Chapter 23

Liliana

In Raphael’s room, Liliana stood with composed precision, silently evaluating the aftermath after the boys had filled her in.

Then she nodded, immediately grasping the situation. With graceful steps, she approached Raphael, her sharp gaze sweeping over him in a brief but thorough assessment. There was something composed, almost regal in her presence—as if she had long ago mastered the chaos magic could bring.

– So, you’re the new student with unknown magical abilities, and Kaito was helping you explore them. And things got a little… wet, I see.

Raphael’s cheeks flushed a deep red. Embarrassment crawled up his spine like a creeping vine, coiling tightly around his throat. He shifted slightly, instinctively trying to shield himself from her amused scrutiny.

– Yeah. Could you help me get my room back to its previous state? At least a little?

A gentle smile curved Liliana’s lips, her amusement evident in her expression as she took in his endearing embarrassment. Her eyes sparkled, not unkindly—more like an older sibling who’d seen such messes before and couldn’t help but find them charming.

– Oh, absolutely. Consider it done.

She raised her hands and began tracing intricate patterns in the air, murmuring incantations under her breath. The scattered water responded at once, retreating from the floor and furniture, gathering itself back into tight puddles as if obeying her will. The temperature in the room shifted slightly, the air growing still, as if holding its breath.

Raphael watched in awe, eyes wide as the magic unfolded before him. It was like witnessing a symphony conducted in silence—each motion purposeful, every murmur potent. There was something so natural about the way Liliana commanded the elements, as though she were simply reminding the world of its proper shape.

Within moments, Liliana’s spell had worked its wonders. The room was dry, pristine, not a single drop remaining. The floor gleamed, the carpets were immaculate. With a satisfied smirk, she brushed her hands together as if dusting off the effort.

– There you go, handsome. All traces of your accidental flood are vanished.

Raphael glanced around, stunned by the transformation. The mess, the chaos—it was all gone, like it had never existed. Relief poured through him, loosening the knots in his shoulders.

– Now we have to get rid of the fire remnants – he said, his voice steadier now.

Liliana gave a crisp nod, picking up on the urgency without hesitation.

– Right, let’s take care of that too.

She moved her hands again, this time channelling her focus into the charred remnants scattered across the room. Burn marks on the walls and furniture began to fade, vanishing as if time itself rewound and erased the damage. The scent of scorched fabric lifted from the air, replaced by something faintly floral—perhaps part of her spell.

– Wow. It’s really amazing – Raphael breathed out, stunned.

His words came out in a hush, like he was afraid speaking too loudly might break the spell. Deep down, he felt a flicker of longing—how wonderful it must be to wield such control over the world, to shape it with a thought and gesture. Will I ever be able to do something like that? he wondered.

Liliana laughed softly at his wonder, clearly pleased with her work.

– I’m glad you think so. Now, let’s make sure everything is perfect before the headmaster arrives.

She paced around the room with practiced precision, checking each corner and detail until nothing remained out of place. Raphael followed her movements with quiet admiration. There was grace in her certainty, in the way she carried herself—not just confidence, but a kind of quiet mastery.

– Thank you very much. I really appreciate it – he said sincerely.

Her smile softened as she returned to his side. Something in her gaze shifted from teasing to warm, sincere.

– No problem at all. I’m just glad I could help.

She leaned in slightly and gave him a gentle pat on the cheek. The gesture was brief, but oddly comforting—like a seal of approval from someone who’d just seen him at one of his lowest points.

– You’re welcome, Raphael. Just remember to be more careful next time you practice your magic.

– I will – he replied, casting a quick glance toward Kaito.

He couldn’t help it—his eyes always seemed to find Kaito, as if drawn by some unspoken tether. And as expected, Kaito didn’t miss a beat.

Kaito, who had been silently observing the whole time, stepped forward with a teasing smirk.

– Yeah, be more careful. We don’t want another flood or fire on our hands.

He ruffled Raphael’s hair playfully, and Raphael’s heart gave an involuntary lurch at the contact. His fingers tingled where Kaito’s hand had been, warmth radiating in lazy spirals across his scalp.

– But seriously, you did great for your first time exploring your powers.

There was sincerity beneath the teasing, and Raphael caught it like a hidden note in a song. He smiled—shy but genuine.

He leaned toward Kaito, voice dropping to a whisper meant for Kaito’s ears only.

– Only with this?

His tone was unmistakably playful, and a spark of boldness glinted in his eyes.

Kaito chuckled, his breath brushing against Raphael’s ear as he leaned in closer.

– You’re asking for trouble, you know. If Liliana wasn’t here, I’d show you exactly what only with this would entail…

He added a mischievous wink that sent a flutter through Raphael’s chest, low and deep like the stirring of a secret.

