Chapter 17: Encounters in the forest

Lena and Jasmin slowly woke up in their shared bed, feeling the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the window. They both stretched and yawned, feeling well-rested after a good night's sleep. Jasmin reached over to her nightstand and picked up a piece of parchment with the class schedule for the day. "Magical creatures class," she said, reading the schedule out loud. "Looks like we get to spend the day outside again." Lena smiled in agreement, feeling excited at the prospect of spending more time in the fresh air and sunshine. They quickly got dressed and made their way to the dining hall for breakfast. As they entered the bustling hall, they couldn’t see any familiar faces on the Mist table. Amber was on the Earth table next to her sister Ivy, and Rachel was just a couple of places to the right of them.

They spotted a free space big enough for both of them on the Mist table and enjoyed a hearty breakfast of fluffy pancakes, sizzling bacon, and fresh fruit. They quickly finished eating and left the dining hall to meet up with Amber, who was already making her way out.

They made their way over to Amber and Lucas in front of the castle and greeted their friends with warm hugs. The group excitedly discussed their recent Magical Ethics and Regulation essays and speculated about what they might learn in the upcoming Magical Creatures class. "I heard we might be studying Forest Fae today," Lucas mentioned, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

They made their way over the stone path along with other students in their class. As they reached the start of the Enchanted Forest, some students hesitated before entering, perhaps due to the rumours of magical creatures lurking within. But Lena, Jasmin, Amber, and Lucas continued confidently, excited for the day ahead.

As the four friends made their way through the forest, they reached the Magical Creatures building, a large stone structure with carved gargoyles guarding the entrance. They walked through the hallway, feeling a sense of wonder as they passed by cages of creatures they had never seen before some with shimmering feathers, others with scales that changed colours before their eyes.

Inside was a patch of grass on which the students started to settle down. Lena looked around with intrigue, her eyes scanning every inch of the room. She noticed a massive dragon statue hanging in the air above them. Its iridescent scales seemed to ripple with color, shifting from deep emerald to radiant gold and then to a mesmerizing azure. The dragon's eyes were made of shimmering opals, giving it an air of wisdom and mystery.

A door on their left opened, and a short woman with strong arms walked into the room with the students. "Hello, and welcome to the wonderful class of Magical Creatures here at Castlehaven," she announced with a warm smile. "I am Professor Silvia Witrik, your teacher for this year. Today, we'll embark on a fascinating journey to explore the incredible world of magical creatures. Are you ready?"

Professor Witrik began the lesson by introducing the students to the Sun Bear, a large, majestic creature with fur that glowed like the sun. The students marvelled at the Sun Bear's radiant coat, learning that Sun Fur was a key ingredient in potions that granted increased physical strength and endurance.

Next, the class learned about the Thunder Beak, a large bird with bright yellow feathers and a massive beak that crackles with electricity. Professor Witrik explained how the Thunder Beak's feathers were valuable components in enchantments that harnessed the power of storms and lightning.

As the lecture continued, Lena and Jasmin exchanged knowing glances when Professor Witrik introduced the Forest Fae, tiny beings with delicate, iridescent wings. They remembered their own encounter with these creatures and how Fae Dust, collected from their wings, could be used to create potions that boosted one's connection to nature and plants. But are also a key ingredient in Transmorphing rituals. Which causes quite some whispering under the students and Lena and Jasmin also exchanged an understanding glance at each other.

The Mustang, a powerful and majestic horse, was the next magical creature presented. The students learned that its hair was sought after for its properties of enhancing speed and agility, often used in both potions and enchantments.

When Professor Witrik mentioned the Mooncat, Lena and Jasmin shared another secret smile, recalling their interaction with the mysterious feline creature. The class learned about the silky, moonlit hair that shimmered like the night sky, and how it was often used for potions that enhanced intuition and psychic abilities.

As the class progressed, Professor Witrik introduced the students to the Trickster Monkey, Wyvern, and the mighty Dragon. Each creature had its unique traits and magical components, valuable in various aspects of magical study, from alchemy to enchanting and potions.

