Narrator: After leaving the director’s office, Dav returned to his room to store the rings and bracelet in his wardrobe.
Then, he stepped out, heading toward Leo’s room. He knocked and entered.
Leo was eating sandwiches with Fin beside him, eyes fixed on the TV.
When he saw Dav, he looked up, surprised.
Leo: Sir, why are you here?
Narrator: Without answering, Dav gestured for the two to follow him. They asked no questions and accompanied him to the arena.
Dav: Stay still.
[Then he turned to Leo.]
Dav: How is your training with Fin going?
Narrator: Leo exchanged a glance with Fin before answering hesitantly: I think it’s going well, sir.
[Dav took two wooden swords and handed them to them.]
Dav: Fight.
Narrator: Leo and Fin took their stances, starting their usual training of thrusts and parries.
Dav: Leo, I want you to hit Fin with all the strength left in your body.
Fin, activate your barrier.
Narrator: The two exchanged puzzled glances but obeyed.
The pace of the fight increased: stronger strikes, faster movements, no breaks.
Minute after minute, exhaustion began to weigh on their shoulders.
Dav observed, his lip curling into a small half-smile.
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Dav: That’s enough. Go rest.
Narrator: Without arguing, the two walked away, panting and covered in sweat.
Dav closed his eyes, lifting his gaze to the sky.
Dav: (Whispering) You’re doing very well, my boy.
Narrator: Later, he headed to the library to relax with a book.
As soon as he entered, he felt a hand on his shoulder and a loud voice shouting:
"Davy!"
He nearly had a heart attack.
Dav: (Leaning against a bookshelf, short of breath) You seem cheerful, Valeria… did something happen?
Valeria: (Smiling) Isn’t it obvious? You’re back!
Dav: (With a funny expression, trying to recover) I see, so…
there’s no real reason.
(Then, curious) Have you found any more adventure books?
Valeria: (Crossing her arms, shaking her head) Not a single one.
(Then, laughing) You’ll have to write one when you leave, hahaha!
Dav: (Rubbing his chin) And anything about Ki?
Valeria: (Playing with her hair) Not even that.
But I did find a really cute one about origami, hehe.
Dav: (Sighing) I see… Well, I’m going to rest.
Tonight, we’ll have to stay up late for the New Year.
Valeria: (Clinging to his arm enthusiastically) Yes, we should!
Narrator: In the room, Dav handed her one of his pajamas, while he stayed in pajama pants and a long- or short-sleeved shirt, depending on the weather.
Valeria fell asleep immediately, her face pressed against Dav’s chest, arms wrapped around him.
Dav remained still, one hand under the pillow, the other encircling Valeria.
He could hear her slow, steady breathing, and the warmth of her body wrapped him in a strange sense of peace.
After a few hours, he woke up, staring at the ceiling.
He lowered his gaze to Valeria, who was sleeping soundly, her face serene and relaxed.
Without waking her, he got up to check the presents, ensuring that every package was perfectly wrapped.
His obsessive precision wouldn’t allow him to leave anything to chance.
Then, gently, he woke Valeria, and together they headed to the cafeteria to help Iris and Margherita with the preparations.
Dav stepped behind the stove, cutting ingredients with surprising dexterity.
Margherita watched him with approval.
Margherita: (Smiling, hands on her hips) Impeccable cuts and a perfect combination of flavors, as always!
Narrator: Iris, a little further away, gave him a quiet smile while continuing to prepare the vegetables.
Shortly after, students began arriving for New Year’s Eve dinner.
Some preferred to dine in their rooms, but the atmosphere in the cafeteria was still warm.
Valeria and Iris arranged Dav’s and the director’s plates with special care, treating them as if they were the most important people in the world.
Between chatter, laughter, and the sound of the TV in the background, time passed peacefully.
At the end of dinner, Dav made a large bag full of gifts appear.
Valeria and Dav gifted fine liquors to Rafael, the director, and Eldrin, who accepted them with wide smiles.
Iris and Dav gave special presents to Elysia, Margherita, and Evelyn:
-
Elysia: A plush resembling Dav in uniform.
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Margherita: A professional “Mezzaluna” kitchen knife.
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Evelyn: An elegant dress chosen by Iris and Valeria.
Finally, Dav handed a package to Kael.
Dav: (With a light smile) Happy New Year in advance, Kael.
Narrator: Kael unwrapped the gift, finding a precious book on magic and mana.
He flipped through it with bright eyes, hugging it enthusiastically.
Kael: (Excited, repeatedly) Thank you, Dav! Thank you so much!
Narrator: The New Year’s Eve atmosphere was warm, familiar.
For that night, between food, gifts, and laughter, the academy felt a little more like HOME.
END OF CHAPTER - 83