Just then, Liliana headed to the door. As she opened it, a tall, handsome boy with striking green hair stood waiting. She paused, a delighted smile lighting up her face.

– Ah, there you are, Orion.

She stepped out gracefully, closing the door most of the way behind her, though it remained slightly ajar. Her melodic voice drifted through the crack like the notes of a harp.

– Kaito, who’s that? Is it another witch? – Raphael asked, curiosity creeping into his tone.

Kaito glanced toward the door, lips curled into a knowing smirk.

– That’s Orion. He’s one of the most powerful warlocks in our year. And yeah, he’s definitely a witch.

He leaned back casually against Raphael’s desk, arms crossed, amusement glinting in his eyes.

– Why do you ask?

– …Just curious. Jealous already?

Kaito burst out laughing, shaking his head in disbelief.

– Jealous? Hardly. Though I have to admit, seeing that pretty boy waiting for Liliana is a bit of a joke, considering she barely notices anyone.

He tapped Raphael’s nose teasingly.

– No, I’m not jealous.

– Good.

Raphael felt something loosen inside him. The moment was small, but it mattered—like claiming a space that was his alone. He watched Kaito closely, trying to read between the lines. Was there something more behind that easy smirk?

Kaito watched him for a moment, noting how easily Raphael dismissed the topic. A flicker of amusement passed through his eyes, but he masked it quickly, retreating into a neutral expression. He moved to sit back down, pretending to study the paintings decorating Raphael’s room. Through the slightly open door, the quiet murmur of Liliana and Orion’s conversation could still be heard.

A few minutes later, Liliana excused herself and left with Orion. Raphael called after her with a final thank-you, promising he would find a way to repay her help. The door closed with a gentle click, and silence settled into the room like soft dust.

Then, turning back toward Kaito, his eyes softened with sleepiness.

– Kaito, thank you for everything. For unlocking my other abilities and for… you know what.

He gave him a small, knowing smile. Beneath the sleepiness, there was something else—a silent admission of trust, of connection.

Kaito smirked in response, standing up from the desk.

– No problem at all. And don’t think I missed that wink — it’s definitely going to my head.

He nudged Raphael’s shoulder playfully.

– Rest up. You used a lot of magic today.

– Yeah, that too.

Kaito leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, lingering there for a breath before pulling away.

– Get some rest, Raphael – he whispered, his voice brushing against Raphael’s mouth like a caress before he straightened up.

– I’ll see you tomorrow.

With one last smile, he turned and walked toward the door.

Raphael slipped under the covers, his body relaxing as Kaito’s footsteps faded away. But sleep did not come easily. His body was tired, but his mind buzzed with everything that had happened—the spells, the fire, the way Kaito’s lips had felt against his…

As the night wore on, his dreams turned restless and vivid. Shadows chased him through endless corridors, disembodied whispers curled around his ears, and surges of uncontrollable magic burst from his hands. His body twitched and jerked in the sheets, locked in battles against invisible forces, unable to wake…

The morning sunlight streamed awkwardly into Raphael’s room, casting long beams across the tangled sheets and his dishevelled form. Dust particles danced lazily in the golden light, swirling around him like fragments of his restless sleep. He groaned, rubbing at his temples as flickering fragments of disturbing dreams clung stubbornly to his memory—dark images, disjointed whispers, a lingering sense of helplessness that refused to dissipate with waking.

A soft knock interrupted the silence, jarring him from the thick haze clouding his mind.

– Yes? – he called out, his voice hoarse, brittle with fatigue.

The door creaked open, revealing Liliana’s concerned expression. She stepped inside without hesitation and closed the door behind her, her movements quiet, careful, as if afraid to shatter whatever fragile state he was in.

– Raphael, you look awful – she stated bluntly, settling on the edge of his bed.

Her voice wasn’t cruel—just honest, as always. She didn’t sugarcoat. And somehow, that was comforting.

– You’ve been thrashing around all night?

– Thanks for the compliment. Nice to see you too – he muttered, pulling the blanket slightly higher over his chest in a half-hearted gesture of defence.

Liliana rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. She reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from his face. Her fingers were cool and light, and the touch sent a small, grounding sensation through him.

– I’m serious. You look like you were having some really bad dreams. Do you remember what they were about?

– Not exactly. It was all blurred, dark, and crazy like only dreams can be. But what do I owe the visit so early? Do you need something?

He tried to keep his tone light, but his voice cracked slightly on the last word. The shadows of the night still clung to him like damp fabric.

– It’s not even early anymore – it’s almost breakfast time. And yes, I do need something…

She bit her lip, visibly hesitant.