Throughout the lesson, Lena and Jasmin were captivated by the wonders of the magical creatures, taking notes and whispering excitedly to each other about the possibilities these new ingredients offered. The bond between them seemed to deepen even further as they shared this incredible learning experience, their love and trust for one another evident in their interactions.

As the class concluded, Professor Witrik reminded the students to treat all magical creatures with respect and care, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices when using their components for magical purposes.

As the Magical Creatures class came to an end, Lena, Jasmin, Amber, and Lucas left the classroom, their minds abuzz with newfound knowledge and excitement about the magical world that surrounded them. Unbeknownst to their friends, Lena and Jasmin shared a secret: their ability to transform into an Ember Fox and an Icy Fox, which they had yet to reveal.

During the class, Professor Witrik had briefly mentioned the concept of transmorphing, piquing Lucas's curiosity. As they walked away from the classroom, he couldn't stop talking about it. "Can you imagine being able to transform into a magical creature? I'd love to learn more about transmorphing!" he said, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

Lena and Jasmin exchanged a glance, their shared secret momentarily threatened, but they remained silent. Amber, on the other hand, looked concerned. "I don't know, Lucas. Transmorphing sounds incredibly dangerous. I'm not sure it's something we should be getting involved with," she cautioned, her voice hesitant.

Lucas, however, remained undeterred. "I understand the risks, Amber, but think about the possibilities! It could open up a whole new world of magic and exploration," he argued, his excitement barely contained.

As they continued their conversation, Lena and Jasmin felt a renewed sense of the importance and rarity of their shared secret. The bond between them grew even stronger as they silently vowed to protect their unique abilities from others, while also cherishing the trust and love that had allowed them to confide in each other.

After the Magical Creatures class, Amber and Lucas decided to head back to the castle while Lena and Jasmin chose to spend some more time in the enchanted forest, taking in its beauty and enjoying the serenity of the lake.

As they sat by the water, Lena and Jasmin began to discuss their transmorphing abilities in hushed tones, considering the implications of their unique powers and the importance of keeping them a secret. They revealed in the trust and love they shared, which made them feel even closer as friends.

After some time, they realized that the other students had long since left the forest, and they decided it was time to head back to the castle as well. As they walked along the path, deep in conversation, they were unaware of the danger lurking nearby.

Dante had been nursing a grudge against Jasmin ever since she had broken his nose during their encounter at the old tree. He had also recently lost the duelling competition finals against Rachel and Daniel, who had helped teach Lena and Jasmin to their own victory. His anger and bitterness had reached a boiling point, and he was eager for an opportunity to take it out on the two first-year students.

As Lena and Jasmin made their way out of the forest, Dante spotted them, his eyes narrowing with malicious intent. He decided to ambush them, using his superior magical knowledge to his advantage. He stealthily moved closer, casting a spell to obscure his presence, and waited for the perfect moment to strike.

Lena and Jasmin, still engrossed in their conversation, had no idea what was about to happen. As they rounded a bend in the path, Dante sprang from the shadows, Lena and Jasmin had no time to react. Instead of speaking, Dante launched a powerful spell at them, his face contorted with rage. Instinctively, Lena jumped in front of Jasmin, shielding her from the brunt of the attack. The force of the spell sent Lena flying several feet away, leaving her momentarily dazed and vulnerable.

Dante sneered at the scene before him. "How pathetic," he spat. "Instead of properly defending yourself, you just threw yourself into the line of fire. You're even more foolish than I thought."

Seeing Lena hurt and defenseless, something inside Jasmin ignited. Rage and determination coursed through her veins as she raised her wand, casting a series of fireballs and explosive charms at Dante with remarkable precision and strength. The sudden onslaught of powerful spells took Dante by surprise, forcing him to focus on deflecting the magical attacks.

Meanwhile, Lena slowly regained her strength, the pain and anger fuelling her transformation. She morphed into a massive Ember Fox, her fur engulfed in flames. Filled with fury and a desire to protect Jasmin, she lunged at Dante from the side, catching him completely off guard.

Dante, now faced with the sight of an enormous, enraged Ember Fox, realized he had underestimated the two first-year students. Fear and panic set in as he scrambled to escape. Lena, still in her Ember Fox form, growled aggressively and chased him for a few feet, ensuring he wouldn't return for another attack.

