The Mirror of Essence shimmered softly in the courtyard, its surface glowing as students stepped through, vanishing one by one on their way home for the Holi break. The air smelled of lilacs and fresh parchment, and laughter echoed in the distance—but not from everyone.
Mona stood near the edge, suitcase in hand, watching groups of friends disappear. She spotted Rive walking toward the portal.
"Rive…" she said softly.
He paused.
Her eyes pleaded.
"I just… wanted to—"
But Rive didn't stop. His jaw was tight, his pace unbroken. He walked right past her like she didn't exist.
Mona blinked hard.
No tears.
Not now.
Upstairs, Keal was packing in silence, folding his cloak with one hand while rubbing his ribs with the other.
The door creaked.
Ilisha stepped in, holding a small cloth-wrapped bundle.
"I brought these," she said, walking over. "Cookies. I made them myself. I thought… maybe you'd like them on the way."
Keal looked up, surprised, and took the bundle with a faint smile.
"Thanks, Ilisha."
She smiled back.
Then, without another word, she stepped closer—lightly placed her hand on his cheek—and kissed it gently.
For a moment, the world went quiet.
Then she turned and walked away, her braid swaying behind her like a farewell.
Keal stood frozen, heart louder than footsteps.
Outside, the sky carriages rose into the clouds, one after another—golden wings slicing through blue sky, carrying students to distant corners of the magical world.
Thornwick grew quiet.
The wind carried o
nly echoes now.
And the chapter closed... in silence.