Chapter 33 A Restless Day
Evelyn's POV
He kept looking at me like that. I could see so much hidden in his eyes—worry, longing, restraint, and a kind of almost desperate tenderness.
Forget it. Why make things so difficult for him? Maybe he just sees me as his only good friend. This is the Phoenix Clan's instinct toward friends.
Besides, I can't stand seeing Kane like this. It breaks my heart.
In this unfamiliar magic academy, we're each other's support. Maybe it's just that simple.
After a long while, I couldn't keep up this atmosphere between us any longer.
"Let's go get breakfast."
He sighed. "Just for tonight, will you wear it and stand by my side?"
Kane pushed the wooden box back into my arms, his tone pleading.
Looking at those eyes full of hope yet tinged with humility, I really couldn't refuse him. "Just for tonight then. I'll only wear it at today's ball. Once the ball is over, I'll give it back to you."
I reached out and took the box.
Kane's eyes instantly lit up. He seemed almost unable to believe it, but didn't dare ask again if I really agreed.
I smiled and teased him. "But it's agreed—tonight you have to protect me and get me back safely."
"Okay."
Kane agreed without hesitation.
The cafeteria during breakfast today had a completely different atmosphere than usual.
Besides the aroma of food, the air was filled with a restless, excited energy.
That buzzing sound of conversation floated through the indoor air. I bit into my sandwich, my ears picking up the surrounding discussions and speculations about the ball.
"I heard the dresses this time are assigned based on soul compatibility, and supposedly even the professors can't interfere..."
"Really? Then I hope I get paired with my crush! I did a tarot reading—our compatibility is 99%."
"Stop dreaming. We might get paired with someone we hate."
Everyone was whispering to each other, guessing about tonight's dress styles, pairing rules, and some were even betting on whether they'd be grouped with their rival.
I absentmindedly poked at the fried egg on my plate. The anxiety I'd finally let go of last night was now creeping back with a vague uneasiness.
If only the dresses could have some concrete hints, instead of leaving me nervous like this, even starting to overthink things.
Actually, I'm really worried about being separated from Kane. What should I do if that happens?
"Worried?"
Kane sat across from me, his expression the same as always, as if everything around him was irrelevant, and tonight's ball was just an event that didn't require any concern.
"I'm wondering what kind of dress I'll get." I sighed, looking at him.
"Kane, do you think we'll be paired together? What should I do if we're separated?"
I lowered my head, feeling a bit down, as if I'd already decided we'd likely be separated.
Kane paused in his eating, then lifted his eyelids. Those deep golden eyes flashed with certainty.
He said calmly, yet with an inexplicable confidence in his tone, "Your dress will definitely be white. I'll always be by your side."
"Why?" I asked curiously.
"How do you know? Wouldn't black be cooler?" I said, somewhat conflicted.
Kane inserted a straw into the orange juice and pushed it in front of me. "Intuition."
"Alright, but you guys should all be in black suits anyway, right? There probably won't be much variation in style." I took a sip of orange juice and nodded.
Although Kane's words didn't necessarily guarantee the final result, if he said he'd be by my side, then nothing unexpected should happen.
Today's classes flew by, or rather, no one was really paying attention.
The entire academy seemed to have fallen into a frenzy called "pre-ball syndrome," and even the air felt restless.
First period was Basic Potions. Celia stood at the podium, having us look up information about "the volatility of Silverdew Grass under a full moon" and the side effects of accidentally coming into excessive contact with it.
But almost everyone in the classroom was distracted, and Celia didn't interfere much.
I saw several girls in the front row secretly hiding their phones under thick textbooks, scrolling through ball gossip and outfit guides. The boys in the back were discussing which hairstyle would be better for tonight's dancing, and some were even secretly practicing spins under their desks.
As soon as the bell rang, everyone rushed out of the classroom. When I walked out, I saw Kane waiting at the door. We walked side by side to Charms.
Michael was still there, methodically explaining simple levitation charms and demonstrating them, his voice stern and slow.
"Keep your wrist light, focus your intent... like stroking a feather..."
He was up there talking away while none of us were really listening. The air was thick with a dull atmosphere.
I sneaked a glance at Kane beside me. His gaze was fixed on something outside the window, lost in thought, his profile cold and focused.
"Kane, what are you thinking about?" I gently nudged him with my elbow, trying to break through the low pressure surrounding him.
"Nothing." His tone was calm, clearly not wanting me to know his thoughts.
I didn't press further. I knew he often had things on his mind, but if he didn't want to talk about it, I didn't want to force him.
The next class was Shapeshifting 101. I still couldn't bring myself to like Ambrose.
But that didn't stop me from being afraid of this class. Not knowing what kind of shapeshifter I am always made me anxious.
"Today, we're going to try partial transformation."
Ambrose clapped his hands, signaling everyone to focus, and said loudly, "Try turning your arms into wings, or your legs into beast claws. Feel the bloodline within you, awaken it, don't resist that feeling."
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing heartbeat.
That familiar tingling sensation surged up from deep in my spine again.
It was like countless tiny ants crawling under my skin, or like electric currents passing through my nerves, bringing waves of trembling.
"Tingling..." I repeated in my mind, trying to guide this force toward my arms, following what Kane had taught me.
However, a severe headache suddenly struck! It felt like a dull saw was cutting through my nerves, unbearable.
"Ah!"
I couldn't help but cry out softly, gripping my head tightly with both hands, my whole body curling up in the chair, wanting it to stop hurting.
My vision went black, and cold sweat instantly soaked through my back.
"Evelyn!"