Whispers of Worlds Beyond: A Series - Chapter 145

Chapter 145: Orchestral Symphony [10]
Just like Ivara predicted, the Trials resumed the next day as if nothing happened. But it was clear the incident still left a bitter taste to the students as some had decided to not go out for the remaining duels scheduled. It was clear from the crowd in the Labyrinth that a lot of the students just don’t want risking their safety.

The golden afternoon light bathed the dueling arena in a warm glow, though the tense atmosphere made it feel anything but peaceful. The students gathered in clusters, their chatter blending with the clash of weapons as the fourth-year duels neared their conclusion. Aiden, Adrian, and Sevan sat together, watching the matches with varying degrees of interest.

Aiden kept his eyes trained on the arena, but his mind, as always, was busy prodding on some clues about the culprit. Though he does know already it was Karro, there is no guarantee that a student could be helping him. And that student is Emmeranne.

Beside him, Sevan sat slouched in his seat, his arms crossed over his chest, lazily playing with a strand of his blonde hair. His eyes flickered between the matches and Adrian, who was perched forward on his seat, watching the fight with an amused smirk.

“They’re dragging it out,” Adrian muttered, tilting his head as one of the fourth-years dodged an incoming strike. “I’d have finished it by now.”

Sevan snorted. “Please. You’d be too busy showing off.”

“Can’t blame me for making things entertaining.”

Before Aiden could add anything, the conversation was abruptly interrupted by a voice.

“Adrian Caleena. Sevan Wasterfall.”

Aiden turned his head just as a fourth-year student stopped in front of them. The boy stood with an air of detached disinterest, as if he’d rather be anywhere else. His uniform was pristine, his posture rigid, but his expression was unreadable. His tired eyes moved between Adrian and Sevan with the faintest hint of impatience.

“Professor Anwar wants to see you. Now.”

Adrian and Sevan exchanged a glance. Sevan let out a quiet sigh and leaned back for a moment before pushing himself to his feet.

“Okay, let’s go,” he muttered.

Aiden frowned slightly, about to ask what this was about, but then the boy’s gaze flickered toward him. His lips curled ever so slightly- not quite a sneer, but there was something pointed about the way he looked at Aiden.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. “And you are?”

“Not someone you need to know,” the fourth-year replied flatly.

“What does he need them for?”

The fourth-year barely spared him a glance before answering. “That’s none of your concern.”

Then, as if an afterthought, he turned back to Aiden and added, “Aiden Chase.”

His voice twisted slightly, dripping with distaste as he said the name. His tired gaze met Aiden’s, and for a moment, there was nothing but thinly veiled contempt. “Professor Anwar says to focus on the Trials. The two of them will be in good hands.”

Aiden felt something cold settle in his stomach. He stiffened slightly, his hands curling into fists in his lap. It wasn’t the first time someone had said something like that to him, but hearing it now, in this context, left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Adrian immediately picked up on the shift in Aiden’s posture. His casual smirk faded, replaced by something more serious. Sevan, too, lingered for a second longer than necessary before stepping past Aiden.

Just as he passed, he leaned down slightly, his voice a whisper meant for Aiden alone.

“We’ll be back soon. I’ll tell you everything.”

Aiden barely had time to process those words before Adrian clapped a hand on his shoulder. His grip was firm, and when Aiden glanced up, Adrian’s usual easygoing demeanor had returned, though there was a flicker of something else in his eyes.

“Don’t look so down, Aiden.” Adrian flashed a grin, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’ll make sure to give this guy a punch later for saying something so rude.”

The fourth-year scoffed but said nothing as he turned on his heel and started walking away. Adrian and Sevan followed, leaving Aiden alone in the stands, watching their figures disappear.

The duel continued in the arena below, swords clashing, magic flaring, but Aiden barely heard any of it. His gaze lingered on the path they had taken, his mind churning with thoughts that refused to settle.

The sound of soft footsteps approaching drew his attention, and when he turned, he saw Amihan settling onto the bench beside him. Her long white hair cascaded over her shoulder, catching the golden afternoon light. Her amethyst eyes held their usual kindness.

“You’re alone. Where did they go?” she asked, tilting her head slightly as she gazed toward the spot Adrian and Sevan had vacated.

