It was past midnight when Celine awoke to a faint noise. Slowly opening her eyes, her gaze fell upon the window, where only blurred shadows were visible through the thin interior curtain.
She was about to close her eyes again when one of the shadows moved. Instead of passing by, the figure stopped. It was an oddly shaped silhouette.
Sleep abandoned her completely as she stared, feeling an unsettling certainty that the figure was watching her in return.
Her heart pounded faster. A nervous tension gripped her, intensifying when the shadow shifted once more. A hand—slow, deliberate—traced across the glass, as though trying to feel what lay beyond.
Celine instinctively held her breath, as if doing so could make her presence less noticeable. The suspense stretched unbearably until another sound broke through the silence. A faint clatter from the adjacent room —it sounded like a small stone falling. Were the walls really that thin?
The noise startled the shadow. In an instant, it vanished, leaving only the hazy emptiness of the window.
Celine exhaled shakily, only now realizing how long she had been holding her breath. Before she could fully collect herself, another sound came from next door.
Turning toward the wall, she rose and approached cautiously. Pressing her ear against it, she listened intently.
Soft noises. The rustling of fabric, the measured movement of someone sorting through belongings, unhurried and methodical. Perhaps a guest unpacking. Pulling away from the wall, she cast another wary glance at the window, hesitating.
If she got too close, would the figure return?
Her heart nearly faltered again when a light knock came at the door. She tensed, staring at it, her mind racing to dark possibilities. A dozen escape routes and worst-case scenarios flickered through her thoughts until a calm voice reached her from the other side.
– Miss? I had a strange feeling just now and came to check on you. Are you alright?
Recognizing the voice, Celine felt a wave of relief. She hesitated, unsure whether to respond. When no reply came, Suna spoke again – Celine?
Perhaps she had imagined things, Suna thought. Maybe the young lady had already fallen asleep. Reassuring herself, she turned to leave, but before she could, the door swung open.
Their eyes met in silence for a moment before Suna finally spoke – Miss, you look pale. Are you alright? – Concern laced her tone as she reached out, pressing a hand to Celine's forehead to check her temperature.
– I just had... a nightmare – Celine murmured. Maybe it had all been her imagination, but yet, something about that shadow felt strangely familiar.
– A nightmare? –Suna echoed. Seeing Celine remain quiet, she chose not to press further – Do you want me to stay until you fall asleep?
Celine hesitated – I think... I want to talk for a bit.
Still shaken, she felt that conversation might help ground her thoughts.
They had remained in the hallway all this time. Concerned about disturbing other guests, Suna gently ushered Celine back inside and closed the door. She guided her to a sit and sat beside her, offering a comforting presence.
– My lady, while I was organizing things earlier, I happened to learn the name of that young master – Suna began, watching as Celine turned her attention toward her – His name is Nevra.
Celine blinked. Nevra? Where had she heard that name before? Kelet? Thegia? Almalorantia?
– The only son of the Sect Master of the Water Mages of Almalorantia?
Suna nodded – Exactly. Master Morvayn's son. Nevra is a pure water mage. I assume you've heard of him?
– Yes – Celine nodded – Then, he will also attend Kesla?
– He's already there. He's a year ahead of you, since you'll be skipping a year. He's a third-period veteran.
Celine nodded again, thoughtful. There are a lot of important figures studying at Kesla. It's probably one of the safest places in the Nine Realms... She even heard that one of the only Night Mages is there.
As she pondered, her gaze drifted back to the window. Suna noticed and quietly approached it. She peeked outside, then drew the outer curtain closed, fully obscuring the view.
Turning back, she asked – Alright, are you sleepy, or would you like to talk a bit more?
Celine got up and moved to the bed. Even as she lay down, she kept her eyes on the window, lingering fear still clinging to her.
Suna, sensing that something had happened, chose not to pry. If Celine wanted to talk, she would. Instead, she took a seat by the bedside and, from somewhere, produced a book. Flipping it open, she began reading silently.
Celine, watching her, smiled faintly. That quiet, familiar presence was enough. Finally allowing herself to close her eyes, she drifted into sleep.
The room fell into stillness. Neither of them had any idea that the guest in the next room had already opened his window. With a simple bag slung over his shoulder, he looked around. Seeing no one, he slipped away into the darkness of the streets, disappearing into the night.