– You know I hate asking favours… especially from someone who’s obviously not feeling well…

She played with the hem of her shirt, eyes lowered in rare vulnerability.

– But you said it yesterday, so I thought that maybe…

– Just say it – he prompted, lifting himself to sit up a little straighter despite the persistent throb in his skull.

Liliana took a deep breath, steadying herself.

– Okay, fine. Here goes nothing… I need you to come with me to the Great Library today. I have some research to do, and I really could use your help. But if you’re not up for it, I totally understand…

– Great Library, you say? Honestly, sounds great. I haven’t been there yet, and it might be helpful in my own researches.

There was a flicker of genuine curiosity beneath the headache. The name alone stirred something in him—an echo of longing, of wonder. A place full of hidden knowledge, arcane secrets, forgotten truths.

Her face lit up, equal parts relief and excitement.

– Really? You’re coming with me? That’s amazing! The Great Library is incredible – you’re going to love it. And yeah, it’s perfect for your own research too. There are so many ancient texts and rare books…

– Great. When do you want to go?

– As soon as possible – she replied eagerly, already springing to her feet.

Her mood had shifted instantly—nerves replaced with sparkling energy.

– How about we grab breakfast quickly and head there right after? The librarian’s morning shift starts at 9 a.m., and I want to be one of the first ones in.

– Ok. But let me wrap myself together first. Let’s meet in the canteen.

Liliana nodded and rushed out, her steps light as she left him alone with the echoes of their conversation. He sat still for a moment, drawing a deep breath, gathering the pieces of himself scattered by sleep and shadow. Then, slowly, he swung his legs out of bed.

A few minutes later, she arrived at the canteen, grabbing a tray with toast and juice before settling at an empty table by the window to wait. Sunlight slanted through the glass, turning her hair silver-gold in the light.

– Oh, my head. Why is it hurting so much? – Raphael muttered as he entered, still massaging his temples.

Liliana looked up immediately, concern returning to her features. She noticed his pained expression and winced sympathetically.

– Still hurting? Those dreams must have really done a number on you…

She pushed her tray aside and patted the seat next to her.

– Thanks. What’s best for today’s breakfast?

Liliana tilted her head toward the buffet table.

– The chefs made scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms today. It’s actually quite good – protein and veggies to help perk you up. Plus, there’s fresh coffee if you need a caffeine boost for your pounding head.

– Sounds great. I’ll be back in a minute.

She watched as he walked toward the buffet, her gaze following him with quiet interest. Even looking miserable, he still somehow managed to draw her attention. There was something in the way he moved—subtle, unassuming, but magnetic all the same. She sipped her juice, waiting patiently.

– Sorry it took me so long. Couldn’t decide which bread will be best – he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Liliana chuckled softly, shaking her head.

– Seriously? Bread is giving you that much trouble?

She leaned back, amused, as she watched him finally place a slice of whole grain bread on his plate.

– I didn’t know choosing carbs could be such an existential crisis.

– Yeah, me neither. Must be the headache.

– Well, sit down already. I swear, your indecisiveness is going to make us miss the library opening.

She smiled playfully, though her eyes remained watchful.

– And I promise, your bread will taste just as good whether you chose dark rye or whole grain.

– Yes, you’re right. Sorry.

Liliana rolled her eyes dramatically, but her expression stayed warm.

– Apology accepted. Now, hurry up and eat something before my library anxiety makes me drag you there kicking and screaming.

She bit into her toast, chewing with dramatic determination, as if hoping her exaggerated urgency would light a fire under him.

As Raphael finished his breakfast and drained his coffee, Liliana checked her watch for the fifth time in as many minutes. Her fingers tapped the tabletop impatiently, her eyes never straying far from the time.

– Okay, you’re done? Good. Can we please go now? The library is calling my name, and I’m not sure how much longer I can resist the urge to teleport there without you.

– Ok. Let’s go there.

Liliana’s face lit up with excitement. She stood immediately and grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet.

– Finally! Let’s go, let’s go!

She practically dragged him out of the canteen, moving quickly through the corridors of the academy, her energy infectious, unstoppable.

– Wow. And what do you need to do in the library?

Liliana glanced back over her shoulder, a sheepish grin playing at her lips.

– I need to return a book before they penalize me to death with overdue fines. Plus, I want to grab that new rare tome on demonic linguistics that Professor Thorn mentioned yesterday.

– Yay – he said dryly.

Liliana laughed at his tone, squeezing his hand playfully.

– Shut up and walk faster. You know how much these books mean to me.

She finally released his hand as they reached the massive double doors of the Grand Library, pushing them open with exaggerated flair.

– Wow. Nice place – Raphael murmured, stepping into the vast, echoing space.