Lucas Branwell
The woods behind the school gave me a break from the noisy world. Amidst the trees, I could be alone with my thoughts, free to let them roam. Leaves rustling and birds singing provided a comfort that the loud Academy halls couldn't match.
It was in this haven that something strange occurred.
Yesterday, a sweet scent drifted in the air, delicate and tempting. Despite myself, I followed it. My feet carried me out of the woods and into unfamiliar territory – the girl's dormitory. It was a move completely out of character, far from my introverted nature. The dormitory's busy hallway was a shock to my senses as I sought the scent's origin. My heart raced, and the impulse to turn back almost won. But something pushed me forward, each step keeping time with my heartbeat.
Then,
