(Professor Richard Henderson enters.)
Mr. Henderson:
Hello, students. I am going to be your new professor for Novaborn. I will be teaching your subject. I'm speaking to the seniors because your previous professor is unwell. And of course, I'm new to our new batch of students, since you're just starting.
Miss Coldhollow:
So, students of Novaborn, you will be learning the subject Astralis Heartbind. Veilborns will have Echoveil Arts, and Aetherborns will study Woven Phantasma. Your respective subject teachers will soon introduce you to your subjects, explain what they're about, and what you'll be learning.
For your kind information, these subjects were discontinued for many years, and now you all will be the third batch to learn them.
After lunch, you'll have a 1.5-hour break. You can return to your rooms, and then a fairy will come to guide you to your new class.
These respective house subjects will only be held on two days of the week: Wesumday and Frnamday. And as tomorrow is Wesumday, you'll be having your first session then.
Now, you can begin your lunch."
(Fairies re-enter the hall, carrying floating trays of food, twinkling as they glide toward each student…)
Calla (whispers):
What is Wesumday and Frnamday?
Aren:
Oh, she means Wednesday and Friday.
Calla:
How do you know that?
Aren:
I told you—I have the Book of Orvellan.
Calla:
Okay.
(After lunch, everyone returned to their rooms. Lyra was walking with Selby.)
Selby:
"Hey Lyra, sorry, but I'm going to Calla and Talia's room. It's not to rest — I just want to talk with them."
Lyra:
"Oh, okay… but can I come too?"
Selby:
"Uhh, sorry, but I want to talk to them about some personal stuff. I'm really, really sorry."
Lyra:
"Oh… okay. Don't say sorry, it's fine. You can go."
Selby:
"Thank you."
(Selby leaves.)
Lyra (to herself):
"Huh… I need to think. I need to do something. How can she just say no to me?"
In Calla and Talia's room…
Talia:
"That was R.C.H."
Calla:
"Yeah. We need to find out why he did all those things."
(Selby enters.)
Selby:
"Girls!"
Talia:
"Oh Sel, you came!"
Calla:
"I thought you wouldn't."
Selby:
"How could I stay without talking to you both about that?"
Talia:
"Okay okay, now come sit here."
Calla:
"I have so many questions for him. Can we go meet him?"
Meanwhile, in the boys' room…
Damon (whispers):
"Hey Owen, can you tell me that Novaborn girl's name?"
Owen:
"Why do you want her name?"
Damon:
"I'm just asking. She's a Novaborn — gotta stay cautious around all of them."
Owen:
"Uh, I don't really get what you mean. But even I don't know her name… ohh but he might."
(He points to Aren.)
Damon:
"Eh, forget it."
Aren:
"Owen, can we go to the girls' room?"
Owen:
"I don't know. And why are you asking me?"
Aren:
"You two are talking, and I'm just sitting here like a statue. I'm bored! That's why I'll go to Calla and Talia's room."
Damon:
"Who are Calla and Talia?"
Aren:
"The two girls you met."
Damon:
"Which house?"
Aren:
"Novaborn and Veilborn."
Damon:
"Ah, okay. I know how to go."
Aren:
"Then tell me! I'm going!"
Damon:
"Hey, we're coming too."
Owen:
"Wait — we?"
Damon (whispers):
"I'm bored too. And I can't handle this silly guy alone — please stay with me."
Owen:
"Ugh, fine. Only because you're begging."
Aren:
"Are you two done whispering? How do we even get there?"
Damon:
"Since you're Novaborn and Veilborn, you can't do this — but I can. Just hold my hand."
(They all disappear from the room.)
Back in the girls' room…
Selby:
"Not now, but maybe we can go at night."
(Just then, the boys suddenly appear behind Selby.)
Talia (screams):
"AHH!!"
(She throws a pillow at them. Calla hears her scream, looks over, and also screams before throwing a pillow. Selby, startled by both screams, jumps onto the bed in panic.)
Aren:
"Hey! Why are you all screaming?!"
(Talia picks up the fallen pillow and smacks Aren with it again in frustration.)
Talia:
"Don't you get it?! This is the girls' room! How could you just appear in here like that?!"
(Watching Talia scold and whack Aren with the pillow, Damon and Owen retreat to the wall with terrified looks on their faces.)
Aren:
Hey, stop, stop. I'm sorry.
(Talia stops.)
Calla:
Aren, why did you come here with these two boys?
Sorry, I don't know your names… No, wait—I think I do. You, with the blond hair… Damon Draycott, right?
Damon:
Ahh, it's Damon, not Demon.
Calla:
Oops, sorry! Damon. And what about you?
Owen:
Huh? I'm Owen Branford.
Calla:
Oh okay. Do you guys know my name?
Damon:
Umm… I know Selby because of my sister, but not you both.
