Aurora stood alone inside the massive room, facing a large mirror while staring at her reflection.
Both her hands were holding the earring Atticus had just given her as though it was an invaluable treasure.
This earring on her ear proved that what she had felt yesterday wasn't a lie. While she was sleeping, she had felt a comforting presence she had initially thought was her father, but considering the unfolding events, it was clear that it was Atticus.
Aurora knew from the way Atticus had behaved that he was feeling guilty that they had attacked her because they wanted to get to him.
And while this thought had always been in her mind, this fact only cemented it. It made her feel even more… useless.
'I'm a liability,' Aurora thought as she held the earring tightly. This was the last thing she wanted to be, especially to someone she cared about greatly.
Aurora had never been the type to have any big aspirations or dreams. While she knew how important strength was in this world, she wasn't one whose goal in life was to become the strongest or conquer the world and all of those cliché things people her age were fond of dreaming about.
Aurora only wanted one thing: a loving family she could rely on to always be there and vice versa.
And ever since her terrible situation at camp with her father, which ended with her and Atticus becoming close, he had always been that for her, family. Someone she could rely on.
But looking at the current situation of things and her past actions and events, only one thought came to Aurora's head, 'I've gotten too comfortable.'
She had always relied on Atticus and always stayed close to him, clinging on to him because she was scared that he would leave her alone.
After she lost her father, he had been the only one there for her. She couldn't help but think of how devastated she would feel if Atticus was to leave her too.
But hearing what Atticus had just said before he left, Aurora couldn't help but realize how stupid she had been.
Aurora closed her eyes, releasing a deep breath.
Then she opened them, her resolve firming as her red eyes blazed, "I have to find my own way and stop following him."
Aurora rubbed the earrings Atticus had just given her one more time, "Thank you, At," she muttered softly before turning and entering the bathroom to get ready for the day.
…
The time was after 9 in the morning, and despite the fact that there was still more than an hour remaining before the terminal would activate and teleport them to the academy campus, each of the Ravenstein youths was already gathered in front of the imposing terminal, each of their gazes cold.
Well, all of them except Aurora and a particular white haired boy who would never miss a moment of training even if the world was ending.
Each of the normal division members passing by couldn't help but wonder what was happening. Why were they gathered so early? But of course, none dared to ask.
"You should calm down. I can smell your excitement coming from a mile away," Lucas turned towards Nate, who was standing in front of him and teased.
Nate was currently standing with his gaze fixed on the terminal as though begging it to light up and teleport them already! Why was it taking so long!
Nate took in a deep breath, inhaling the morning air before suddenly calling out, "Lucas."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you're good?"
"I've never been better," Nate took in another breath before continuing,
"I'm like this because I really can't wait. Honestly, when I heard about the academy and how everyone was saying that it was difficult and highly competitive, this was the last thing I expected would happen. We've literally never faced any hardships! How would we grow!?"
The rest of the Ravenstein youths nodded their heads in agreement. They too didn't think everything would be this easy. At this point, they were all just going on a smooth ride.
Nate continued, "These fools attacking one of our own is the best thing that has ever happened to us since we got to the academy. Lucas,"
Nate suddenly turned toward Lucas, who was already smiling and staring at Nate as though he was mentally ill. He continued, "I can't wait," while raising and clenching his fist.
"Well, if not for our overpowered leader, I'm sure we would have at least fought lots of battles," Chubby suddenly chimed in from the side, causing the others to nod in agreement. Everything had been smooth ride so far because of Atticus.
But before Chubby even had time to bask in his words, "Oh! Young master, you're here," Moon with her pixie haircut suddenly exclaimed, making Chubby's form immediately freeze as he slowly turned his gaze backwards, scared that Atticus might have heard him.
He couldn't help but release a sigh of relief as he saw that it was just a false alarm, immediately shooting Moon a stare.
Many of them chuckled, seeing that Chubby was still deathly afraid of Atticus. But regardless of the fun atmosphere, the anger bubbling in each one of them was still palpable.
Eric and Aria stood by the side. The duo hadn't always been ones to display their true feelings on their faces. But they both stood with their arms crossed while waiting for the terminal to light up.
After a few laughs and some time passing, Atticus and Aurora finally arrived at the front of the terminal, both of them sporting identical earrings on their ears.
And in a surprising turn of events, Aurora left Atticus's side and went towards Isla, Moon, and Luna,
"Thank you for your help yesterday," Aurora suddenly flashed a smile and thanked them, causing the expressions of everyone in the area to turn to shock, including Atticus.
To think Aurora actually thanked someone who wasn't Atticus?
It was a big shock.