Jasmin, her heart still racing from the confrontation, hurried over to Lena. As she approached, Lena's flames subsided, and her fur returned to its normal state. Jasmin gently stroked Lena's soft fur, offering comfort and reassurance. Lena looked up at Jasmin, her eyes filled with gratitude and affection, and enjoyed the gentle touch of her best friend.

Moments later, Lena transformed back into her human form, and the two girls embraced tightly, their bond stronger than ever. Lena, however, couldn't shake the fear that had taken hold of her after revealing her Ember Fox form during the confrontation with Dante. Sensing her friend's unease, Jasmin comforted her, assuring her that they would find answers together.

With hands clasped, they made their way to the castle, intent on seeking guidance from Professor Eleanor Whitmore, the teacher of Magical Ethics and Regulations. They hoped she could provide more information on the rules and regulations surrounding transmorphing.

Upon arriving at Professor Whitmore's office, the girls hesitantly explained their concerns. The professor, who was known for her keen intuition, sensed that Lena and Jasmin were more involved in the matter than they let on. She suspected that at least one of them had already learned to transmorph and perhaps had done something that involved using this ability.

With a hint of surprise, Professor Whitmore asked the girls, "Can you two actually transmorph into animals?"

Lena and Jasmin exchanged glances before deciding to tell the truth. "Yes, we can," Lena admitted. "We discovered our abilities recently and have been practicing."

"Really? That's quite impressive," Professor Whitmore said, her eyes widening. "While transmorphing is a relatively common magical skill, it isn't specifically taught at Castlehaven. Nevertheless, it's a fascinating and powerful ability to possess."

The girls, feeling a bit more at ease, carefully inquired about the legal implications of using transmorphing to defend themselves. Professor Whitmore reassured them, "Using your abilities for self-defense is perfectly acceptable, especially for young students like yourselves."

She did point out, however, that the two were duelling champions of their year. Lena and Jasmin replied that while that was true, facing a 6th year student wasn't a fair match. They didn't want to mention Dante specifically, fearing that it could lead to more trouble with him.

Professor Whitmore advised them to exercise caution and restraint when using their transmorphing abilities. She went on to explain that most students have trouble mastering transmorphing, as it tends to be easier for those who are younger and have a deep love for animals and nature.

Lena and Jasmin thanked the professor for her guidance and advice. As they left her office, they felt reassured and more confident in their abilities. With the knowledge that Dante couldn't do much against them legally, they headed towards the dining hall.

On their way to the dining hall, Lena and Jasmin chatted about the incident with Dante. "And you are really fine?" Jasmin asked Lena, her eyes filled with concern.

Lena smiled reassuringly, "Yes, Jas, I'm okay. It was scary, but we managed to get through it together. Besides, I feel even more confident now that we've talked to Professor Whitmore."

As they entered the dining hall, they found it less crowded than usual since they were arriving for a late lunch. Their friends Amber and Lucas were sitting at a smaller round table, working on their Magical Ethics and Regulations essays.

"Hey, you two," Amber called out, waving them over. "Join us! We're just working on our essays. How was the rest of your day?"

Lena and Jasmin exchanged glances before Lena replied, "It was... interesting. But we're okay now."

Amber and Lucas nodded, accepting their friends' vague response, and made room for Lena and Jasmin to sit down. Lena and Jasmin had already finished their essays, so they chatted with Amber and Lucas while the others continued working.

As they were eating, Ivy, Amber's older sister, passed by their table. She had just finished her own lunch and was heading out. "Hey, Amber, just wanted to wish you and your friends a nice rest of the day," she said with a warm smile.

"Thanks, Ivy!" Amber replied, returning her sister's smile. "You too!"

Once Ivy had left, Lucas looked up from his essay and asked, "By the way, what's our next class?"

Jasmin, with a glint of excitement in her eyes, quickly responded, "It's Divination!"

Lena looked surprised that she knew the schedule so well, especially considering the class was Divination. "Wow, I didn't expect you to remember that, Jasmin," she said with a teasing grin.