Selby:
Yeah, same. I know you through her.
Calla:
Well, I'm Calla Everhart.
Talia:
Talia Caldwell.
Aren:
If you're all done with intros… can I ask something?
Calla:
Yeah?
Aren:
What were you all talking about? Selby said something like, "We can go at night"?
Talia:
Ah, nothing.
Aren:
Are you sure?
Talia:
Yeah, nothing important.
Damon:
Anyway, if you're thinking of sneaking out at night, just be careful.
There are 2–3 Ghosguards. They do rounds to check if everything's fine.
Selby:
Oh right, I forgot about them.
Talia:
Then how will we meet R.C.H.?
Aren:
R.C.H.?
Calla:
Ahh… Tal…
Owen:
Who's R.C.H.?
Selby:
Why do you want to know?
Owen:
Because I might help you avoid the Ghosguards. But I need to know where you're going.
(Talia and Calla look at Selby.)
Selby:
Are you thinking of telling them?
(Talia and Calla smile and nod slightly.)
Selby:
Alright then…
(Talia, Calla, and Selby tell them everything — about Calla getting the book, going to R.C.H's home, and all that happened.)
Owen:
That's insane.
Aren:
Like—he gave that box to his uncle and told him to give it to you. And then, on the exact date, you three went there and like—whoa.
Damon:
By the way, can you tell us who this R.C.H. is?
Talia:
Oh yes, we forgot—R.C.H. stands for Richard Charles Henderson, the Novaborn professor.
Owen:
What?
Selby:
Ugh, there's no time to explain everything to you now. You all need to leave—the fairy will be here soon, and if they see you, obviously they'll report to the professors.
Damon:
Yeah, you're right. We need to go, guys. Ahh, Calla—we'll meet at night, then?
Calla (confused):
Ahh—yes, yes, of course.
Damon:
Let's hurry up, boys.
(And just like that, Damon grabs Aren's and Owen's hands and they head back to their rooms.)
Owen:
Calla, hah…
Aren:
You hate me because I'm a Novaborn—but what about her? She's a Novaborn too.
Damon:
Hey! Shut up, both of you. I hate her too. Her name just slipped out of my mouth.
(At that point, a fairy entered and told them to get ready for their next lecture. Though instead of a classroom, the fairy led them to the library. There was no professor there—only the fairy, who told everyone to sit quietly and read books.)
At dinner, later that night
Calla:
So, when will you all come?
Aren:
As soon as the lamps go off—we'll come at that exact time.
Calla:
Okay.
(After dinner, everyone went back to their rooms. They all changed into their night clothes.)
In Selby and Lyra's room
Lyra:
So, are you going to sleep here tonight, or are you sneaking off to Talia and Calla's room?
Selby (smiling):
I'll sleep here only. Now let's sleep. Good night.
Lyra:
Oh, okay. Good night.
(At exactly 10:00, the lamps went off. Selby checked to see if Lyra was asleep and quietly went into the washroom. After that, she used magic to appear in Calla and Talia's room.)
Talia:
Why are we even doing all this magic ourselves? Why do we need those boys?
(Just then, the boys entered the room through the door.)
Calla:
What?! Why did you come through the door?
Damon:
Because after the lamps go off, we Aetherborn can only move around like this. We can't bring anyone with us. So, at 9:59, we came and waited outside your door—and then entered.
Selby:
I guess that answers your question, Tal.
Talia:
Oh… okay. Now Owen, tell us your plan.
Owen:
Yes, so here's the plan— There are a total of three Ghosguards. They usually fly around the staircase area. Since the professors live upstairs, that's their main patrol zone. Selby and Damon, since you both can use magic to travel from here to there, you'll go out first.
Start from the corridor, then teleport near the staircase using your magic. Your job is to distract the Ghosguards. If you succeed, even the one guarding the top floor will move. While they're focused on you, the rest of us will sneak upstairs. Then, once it's safe, you both can join us.
But be very careful—if a Ghosguard sees you, they'll be able to smell where you are, even from far away.
Talia:
Wait—what happens if they catch us? Will they tell a professor or the Headmistress?
Owen:
No. They can't speak. They'll just try to kill you.
Talia:
What?! That's way too dangerous. We can't risk both of their lives for this.
Owen:
There's no other way.
Selby:
Don't worry, Tal. I'll do it.
Damon:
Yeah. I'm in too.
Aren:
Then let's not waste time. Let's move.
(They all quietly exit the room and reach the edge of the invisible staircase.)
Owen:
There. One is floating at the base of the stairs, and the other is right above it on the landing. Selby, Damon—you both need to split up. One of you distracts the one across , and the other draws the attention of the one above.
Selby:
Got it. I'll take the across.
Calla and Talia:
Be safe.
(They all share a quick hug.)
Aren:
Be safe, Damon.
(Aren tries to hug Damon, but Damon shoves him away with an annoyed look.)
