Chapter 5 Evening Ball

• Flying off the last step, Lyra burst into the hall of the Academy's main building. It's empty here in the summer, but now even the apple has nowhere to fall. Students clung to the far wall, eager to be the first to know the schedule for the year. The most impatient ones showed perseverance and mastery of the "push with elbows" technique. After their maneuvering, the victims groaned and gasped.
• The fussiest adepts rushed about in the center: books, notes, new Talmuds in their hands. Motes of dust flew from the ceiling, dancing tango in the sunbeams breaking through the stained-glass windows. There were Oin and Koin, the creators of the lands of Chaos. Above them was the Great Valhal, Lord of that life beyond. He was praised in songs. The priests consulted with him. He knew everything: what was, is, and will be. Therefore, the central place in the stained-glass windows has always been given to him.
• "Do you have your head in the clouds, Lyra?" Rosie was next to her. She tilted her head back, looking at the stained-glass windows.
• "What do you think? How is there?" the elf pointed her head, pointing at Beelzebub.
• "I don't know; it's too early for us to think about it," Lyra chuckled.
• "Well, today is a ball. " Many girls might not survive it," Rosie made her afraid. At that moment, Lyra was desperately trying to remember what could kill half the female population of the Academy.
• "Girls in the same dresses, Lyra. - Rosie shouted, unable to bear the mental efforts of her friend. "If I saw someone else wearing the same dress as mine, I would die of shame," she stated grimly.
• "Ahh," Lyra agreed drawlingly. It wasn't that terrible for her.
• "So get your feet up and go shopping," her friend commanded, turning Lyra around and leading her into silk and trinkets.
• An hour later, they were already showing off in front of the mirrors of the Madame Si boutique. When the old couturier applied a skein of fabric to Lyra's body, Rosie wrinkled her nose and said drawlingly: "Nooo."
• "Rosie, can you let me choose the color of the dress? We'll miss the ball with your nagging," Lyra groaned and plopped down on the mini sofa.
• "Lyra, a dress should emphasize the dignity of a girl and not look like a bag of potatoes," her friend said morally. "How many years have we been friends?"
• "Three."
• "Exactly! And you haven't learned the simple truth so far."
• "What kind?" Lyra herself became interested in what she missed by her ears.
• "The power of a girl is in beauty."
• "I thought in a magical reserve," Lyra grunted, examining the long hem and thinking about how not to get tangled during the dance.
• "This is secondary," Rosie waved her fingers.
• At that moment, Madame Si was shifting a skein of cherry fabric to get some other one from the depths. But you can't hide anything from Rosie's tenacious gaze. She jumped up abruptly, flew up to the older woman, grabbed a skein, and shouted triumphantly:
• "Found it! It's perfect," her eyes lit up greedily. "Just what you need. It will ideally shade your milky skin, and your chocolate hair will look even more advantageous. And the color is just right for your plump lips."
• Rosie froze for a moment. Her sly gaze darted out the window. The next minute, she snapped her fingers, and the curtains on the boutique windows parted.
• Lyra was looking there and saw two passers-by onlookers staring at her. She gasped and tried to cover herself; she was only in her underwear because Rosie had said, "Without too much clothing, we will see better the combination of fabric and leather."
• And now, two guys were staring at her.
• "Get out of here," Madame Si squeaked. She had already managed to grab a mop and run out into the street, dispersing uninvited onlookers.
• While Madame Si was running around, Rosie approached Lyra and asked, "I don't understand why you hide your beauty? Why don't you use it?" She looked her up and down.
• "You know," was all Lyra could answer.
• In the remaining two hours, the girls leafed through magazines, chose the style of the future dress, matched it with jewelry, and drank relaxing wine. Therefore, by the time the dress was ready, they were in high spirits and ready to rock at today's ball.