Jasmin blushed slightly but couldn't hide her enthusiasm. "Well, ever since we learned so much about each other and ourselves last time, I've found the class really interesting," she admitted, glancing lovingly at her.

As they finished their lunch, Lucas couldn't help but glance at Amber, who was smiling at Lena and Jasmin as they chatted excitedly about the upcoming class. Feeling a little envious of their close relationship, Lucas tried to subtly hint at his own feelings by saying, "Amber, don't you think Lena and Jasmin look really cute together? Sometimes I can't help but wonder if people see us like that too."

Amber chuckled and replied, "They sure do, Lucas. It's heart-warming to see them so happy." She gave him a friendly bump with her shoulder and made brief, shy eye contact before looking away, not fully aware of the true meaning behind his words, or perhaps trying to hide her own feelings. "We should probably head to class, don't want to be late!"

Lucas grinned, trying to play it cool while cherishing the brief moment of closeness with Amber. The group gathered their belongings and made their way to the Divination classroom. They found their seats and eagerly awaited the lesson.

In their Divination class, Lena and Jasmin learn about palmistry, the art of reading palms to predict the past, present, and future. Professor Willow begins the lesson by explaining the significance of the major lines on the hand, such as the Life Line, Heart Line, and Head Line. She also touches on the importance of the shape of the hand and the length of the fingers.

She decides to use a student's hand as an example to demonstrate how to read the lines. She asks Jasmin to come forward and show her hand. Upon inspecting Jasmin's palm, the professor's expression turns to one of surprise and concern as she notices the interruption in Jasmin's Life Line and Heart Line.

Gently lowering Jasmin's hand, Professor Willow looks into her eyes with a warm, yet concerned expression. "Jasmin, if there's ever anything you'd like to talk about, please know that I'm here for you," she says softly, giving Jasmin's hand a reassuring pat.

Jasmin, feeling a bit confused but appreciating the professor's concern, nods and returns to her seat. Not wanting to dwell on the interrupted lines, Professor Willow then turns her attention to Lucas. "Lucas, would you mind coming forward so I can use your hand for the demonstration?" she asks, trying to move the attention quickly away from Jasmin’s somehow abnormal palm lines.

As Lucas approached the front of the classroom and extended his hand, Professor Willow began to analyse the lines on his palm. She explained each line to the class as she went along.

"Lucas has a well-defined Head Line," Professor Willow said, tracing the line with her finger. "It shows that he has a strong intellect, but it's not without its challenges. It tells us that he has faced some difficulties in his past, such as being separated from a close friend and experiencing setbacks.” She stops shortly and smiles softly, “Hopefully not in the exams."

Which makes Lucas laugh a little, “just one slip out in potions.” He confesses and Professor Willow grins, “Happened to me once as well, but we learn from our mistakes.”

Moving on to his Heart Line, she continued, "Lucas's Heart Line is quite prominent, indicating strong emotions and feelings. It seems that in the present, his feelings for someone special are growing stronger every day." She glanced at Lucas with a knowing smile, careful not to reveal too much in front of the class. "Let's hope that these feelings are reciprocated and bring happiness to both parties involved."

Lastly, Professor Willow examined Lucas's Fate Line, which appeared faint and difficult to discern. "Lucas's Fate Line is quite weak, suggesting that his future may be largely influenced by his own choices and actions. However, there is a glimmer of hope." She pointed out a small area where the line seemed to be just forming. "This could indicate that if his strong feelings are returned, his fate may become clearer, and his future will begin to manifest more vividly in his hands."

With the analysis complete, Lucas returned to his seat, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what the future might hold. Professor Willow then instructed the class to form small groups or pairs and practice reading each other's palms. The students eagerly followed her instructions, discussing their findings with one another.

Lena and Jasmin paired up, and Lena carefully examined Jasmin's palm. They discussed the interrupted Life Line and Heart Line, speculating that it might have something to do with her fall and subsequent return to life. They became more certain that these breaks in Jasmin's lines were related to the events at the waterfall on Lena's birthday, where Jasmin fell down the cliffs while trying to save Lena. They noticed new lines branching from the side, merging with Jasmin's lines, and wondered if it represented Lena's life force being shared with Jasmin.