(Selby heads to one side and Damon quietly moves to the upper landing. They both use fire magic—small sparks at first—to draw the attention of the Ghosguards. The eerie creatures slowly start floating toward them, glowing faintly in the shadows.)
Owen:
Okay, now's our chance! Go—Aren first, then Calla and Talia. I'll come last.
(When they reached the upper level, the Ghosguard was arriving on the other side. Damon quickly used magic to cross over, just as Selby was about to go up and follow. But her night suit got stuck on something.
She tried to pull it free but couldn't. The Ghosguard on the other side was getting closer — close enough now that he could see her.
Owen, watching from above, noticed what was happening. To save her, he used magic to draw the Ghosguard's attention away. At that moment, Selby's night suit came loose. She quickly used magic and went up. Owen also entered from above.
But just as he did, the Ghosguard caught sight of him — and sniffed the air, sensing his presence.)
Selby:
Thank you…
Owen (irritated but calm):
You're welcome. But now it's seen me. It knows my scent.
Selby:
…I'm sorry.
Damon:
Hey—we need to move. Let's find R.C.H's room, fast.
Aren:
Everyone stay silent from now on.
(They were searching for the room of R.C.H.)
Aren:
Ahh… Professor Nighvale… Professor… huh—yep, this is Professor Henderson.
Calla:
So? Now?
Damon:
Nothing. Just knock.
(Aren knocks on the door.)
Mr. Henderson (from inside):
Who is this at night?
(He opens the door and gets shocked upon seeing them.)
Mr. Henderson:
You both? Why are you here?
Calla:
Sir, we need to talk to you.
Mr. Henderson:
Ahh… okay, come in.
(They all walk inside one by one.)
Mr. Henderson:
Oh, there are so many of you! I thought only two had come.
Selby (nervously):
Ah—yes, sir R.C.H…
Mr. Henderson:
Ohh, so you're the three girls? But wait—who are these three boys?
Talia:
Nothing, they just came along with us.
Mr. Henderson:
Can I know your names? And how did you all safely get past the Ghosguards?
Calla:
We made a plan. Honestly, those Ghosguards are pretty slow.
And I'm Calla Everhart.
Aren:
Aren Blackmoor.
Owen:
Owen Branford.
Talia:
Talia Caldwell.
Selby:
Selby Thorn.
Damon:
Damon Draycott.
Mr. Henderson:
Ohh! Mr. Draycott, Miss Everhart, and Miss Caldwell… I knew your parents when they were students here.
Talia:
You knew my dad? Wait—how old are you, Professor?
Mr. Henderson:
Ahhh… around 120, I think.
Talia:
Wohh—then how old is your brother?
Mr. Henderson:
My brother??
Selby:
She means your uncle.
Talia:
Ohh, yes! Your uncle.
Mr. Henderson:
Ohh, my uncle… he's still alive?
Calla:
Obviously. He was the one who gave us the box with the map inside.
Mr. Henderson:
Ohh right, I'd forgotten…
Aren:
Sorry to interrupt—but can we sit?
Mr. Henderson:
Oh, yes, yes, please sit.
(They all sit.)
Mr. Henderson:
Now, can I ask—why exactly did you come here?
Selby:
Because we have a lot of questions.
Mr. Henderson:
Oh, I can guess what those questions might be… but listen, this isn't the right time. It's late—you all should get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow during break. You can come to see me then.
Owen:
Seriously? We risked our lives just to hear that?
Mr. Henderson:
It's already past midnight. I promise I'll explain everything tomorrow—I just need to wake up early too.
Damon:
Actually… he's right.
Owen:
But how are we supposed to go back to our rooms now?
Aren:
We'll go the same way we came.
Owen:
I can't. One of the Ghosguards has my scent now.
Selby:
That sounds weird the way you said it—but yes, it's true. He saved me, and the Ghosguard caught his scent. If he tries to go back, they'll attack him.
Mr. Henderson:
Alright, then none of you need to go now. Sleep here, and in the morning, I'll wake you up. That's when the Ghosguards leave their posts.
Talia:
Okay, that's good. But honestly… don't the Ghosguards look just like Dementors from Harry Potter?
Mr. Henderson:
What's a Dementor?
Owen:
Yeah… what's that?
Damon:
And who's Harry Potter?
Talia:
Ahh, never mind. Not everyone needs to know.
Aren:
It's a movie.
Damon:
A what?
Aren:
Forget it.
Mr. Henderson:
Alright, listen. Girls—you'll sleep in the bedroom. I'll take the sofa. And you three go in that room and sleep on the floor.
Aren:
Oh, that's so kind of you, Professor, to give us a room.
Mr. Henderson:
That's a store room.
Aren:
Ohh… Why does a professor need a store room?
Mr. Henderson:
Even I don't know.