• As the sun began to set, a warm and golden light washed over the Academy, casting long shadows and creating a sense of anticipation in the air. Gradually, the sky darkened, and as the first stars twinkled overhead, torches were lit along the central alley of the campus. The flickering flames danced in the gentle breeze, illuminating the path for the impeccably dressed adepts as they made their way toward the magnificent building ahead.
• Under the soaring glass dome, twelve stately columns rose towards the heavens, their marble surfaces gleaming in the soft light. The round hall was lively, with guests milling around the buffet table, sipping drinks, and chatting merrily. Behind the columns, secret alcoves provided a private retreat for those seeking a moment of solitude or a romantic interlude.
• Outside, the evergreen park was a verdant oasis, a tranquil haven from the ballroom bustle. Here, rare trees cast dappled shadows across the emerald lawn, and cozy benches beckoned weary feet to rest. The sweet scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the distant murmur of laughter and music wafted on the breeze. It was a place of quiet beauty, a hidden gem within the bustling campus, waiting to be discovered by those who sought a moment of peace amidst the revelry.
• Lyra stood before the entrance, waging an internal struggle with her legs. If she stepped back now, there would be no road. Judging by her dress, she would attract much attention, and she didn't need it now. But, on the other hand, she had been hiding for so long that she had already forgotten what it was like to be desired and delighted in the eyes of others.
• She was painfully pushed in the back, which betrayed the acceleration forward. The girl, by inertia, hurried along, hit the doors with her hands, and they opened, letting Lyra into the world of music and fun.
• At the last moment, she turned and saw Sophie with her entourage, the first evil of the Academy.
• "Don't stand at the threshold like an idol…." Sophie said arrogantly as she walked past Lyra. Lyra felt a pang of insecurity but quickly shook it off. Tonight, was supposed to be a night of fun and freedom.
• "Well, here you are, Lyra," she mentally applauded herself for showing up.
• Rosie was supposed to be here any minute. Lyra couldn't wait to see her best friend; they would find a secluded corner and enjoy the long evening ahead. Hiding behind one of the grand columns, she stumbled upon Nathaniel, her classmate.
• He was still that nerdy boy, but over the summer, he changed.
• His blond hair was perfectly styled, giving him a polished and sophisticated look. His piercing blue eyes shone in the dim light, reflecting the torches' warm glow. And although he wasn't heavily built, his tall frame was imposing, making him stand out among the crowd of adepts.
• Lyra's heart fluttered as Nathaniel approached her, spreading his arms to the sides, inviting her into a welcoming embrace. The sight of his chiseled jawline and the way his toned arms flexed as he hugged her left her feeling weak in the knees.
• "You look wonderful today," Nathaniel complimented her, his voice deep and smooth. Lyra blushed at the unexpected praise, feeling her cheeks heat up.
• The cherry fish dress Lyra wore hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her feminine figure. Nathaniel couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked in the dress. He pointed to her figure, and Lyra could feel his gaze lingering on her.
• "Thank you," Lyra replied sheepishly, feeling excitement rush through her body. She wasn't used to receiving compliments, especially not from handsome young men like Nathaniel.
• "Would you like to drink tincture?" he asked.
• Lyra nodded in agreement.
• "Then wait a moment," and Nathaniel ran to the buffet table.
• Rhythmic music flowed through the hall, diluted with the hubbub of adepts and the clatter of ladies on the parquet.
• Standing alone by the buffet table, Lyra felt excitement and nervousness. She was not used to being alone at social gatherings, and Nathaniel's sudden appearance had caught her off guard.
• As she waited for Nathaniel to return with her drink, Lyra looked around, awestruck by the hall's grandeur. The elegant decor, the chandeliers, the glistening marble floors, and the stunning glass dome overhead all contributed to the luxury of the evening.
• The guests were all impeccably dressed in their finest attire. The boys wore crisp suits, perfectly polished shoes, and expertly coiffed hair. Girls wore flowing gowns that accentuated their curves, and their hair was styled in intricate braids and elegant updos.
• As the night wore on, the music grew louder, and the dancing became more frenzied. Couples swirled around the dance floor, lost in the moment's magic.