As they continue reading each other's palms, they find similarities in their past and present, reflecting the shared experiences they've had together. They also discuss the possibilities for their future, noticing the well-defined Fate Line on both of their palms, hinting at a mysterious yet bright future considering the strong bond they share.

Lena's palm shows a faint line branching from her Life Line towards her Head Line, suggesting possible challenges in her future, such as the burden of her nightmares and potential consequences of the ritual she performed to save Jasmin. They discuss these possibilities, keeping the conversation somewhat vague and uncertain, as the future is always subject to change.

As the class continues, Lena and Jasmin ponder the meaning of their intertwined palm lines and what it could mean for their future together, leaving them with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the power of love and their unbreakable bond. The certainty that Jasmin's interrupted lines are connected to the events at the waterfall adds depth to their understanding of their connection and the impact of that fateful day on their lives.

Professor Willow’s voice draws the students' attention back to her as she announces the conclusion of the class after inspecting and observing the students. The door opens as the first students make their way outside the class. Professor Willow stops Jasmin and asks her to stay. “If you don't mind, I would like to explain myself,” she offers, and Jasmin looks quickly at Lena, Amber, and Lucas.

“We'll wait for you,” Lena reassures her quickly and smiles.

“Ok, sure,” Jasmin replies, and Professor Willow closes the door and turns to face her. “I'm not sure how I can put this together with the right words,” she starts to explain slowly and looks into Jasmin's blue eyes. “These lines on your palm cannot just be separated.” She stretches her hand towards Jasmin’s and asks her to have a look again at her palm lines.

Curious, Jasmin stretches her arm out, and Professor Willow gently pulls her hand a little bit closer to the light of the candle on the nearby desk. She slowly inspects each line individually, her voice barely audible as she speaks more to herself. “Could it be? But how?” She looks up into Jasmin’s eyes, her expression a mix of amazement and disbelief. “She must really care about you,” she says, her smile growing as she lets go of Jasmin's hand and walks over to the door.

“Thank you for sharing this with me, and don’t hesitate to ask me anything regarding it,” she finishes and opens the door. “I will, thank you, Professor,” Jasmin replies, grateful for the understanding and explanation from her, as she steps outside to join Lucas and Lena.

“Where’s Amber?” she asks her two friends.

“She went to the bathroom quickly,” Lucas explains. “There she is already,” he adds as Amber turns a corner and meets up with them again, and the group makes their way to the dining hall.

“What did Professor Willow want from you?” Lena asks Jasmin as they enter the dining hall in search of a free spot. “She wanted to have a closer look at my palm lines and told me why she didn’t go deeper into it with the class,” she explains and points to a free spot at the Mist table.

“See you tomorrow,” Amber says, making her way to the Earth table where her sister Ivy is making space for her to sit down next to her.

Lena and Jasmin enjoy the warm meal and the selection offered tonight. Soon, Jasmin suggests going to the common room or even directly to the dormitory. “That sounds perfect. I really feel tired now,” Lena agrees, but Lucas is still looking over at the Earth table where Amber is sitting and tells them he'll stay a little longer and have some dessert.

The two girls make their way up the Mist tower and quickly pass through the common room into their dormitory. The moon is full, illuminating their room with its soft glow. They fall onto Jasmin’s bed, which is closer to the entrance, and get out of their uniforms. “Anything worth mentioning on tomorrow's schedule?” Lena asks, and Jasmin glances at the plan and smiles. “Yes, we’ll have our first herbology class in the morning and potions in the afternoon.”

Lena lifts the blanket, and Jasmin snuggles close to her before they cover themselves with it. “Good night, Lena,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “Good night, Jasmin,” Lena replies, and they exchange a look into each other’s eyes before their lips meet in a soft kiss. They soon drift into sleep.

Unfortunately for Lena, this means revisiting the scene at the waterfall cliffs once again. She feels the ground rumble and her best friend's body tremble over the edge of the cliff. “No!” Lena almost yells as she wakes up panting and breathing heavily.

Jasmin quickly wraps her arms around her and comforts her friend with her soft voice. “I love you, Lena,” she whispers, and Lena cuddles against her as they both fall asleep again.