The first light of dawn slipped across the windowsill, stirring Lira awake. Fluffy stretched lazily at the foot of the bed while she quietly gathered her space bag satchel, full with notes and half-formed ideas from the night before.
As she stepped into the cool morning air, the Academy grounds were hushed, with only a few early risers crossing the courtyard. Her feet carried her toward the grove, but her mind was far ahead of her body.
What if the combinations weren't random at all? she thought, clutching the small pouch of herbs she had prepared. What if each potion had its own rhythm, like the fairies do when they hum their songs?