“Professor Anwar called them.”

Amihan hummed in understanding, though her expression flickered with something unreadable. Then, after a pause, she offered him a small smile.

“Well, I suppose I’ll keep you company in the meantime, then,” she said lightly. “I was looking for Emmeranne, but I can’t find her again. She’s been gone most of the past few days. Only shows up during dinner. I wish she could tell me if where she’ll be going so I know she’s safe.”

Aiden glanced at her, taking in the faint frown that accompanied her words.

“You haven’t seen her at all outside of dinner?” Aiden asked, his voice quieter now.

Amihan shook her head. “No. And it’s not like I see her heading anywhere either- she’s just suddenly gone, then back again. She really uses her powers for it’s maximum potential.”

Aiden frowned slightly, but before he could say anything else, the duel in the arena below came to an abrupt, explosive end. The crowd reacted in a mix of cheers and groans, and for a moment, the weight of their conversation was pushed aside as the next round of fights was being set up.

“What do you think of everything that’s happening, right now?” She asked finally.

“Happening what? The Trials or like the forest incident.”

“Everything. I know you are very observant, Aiden, so I want you to tell me what you know. I’m sure you have some theories.”

Aiden pursed his lips. He couldn’t exactly just spit out, oh yeah I think your best friend is the murderer of Savion Ilmari and she’s connected with that Nosferatu from the duel I had with Ivara and she’s out trying to kill me or whatever.

She looked at Aiden and smiled, but it was a sad kind of smile. “I know what you’re thinking.”

“You do?”

“I mean, it’s a bit too much coincidences now, right?” She laughed forcefully.

“Yeah…” Aiden didn’t know what to say.

Amihan leaned back, resting her chin in her palm as she watched the next duelists step forward. “Maybe I’m just overthinking it,” she murmured, but something about her tone told Aiden she didn’t fully believe that.

Aiden wasn’t sure if he did either.

Half an hour passed before the two finally returned. Aiden noticed them before Amihan did- with Adrian stretching his arms behind his head, looking relaxed, while Sevan had that faint, unreadable expression he always carried after serious conversations.

Amihan caught sight of them just as they reached the benches. “Guess that’s my cue,” she said with a small smile, already standing up. “See you later.”

Before she could step away, though, Sevan raised a hand.

“Wait. You should stay,” he said simply. “You don’t look like you’ve got company either.”

Amihan blinked before laughing, the sound light and amused. “What do you mean I don’t have company? My friends are here, I just don’t have someone with me. Ivara’s in the training hall, Emmeranne’s missing again, and Morrigan’s off on a date in the west wing.”

Aiden had barely registered the words when Adrian suddenly choked.

“What?” His voice shot up an octave, and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “Morrigan’s what?”

Amihan just laughed harder, shaking her head. “You act like this is shocking.”

Adrian’s mouth opened, then closed, then opened again.

“Who is she even dating?” he demanded, looking at Aiden and Sevan like they might somehow already have the answers.

“Ammonn.”

Sevan, who had clearly been trying to suppress a smirk, finally sighed. “You really didn’t notice, huh?”

Adrian pointed at him accusingly. “You knew? And you didn’t tell me?”

Amihan shook her head in amusement. “It’s not exactly a secret. You just don’t pay attention to things that don’t involve pranks, fighting, or annoying Aiden.”

Aiden rolled his eyes, but Adrian ignored him, still looking scandalized. “Who is she dating?”

“Ammonn, idiot. Listen to me for once since all that racket you’re making you can’t hear other people.”

Adriane still looked deeply offended by the information, but Sevan clapped him on the shoulder. “Focus, Adrian. We have more important things to talk about.”

Adrian grumbled but didn’t argue, finally dropping back onto the bench beside Aiden. Aiden took the chance to glance at Sevan, silently asking what had happened while they were gone.

Sevan simply murmured, “We’ll tell you later,” before turning his gaze back to the arena.

Aiden frowned slightly, but he didn’t push.

“Well, I’ll go now!” Amihan waved at them before walking away from their seat. The three boys waved back.

Aiden looked at the two.

“Okay, tell me.”