• Lyra felt excitement run through her as she took in the festivities. She felt alive, free from the stresses and worries of her everyday life. This was her chance to let loose and enjoy herself; she wouldn't waste a moment.
• Nathaniel appeared with two glasses in hand. He handed her a glass of a sparkling pink liquid that smelled sweet and fruity.
• "Cheers," Nathaniel said, raising his glass in a toast.
• "Cheers," Lyra replied, taking a sip of the drink. It was delicious, with a hint of raspberry and a subtle kick of alcohol.
• As they stood by the buffet table, chatting and sipping their drinks, Lyra couldn't help but feel a strange connection to Nathaniel. He was easy to talk to, and his warm smile put her at ease.
• Before long, Nathaniel excused himself, saying he needed to catch up with some classmates. Lyra watched as he disappeared into the crowd, feeling disappointed.
• She took another sip of her drink, trying to push aside her thoughts and enjoy the evening.
• Suddenly, Lyra's head started spinning, and her vision darkened. She slowly began to lose consciousness. She felt cold and shivery, and it seemed like someone was slapping her painfully. Tears immediately welled up, making the world even more blurry. From one harrowing one, she opened her eyes.
• "Lyra, Lyra," someone's familiar voice called out to her. The words reached her as if through cotton wool.
• "Should I slap her again?"
• "Just try, and you'll spend the whole evening running from a fireball. I want to see how it slaps you," Lyra stirred. She urgently needed to protect her cheeks. She was helped to sit up, and in front of her, she saw Rosie smiling, Nathaniel out of breath, and Adrian. She didn't expect to see the latter here.
• "You've come around," he asked. One of his hands was free of his glove. He was the one who had made her cheeks turn pink. Lyra narrowed her eyes and was ready to burst into a furious tirade, but he beat her to it:
• "No, hold your breath," Lyra was so stunned she even stopped breathing. "Your corset is torture for humanity," he raised his other hand, where the corset is now rested.
• The girl sharply lowered her gaze and saw black smoke around her chest. More precisely, a gaseous smoke like a mini-coat enveloped her body's upper part. It felt like she wasn't wearing anything on that part of her body, and it was cold and chilly. But nothing could be seen through the smoke. Her dress still covered everything below her waist, or was it a skirt now?
• Adrian shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, but I had to cut your dress, or you would have suffocated." But there was no hint of regret in his eyes or voice. Seeing lightning forming at the tips of Lyra's fingers and hearing the faint crackle of discharge, Nathaniel and Rosie backed away. They weren't stupid and knew what it meant. But Adrian, who had never faced the "Wrath of Lyra" hurricane, remained grinning in place.
• Suddenly there was a flash that blinded everyone for a split second. "How dare you," Lyra advanced on her victim, lying a meter away from the oak tree. "Undress a girl without her consent." A lightning bolt shot out of her left hand and struck the stunned body. But Adrian blocked it in time, and the lightning bounced off the oak, or the former oak, as it had turned to ash in a second.
• Electrical charges floated in the air, cracking like a swarm of May beetles at a carnival. Lyra struck again and again and suffered defeat. The inability to harm her opponent only fueled her frustration, and she called upon all the reserves she had been hiding.
• And at that moment, Adrian made a preemptive move. He clapped his hands quickly, and the sound wave stunned and disoriented Lyra. She fell to the ground, clutching her head. At the same time, she found herself trapped in Adrian's arms. He wrapped her up in his body and whispered incessantly in her ear. Listening closely, she heard:
• "It's all behind us now. Everything's okay. Everything is already behind us; breathe."
• The repeating words calmed and soothed her. Her fingers stopped sparking, and she went limp in the man's arms. Nathaniel wanted to help, but Adrian effortlessly brushed him off. He only asked where Lyra lived and carried her home.
• Rosie, a loyal friend and keen matchmaker, held Nathaniel back so he wouldn't interfere with the budding of something new in Lyra's life.