CHAPTER 64: A RAY OF HOPE

{Elira}

~**^**~

Inside, the office was neat and meticulously organized. Every book on the tall shelf was arranged by size and colour, and some titles were written in old scripts.

There were rolled-up scrolls and maps stacked in one corner, and a small potted plant sat by the window. The space felt quiet, like a sanctuary.

Rennon closed the door behind us, then crossed to a sleek dispenser near the cabinet and poured three cups of chilled water.

He handed one to Lennon, then to me. His hand lingered just a second longer when mine brushed his.

I muttered a soft thank you.

"Alright," he said, settling into the chair behind his desk, "what happened?"

Lennon took a sip of water before responding.

Calmly, but without sparing any detail, he told Rennon everything—from my Power Channelling class that afternoon, to my failed attempt in front of everyone, the mockery, my breakdown, and then the visit to Professor Mira’s office.

Rennon listened in silence, his hands folded in front of him, his expression, unhappy.

Lennon ended with, "Professor Mira says Elira does have supernatural potential—but her channels are blocked. And she suspects it wasn’t by nature."

A long breath left Rennon’s lips. He turned his full attention to me. "Elira, I’m sorry you had to go through that today."

I didn’t know what to say. I stared at the cup in my hands.

"But you should know something," he continued, his voice quieter now. "This isn’t the end of the road. Your channels will be unblocked. And eventually, you will access your abilities, though it will take some time."

My gaze snapped up to him. There was certainty in his voice—no hesitation.

It had me wondering how he knew accessing my supernatural abilities would take time.

But before I could recover and ask the question, he continued.

He leaned back slightly in his seat and said to me, "But don’t worry too much, Elira." His voice was much softer now. "Lennon and I will talk to Zenon. And then Father. Then, we will discuss and find the right expert."

I stared at him, unsure if I should feel overwhelmed or relieved.

"Then one of these weekends," Rennon continued, "you will come home with us, and the expert will examine you properly."

I felt something uncoil inside me. Like a thread finally loosening from a tight knot.

"Thank you," I whispered, and for the first time since morning, I took a slow sip of the water in my cup. It felt ice-cold and calming.

Just as I placed the cup down, Rennon added, "Also, come find me during your break time tomorrow."

My brows lifted slightly. "Tomorrow?"

He gave a faint nod. "I have something to show you."

I nodded slowly. "Alright. I will come."

Though I didn’t know what he had planned, curiosity warmed the edges of my chest.

Then, beside me, Lennon smirked. "Can I come too?"

Rennon shrugged with a small smile. "If you want."

"Count me in, then," Lennon said and leaned back lazily in his chair.

I couldn’t help it—a quiet smile formed on my lips.

---

After sitting a little longer and listening to the soft hum of the air conditioning in Rennon’s office, I glanced at the wall clock and realized I needed to go.

"I should probably head back now," I said softly, rising to my feet. "Thank you... both of you."

Lennon stood too. "I will see you out."

I gave a small smile and gently shook my head. "It’s okay. I can find my way back."

He arched a brow in that knowing way of his. "You sure?"

I lifted my wrist slightly and wiggled my fingers to show the smartwatch. "I’ve got my map. I’ll be fine."

His eyes softened, but his lips pressed into a line. "Then promise me one thing—text me as soon as you get to your dorm. I want to know you made it."

I nodded, more touched than I could express. "I promise."

And only then did Lennon relent.

"Alright. I will hold you to that," he said, his voice quiet.

I turned to Rennon, who gave me a nod in farewell, and I waved to them both before slipping out of the office and gently closing the door behind me.

The hallway stretched out ahead, calm and quiet. And for the first time in hours, I didn’t feel heavy or on the verge of crying.

Instead, I felt... hungry.

Right on cue, my stomach growled loudly.

I froze in place, hands flying to my stomach. My cheeks warmed in embarrassment as I glanced around quickly.

Thankfully, no one was around to hear it.

I exhaled and shook my head, dropping my hand from my stomach and smiling faintly to myself. That was what relief did, I guessed—made space for simpler things, like hunger.

I glanced at my smartwatch. There was less than an hour to dinner.

"Come on," I muttered to myself, "tick faster."

I made my way out of the academic wing, walking down the path toward the dorm building meant for first years.

My thoughts wandered to Cambria.

Had she been worried?

She had called me after the Power Channelling class, but I had ignored her and run off to go and cry in the bathroom stall.

I imagined her pacing, probably checking the time and wondering where I had gone.

She would be worried. Cambria had that kind of heart. But the others? I wasn’t so sure.

Nari would probably roll her eyes and say something sharp, as usual. Juniper might chuckle and say nothing. And there was Tamryn who would act like I didn’t exist.

And yet, a part of me wasn’t fully convinced they were as cold as they pretended to be.

Still, the thought of walking in there and having to explain why I ran off—to face Cambria’s concern, or worse, Nari’s sarcasm—made me hesitate.

I stood in front of the elevator, arms crossed, stomach twisting with nerves this time for a different reason.

I groaned aloud. "I don’t want to go in there."

I could already picture Nari saying something like, ’Oh look, the class experiment finally returns.’ And if she didn’t, her fake sympathy might be worse.

But my stomach growled again.

I dropped my head and sighed. ’You know what? Just go in. You can ignore Nari. You’ve done harder things today.’

And besides, I needed to shower, maybe lie down for a bit, and be ready for dinner. I was finally hungry, and dinner suddenly felt like a reward waiting at the end of a long day.

The elevator arrived with a soft chime, and I stepped in, pressing the button for the third floor. As the doors slid shut, I tucked my hands around the straps of my bag and braced myself for whatever was waiting beyond my room’s door.

I just hoped Cambria wouldn’t be mad at me.