beautiful. I can't wait to get some sun." I walked alongside him, and he stayed by my side, matching my pace while walking very slowly.
The cafeteria was as lively as ever, but none of it concerned us. We ignored the stares and chatter around us, found a corner spot by a window, and sat down. I ordered strawberry waffles and orange juice. Kane had a sandwich and black coffee.
I took a bite of waffle and looked at Kane who was calmly sipping his coffee across from me. I couldn't help but ask curiously, "Kane, where do you get all these valuable jewels?"
I shook the Flamecore Jewel bracelet on my wrist and pointed to the bird brooch at my neckline. "Flamecore Jewel and rubies are both very precious. I'm just curious—are you actually rich? Did I find a powerful backer?"
"Or do you have some big treasure?" I looked at him curiously, waiting for his answer.
The way Kane eat his sandwich became slightly awkward. After swallowing the food in his mouth, he said, "They... left them behind."
"Your parents?" I wasn't sure if I should bring up his family.
"Yes." He answered flatly. I sensed he didn't want to say more, and I could see that although he tried to act like he didn't care, he couldn't hide his sadness.
I couldn't believe he had given me things his parents left behind.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of them. If you ever want them back, I'll return them to you without a single scratch." I reassured him with a genuine look in my eyes.
Kane looked back at me with a hint of warmth in his deep golden eyes. He picked up his coffee cup and took another big sip.
"By the way, tomorrow's the weekend. We're going to my grandpa's house, don't forget! Save room in your stomach because my grandpa always prepares delicious food. We can eat plenty then."
I took a big gulp of orange juice, swallowed the food in my mouth, and said excitedly.
Although I knew that he wouldn't break his promise, I was still worried he might be nervous.
Kane put down his sandwich and nodded solemnly. "Okay."
"Kane, I don't mean to offend you, but please don't bring my grandpa any jewelry or anything like that. He won't be happy. You just need to come back with me. Although people often say he has a strange temper, he's actually a soft-hearted old man."
I reminded him because it scared me. He might prepare more of these shocking gemstones.
Kane continued nodding. His eyes were serious without a trace of impatience.
After breakfast, Kane watched me head toward the Magical Creature Healing building. "Kane, go ahead to your class. I need to hurry too. Professor Wilson's class - I hope I can learn something I like."
Kane didn't turn away until I completely disappeared, and then he headed to another building.
I walked into the classroom. The walls around were hung with various animal skeleton specimens. Several large glass tanks sat on the podium, containing unknown biological organs soaking inside.
"Looks like this class will be interesting too!" I muttered to myself as I walked to a seat in the corner.
When the class bell rang, Mia began today's lesson.
"Today we're going to talk about the anatomical structure and Mana Circuit of magical creatures."
Mia tapped the blackboard, which showed a complex Griffin anatomy diagram. "Many shapeshifters feel pain during transformation because they can't control the flow of magic within their bodies. Understanding anatomical structure is the first step to controlling magic."
Last class, Mia talked about Lycan Clan shapeshifters and how treating injuries in beast form differs from human form. This class was actually about Griffins.
I really hadn't seen any Griffin shapeshifters, so I was very curious and listened with great interest. I also carefully wrote down key points in my notes.
When Mia asked questions, other students answered accurately, and I silently answered along in my mind. This class was also very fulfilling—I really learned a lot of useful knowledge.
We even got to observe anesthetized creatures in groups. I personally touched its fur and felt the faint magic flowing beneath.
Of course, I was still a group by myself. Without Kane, I was alone, but I didn't mind.
When class ended, Mia walked up to me and handed me a book.