Chapter 23 Return to Thornwick Academy
Evelyn's POV
I saw Kane reach out and touch the stuffed lion, seeming to really like it. I pulled him to sit on the bed and showed him my photo album, which had pictures of Arthur holding me when I was just born, photos of me in my school uniform, and pictures from trips.
Looking at these photos, I felt like I was reliving my growth journey. Watching how I changed from a little girl into the young woman I am now, Kane looked at them more carefully than I expected.
I suddenly came across a photo and quickly pointed it out to Kane, excitedly telling him, "Kane, look at this one! This was when I was 11, and I insisted on making roast lamb with Grandpa, and ended up setting the kitchen on fire."
I figured Kane probably didn't know I had such a playful side.. Seeing him touch this photo and look at it for a long time, he seemed to really like it.
I took him around my room, showing him every trace of my growth over the years, until Arthur called us from downstairs.
"Evelyn, Kane, it's time. If we wait any longer, you'll miss the train."
Only then did we grab our things and head downstairs together.
Before leaving, I hugged Arthur and kissed him on the cheek, "Grandpa, we're leaving now. We'll come back to see you soon."
I could see the reluctance in Arthur's eyes as he said kindly, "Take good care of yourself, and please don't get hurt again."
Then Arthur turned to Kane beside me and said, "Kane, you need to help me take care of Evelyn, and of course, take care of yourself too."
"Yes, Mr. Gray." Kane nodded seriously in response.
We soon left Arthur's house, and when I looked back, Arthur was still standing at the door watching us.
We boarded the train back to school, the scenery outside the window constantly slipping away.
Though this weekend was brief, I spent it with Kane, and I felt he really liked Arthur and also liked Amber District.
The train slowly started moving, and we were heading back to school.
The train took us back to Thornwick Academy, pulling me away from that weekend filled with the aroma of roast lamb and Arthur's nagging.
The gloomy sky outside and that familiar damp, cold magical atmosphere hit me, making me shiver involuntarily. Kane keenly noticed my movement.
"Cold?" He draped his coat over my shoulders.
"Not cold, I just miss Grandpa and Amber District a bit." I was actually somewhat surprised by his gesture of giving me his coat.
Kane now had more warmth than when I first met him. Though he still looked cold on the surface, I keenly sensed his change.
Smelling the lingering scent on his clothes, we walked together toward the Starflame Tower dormitory.
The relaxed feeling of the weekend had just passed, but reality was already before us.
After waking up the next morning, Kane and I had breakfast together.
The first class was Basic Potions. Although my wound had mostly healed, thinking about going to Basic Potions again and the possible gossip made me feel uneasy.
Kane seemed to notice my hesitation and said quietly, "Let's go together."
He was silent the whole way but stayed by my side, just like when he accompanied me to the infirmary to change my bandages.
At the classroom door, Kane stopped. He stood at the entrance looking at me seriously, "Go in. Call me if anything happens."
His voice was soft, yet steady and reassuring. I nodded and turned to enter the classroom, only to see Celia coming toward me.
She didn't look well, her face somewhat pale.
Just then, Kane and she came face to face. When Celia saw Kane, her steps clearly paused, her expression becoming somewhat stiff, even showing a trace of barely concealed wariness.
Kane paid no attention to her and turned to leave.
I took a deep breath and walked into the classroom first. Several girls in the classroom saw me come in and started discussing in lowered voices. I knew what they were talking about - about me, about Kane, about Emma.
But I ignored them and walked straight to my seat, taking out my textbook.
After the bell rang, Celia walked in. She scanned the classroom, her gaze lingering on me for a moment, then cleared her throat and began the lecture.
"Today we're going to talk about transplanting and caring for Shriekweed. This is a theory class, not as intense as practical work, but more boring."
Near the end of the lecture, Celia gave us time to organize our notes. Her high heels made crisp sounds on the floor as she walked to my desk.
I felt the surrounding classmates secretly looking toward me. I heard Celia say in a very small voice, "Ms. Gray, your wound looks much better."
I instinctively pulled at my collar, openly letting her see my wound that had been freshly bandaged.
"Yes, Professor, it doesn't hurt as much anymore."
Celia looked at the wound, a flash of surprise in her eyes. She looked for quite a while, furrowing her brow and muttering to herself, "Ms. Gray, besides the infirmary treatment, have you had any healing treatment?"
I was stunned for a moment and shook my head. "No, Professor. Only Dr. Clark has treated it."
Celia's expression became somewhat strange. She looked at me deeply, her eyes seeming to contain inquiry and confusion.
"Is that so?" She didn't continue questioning and turned back to the podium.
The class ended quickly. I packed up my things and walked out of the classroom to see a familiar figure - Kane leaning against the wall, already waiting for me. Seeing me come out, he straightened up.
I walked forward side by side with him, suddenly remembering to say, "Next is Charms, luckily it's with you."
Michael was very strict. After we sat down in the classroom, he quickly walked in.
He explained a complex spell formula, his eyes scanning the students in the class, his gaze lingering on Kane and me for a moment.
I thought perhaps it was because of Kane's confrontation with him in class last time that made him pay special attention to us.
Michael's expression instantly became even more severe, but he didn't say anything, just snorted coldly and continued teaching.
Today we were learning about the basic rules of spells. Many students assumed that as long as the pronunciation and gestures were correct, they could cast magic, but that was a wrong assumption.
Michael's voice was very clear. "The core of spells is energy, the magical energy you possess."
He paused, then continued, "Every spell requires a specific amount of energy, just like you need corresponding strength to lift a stone. If your magic power isn't enough to support the spell, at best the spell fails, at worst there's backlash."
The classroom instantly became silent, everyone listening carefully and taking notes.
Michael paused again and continued, "Different species have vastly different magical energy. The legendary Phoenix Clan—their magic reserves and output methods are completely different."
When I heard the words 'Phoenix Clan,' I instinctively turned to look at Kane. His profile was cold and hard, making it impossible to read his expression, but I could still sense his body tensing slightly.