✨ Chapter 28 – Aster's Moon Fever
The aftermath of the breach left the academy buzzing like a disturbed hive.
Students clustered in tight groups, whispering. Prefects ushered people indoors. Teachers flashed through hallways with tight expressions, protective spells trailing behind them.
And through it all—
Ariana held Aster against her shoulder, the little girl's head tucked under her chin.
Aster had been quiet since the blast.
Too quiet.
Kai walked beside Ariana, eyes flicking to Aster every few seconds, as if he expected her to vanish.
"She's warm," Ariana whispered.
Kai exhaled shakily.
"I know."
They reached the infirmary doors, and Kai practically tore them open.
"Healer!" he shouted. "We need a healer now!"
A nurse rushed over.
"What happened?"
Aster blinked slowly, her eyes unfocused. "Moon… tired."
The nurse frowned and touched Aster's forehead.
"Oh dear. She's burning up."
Kai's jaw clenched.
"She linked her magic with Ariana's," Ariana said softly. "She channeled lunar energy."
The nurse's eyes widened.
"A Lunar Link? At her age?! That kind of power is…"
She lowered her voice.
"…extremely dangerous for a child."
Kai's face went white.
"Fix her," he whispered, voice shaking. "Please. Fix her."
Ariana gently placed Aster on the bed.
Aster blinked up at her, lifting small trembling fingers to Ariana's cheek.
"I didn't mean to… scare you," she breathed.
Ariana felt tears burn her eyes.
"You didn't scare me, baby. You saved us."
Aster smiled weakly.
"You're my moon-sister…"
Then her eyes fluttered shut.
Kai made a choked sound.
Ariana grabbed his hand instantly.
"She's okay," she said firmly, even though her voice trembled. "She's exhausted. That's all."
The healer stepped back.
"She's right. Aster overextended her magical channel, but there's no permanent harm. She needs rest… and time."
Kai exhaled violently, leaning forward and brushing Aster's hair.
"You almost gave me a heart attack," he whispered.
Ariana touched his shoulder gently.
"She'll wake up soon."
And she would.
But Ariana could feel the faint lunar thread still connecting their magic — a thread they didn't fully understand yet.
Aster had tapped into the moon with her.
Aster had responded to Ariana's wolf.
This bond was real.
And dangerous.
---
## **Outside the Infirmary**
The moment Ariana and Kai stepped out, they were met with a wave of murmuring students.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"Did you hear? Constructs came from inside the barrier."
"Impossible."
"No—someone helped them."
"Then who—?"
"Maybe… a student?"
Ariana shivered.
Zane approached them first.
"She's resting?" he asked gently.
Ariana nodded.
"Yeah."
Calen sighed with relief.
"That kid is terrifyingly powerful. I knew she'd be okay."
Rylan crossed his arms.
"But we've got bigger problems. Someone inside the academy is playing for Team Corruption."
Zane nodded.
"The constructs came from the eastern greenhouses, but their magical residue is partially shielded."
"Meaning what?" Ariana asked.
"Meaning the person guiding them knows how to hide their aura."
Kai muttered, "They're blending in."
Ariana swallowed.
"Someone we've seen. Someone walking these halls."
Suddenly—
A soft voice interrupted.
"Ariana?"
Ariana stiffened.
Seraphina stood nearby, holding two books against her chest.
Her golden curls glowed in the lantern light, and her eyes were filled with something surprisingly gentle.
"I heard about the breach," she said slowly. "I just… wanted to make sure you're alright."
Ariana blinked.
"Oh. Yeah. I'm fine."
Seraphina's gaze flicked to Kai.
"You too?"
Kai nodded curtly. "Yes. We're okay."
Seraphina looked between them, then bit her lip as if debating something.
Finally, she stepped closer and touched Ariana's arm gently.
"A lot of students were worried," she said softly. "Even if I don't know you well yet… it's good you're safe."
Ariana blinked again.
She didn't expect kindness.
Her wolf huffed.
**"The golden flower means no harm."**
Seraphina stepped back just as a group of students hurried down the hall behind her.
"Ariana! Kai!"
"You guys saw the breach?"
"Is it true the constructs came from inside?"
Kai held up a hand, managing the crowd with surprising patience.
"Everyone needs to stay calm. The Headmaster is reinforcing the wards."
Ariana tried to speak—
But someone shouldered past Seraphina.
A tall boy with deep green eyes.
Dark hair.
Charms division crest.
Expression cold.
He brushed Ariana's shoulder intentionally.
"You and your friends keep stirring trouble."
Kai's aura flared instantly.
"Watch your tone."
The boy smirked.
"Why? Afraid she can't handle a little pressure?"
Ariana stared.
Seraphina's jaw tightened.
"Loren, stop."
"I'm just saying," Loren said, stepping closer to Ariana. "Wherever she goes, chaos follows."
Rylan stepped forward, fire crackling across his hand.
"Wanna say that again, pretty boy?"
Loren scoffed.
Kai's wolf eyes flashed gold.
"Back away," Kai growled.
For the first time, Loren looked uneasy — just enough to take a single step back.
Seraphina touched Ariana's shoulder gently.
"Don't listen to him. He thinks popularity equals authority."
Ariana managed a grateful smile.
"Thanks."
Seraphina nodded before turning sharply and walking away — her curls bouncing with every irritated step.
Rylan snorted.
"Well. He's definitely not the traitor."
Calen hummed.
"Too stupid to hide his aura."
Zane shook his head.
"But someone *is* hiding their aura."
Kai murmured:
"And that someone got the constructs inside the barrier."
---
## **That Night**
The academy went into partial lockdown.
No students outside after dusk.
No unsupervised practices.
Wards strengthened.
Professors on night patrol.
Ariana sat at Aster's bedside, watching the little girl breathe softly.
Kai stood in the doorway, arms folded, worry etched into his features.
"She's sleeping better now," Ariana whispered.
Kai nodded.
"…Thank you. For staying with her."
Ariana reached over and touched his hand.
"You don't have to thank me for loving your sister."
Kai blinked.
Ariana froze.
She covered her mouth.
"I—I didn't mean— I meant I care about her, not that I— that wasn't—"
Kai stepped closer, eyes softening.
"It's okay," he said quietly. "She loves you too."
Ariana swallowed.
And then—
Aster's eyes fluttered open.
"Kai?"
Kai rushed to her side.
"I'm here, Aster."
Aster smiled faintly, then reached for Ariana instead.
"Moon-sister," she whispered.
Ariana took her hand immediately.
Aster squeezed it, tired but determined.
"I saw something… in the light."
Ariana stiffened.
"What did you see?"
Aster frowned, trying to find the words.
"The bad people… they're not done. They're waiting. Watching through someone's eyes."
Ariana shivered.
"Someone in the academy?"
Aster nodded.
But then she added something chilling:
"But it's not the shiny lady. She's loud. The bad person is quiet."
Ariana's wolf growled.
Aster closed her eyes again.
"They're close."
Kai's face hardened.
"We'll protect you," he whispered.
Ariana nodded.
But deep inside, her wolf whispered softly:
**"The traitor walks in daylight."**
And Ariana suddenly felt very, very cold.