Aren:
Huuhh…
Mr. Henderson:
You girls wait here, I'll set up the bed.
And you boys — see those sleeping things over there?
Go and lay them out.
Calla:
Thank you, sir.
(Owen takes all the stuff and goes inside to set it up.)
Damon:
Seriously? We're going to sleep in a store room?
Aren:
Exactly. These girls get to sleep in a bedroom, and we're stuck in a store room.
Damon:
We could've just slept on the floor in the bedroom.
Calla:
Ahh, sorry to interrupt, but we are girls sooo…
Damon:
Sorry, but I just hate store rooms.
(Meanwhile, Owen is inside setting everything up when Selby walks in.)
Selby:
Hey, I'm really sorry.
Owen:
Huhh, let it be.
(Selby walks in and helps him set up.)
Owen:
Why are you helping me? And where are those two?
Selby:
They're just outside, shouting about how much they hate the store room.
Owen (smiling):
They're real idiots.
(They finish setting everything up.)
Owen:
Thanks for helping me.
Selby:
I should be the one thanking you.
(At that moment, Aren walks in.)
Aren:
Ohh, sorry to disturb you both.
Owen:
Hey, shut up.
Selby:
You're literally stupid, Owen. I'm going.
Aren:
Huh? Why'd she call you stupid?
Owen:
Even I don't know. That's why I hate girls — I saved her, and she still called me stupid.
Mr. Henderson:
Girls, you can go and sleep now.
The Girls:
Thank you, Sir.
(They go inside.)
Mr. Henderson:
You, Mr. Draycott—why are you still here? Go and sleep.
Damon:
Ahh, yes.
(Damon goes inside too.)
(In the storeroom. Damon enters.)
Owen:
Hey, you're bleeding!
Damon:
Oh, now someone finally noticed.
Aren:
But how? What happened?
Damon:
When I was hiding from the Ghostbuster, I got too close to the wall. I didn't see there was something sharp, and it cut my stomach.
Aren:
But how did no one notice that?
Damon:
I tried to hide it… but I can't anymore.
(At that point, Professor Henderson enters from behind.)
Mr. Henderson:
Mr. Draycott, just lie down.
Mr. Branford, take this—apply it to his wound and wrap it up.
(Mr. Henderson leaves and closes the door.)
Aren:
Oh… they noticed after all.
Owen:
I guess that's why he's the Professor. Damon, come on—lie down.
(Damon takes off his shirt and lies down. Owen applies the liquid to his wound and wraps it with a bandage roll.)
Aren:
Does it hurt a lot?
(Damon just stares at him silently.)
Aren:
Okay, I got the answer. Good night.
Owen:
Sleep well, Damon. If you need anything, just tell me.
Damon:
Yeah… good night.
(They all lie down to sleep. In the girls' room, all the girls had already fallen asleep...)
(At morning Mr. Henderson wakes up and knocks on the girls' door saying that it's morning. Then he goes to the boys' room and knocks on the door too, but the boys didn't wake up. The girls come out of their room.)
Girls:
Good Morning, Sir.
Mr. Henderson:
Good Morning.
Would you girls just go and wake those boys?
Talia:
Ahh, these boys…
(They go near the storeroom and try to unlock the door, but it doesn't open at first. Then suddenly, the door gets unlocked and in front of them, Aren is standing rubbing his eyes.)
Calla:
Aren, you woke up?
Aren:
Ahh, yes. Can you all please wake them? I want to go to the washroom.
Calla:
Ok.
Before entering, Calla shouts—
Calla:
Hey, wake up guyss!
(By hearing her voice, Owen wakes up. Damon, still half-asleep, groans.)
Damon:
I want to sleep more…
(But he slowly opens his eyes and, seeing Calla had come in, he suddenly jumps and covers himself with a blanket—he wasn't wearing a shirt.)
Calla, seeing him like that—
Calla:
Ohh—oh! Sorry!
(She quickly walks out of the room, a little flustered. Owen, seeing this, bursts out laughing.)
Damon, now pulling on his t-shirt—
Damon:
Hey, stop laughing!
(Then both Damon and Owen come out of the room.)
Calla:
Ahh, Damon, what happened to you?
Aren:
Ohhh, so you saw him shirtless?
Talia and Selby look at her teasingly.
Calla:
Ahh—!
Damon:
Nothing. Yesterday something sharp just slightly cut my stomach.
Calla:
Ah—oh, take care, okay?
Mr. Henderson:
Alright, if you all are ready now, then go.
And one thing—girls to your room, boys to yours.
(They all step out and go downstairs to their rooms. First, Selby goes with Talia and Calla to their room, and then she heads to her own. When she enters, Lyra is sitting inside.)
Selby:
You?? Awake?
Lyra:
I know where you were last night.
Selby:
Where…?
(Lyra just gives her a small, knowing smile…)