The Astralis Gown came as expected. There were no classes in session that day, so students just prepared and relaxed
Elior was resting in his room, he did not have anything that he needed to do, Elior only planned to rest, and that was exactly what he did.
Aside from resting, Elior spent time meditating and taking his Arcana control very serious.
The day came rushing so fast that it was unexpected.
"It's time, I guess" Elior said as he stared from the windows watching students wear their formal attire and walking the girls as they approached the hall
Elior decided to take a quick shower.
As Elior stood in the shower, the water run through his body, Elior could not shake the feeling that the expectant day was today
"I can't believe today is the Astralis Massacre"
"I wonder how many months or weeks I have been in this world to say at least"
As Elior settled more in the shower, he finally sighed resided himself to the fact that today is today
"Showtime kids" Elior said as he left the shower
Elior opened his wardrobe, seeing his clothes, Elior smiled
Arriving at the grand hall, the chandelier's lights shimmered brilliantly, changing revealing different spectrums of the color.
This setting was entirely different from the orientation that Elior once had
There were banners of each hall spread across the hall symbolizing at Astralis Academy, everyone was united despite the class they were currently in
There were two sets of tables, one filled with a platter of food which were extravagant enough that it looked that what kings and queens could have for breakfast.
There were roasted meats glazed with sweet herbs, vibrant fruits carved into intricate designs, enchanted desserts shimmered faintly with magic
And in the center of the hall-
A wide, polished dance floor gleaming under shifting lights
Students began walking in little by little slowly occupying the hall
Students from every year filled the hall- first years, second years, third years wearing their finest.
Formal gowns swirling against sharp cut suits and rich cloaks.
Arcana-threaded fabrics caught the light in subtle, sophisticated flashes.
Among the first years, Aria and her group caught everyone's attention
Aria wore a slick silver dress which seemed to bring out her silver looking hair. Her looks mesmerized everyone and people literally fainted once she turned to look at them
But she was not the only star among the females as Selene Valtoria, Nyra Kaelis, Mira Solen, Ymir Fenleigh, Elira Noxveil, Luna Seraphine, Ravyn Astraea, Liora D'Arthein and Seris Althorne
These ladies were so dazzling and no one could avert their gazes from them at all
Then came the boys, Kael Draven, Ryn Alden and Aiden Cross seemed to stand out. Each of their suits were magnificent and well coated.
As the students were occupying, Aiden asked Aria a question
"Where is Elior?" Aiden asked, smiling
"He said he would be arriving sooner" Aria answered
The door then opened
Two figures stepped inside which caught everyone's attention
Elior and Seren Valenor
Elior clad in a tailored charcoal suit, a silver threaded tie catching the light which reflected his silver calculating eyes. His tousled hair was arranged which made him look dazzling
Seren on the other, her emerald gown, black silk hair cascaded down her back as her piercing emerald eyes commanded the whole room like royalty itself
As they both walked, no one seemed to take their eyes off their two as they slowly joined the others.
"Had to make an entrance, Elior?" Aria said as she took glances at Elior while hiding her admiration
Aiden on the other hand dragged Elior and nearly put him in a choke hold
"You said you were coming with no one, yet you came with Seren"
"You jerk"
Elior turned to look at Seren before smiling and replying to Aiden
"I was planning on coming but I decided to accompany Seren because she came alone"
The whole group was quiet before Kael spoke up
"Fat-ass lies"
That made the whole group to begin laughing easing the tension
Elior kept moving, near the far side of the hall, Elior spotted his sister Lyra Vayne standing with the members of the student council---radiant in a sleek black and silver dressing, her expression calm, collected
There were over 5000 students, if not more
High number of bodies—potential victims yet despite it all, no sign of Kain, Voss and the girl
"Guess, everything has begun"
Elior hands curled slightly at his sides before he forced himself to relax.
For now, it was just a party.
For now.
The music softened.
"May I have your attention" a voice spoke making the place calm down.
It was the deputy of the Astralis Academy- Director Nicholas
He dressed sharply wearing a deep navy robe embroidered with silver patterns along the cuffs and shoulders. The crest of Astralis Academy gleamed over his chest in muted platinum
"The headmistress is not available as important things came up" Nicholas said over the microphone
'Lies' Elior said in his thoughts
"I will relay her message: We celebrate a half of a term before the winter holidays, a beginning of what will be for many of you, the foundation of your future"
His eyes swept the crowd kindly and measurably
"You have studied, struggled, excelled. Built friendships, rivalries, ambitions taking the first step into the wilder world"
He smiled
"But in time, you would look back at these nights with laughter, the night of music and youth--- and remember that greatness is shared among us as one"
The place was quiet for a second before exploding into laughter.
Elior's eyes drifted sideways—he saw teachers and Director Nicholas speaking among themselves holding a paper in their hand
'They got it'
Director Nicholas instructed the teachers to go and they went frantically searching
After some time, the orchestra shifted seamlessly into a new piece- a slow, dignified waltz, fitting the grandeur of the night.
The atmosphere immediately lightened.
Student flooded towards the buffet tables, eyes wide at the sheer abundance of food.
The dance floor filled slowly at first.
Pairs formed-awkwardly, then more confidently-as the first few students moved to the center, spinning under the gentle light of the chandelier
Elior who was once sipping a glass of wine suddenly felt a tap on his shoulders
"May I take this dance?" Aria asked in a shy tone
"I wished I could Aria but I am currently not in the mood"
Aria bowed her head in disappointment but Elior startled her by ruffling her hair
"What was that for?" Aria said pouting
"I would love to dance with you Aria, I am just feeling a little tired but I promise: let's have a simple outing, just me and you"
Aria blushed deeply hearing that with her thoughts racing thinking it was a date
"I would love that" Aria said smiling before walking away
"god, this will be easy" a figure said
"I know right" another answered
As the night continued partying on, figures moved across the shadows unnoticed in the night sky