Narrator: Dav observed the hall, now immersed in the silence of sleep. Everyone had collapsed onto the tables, exhausted after drinking, eating, and playing without rest.

  Elysia had fallen asleep hugging her new favorite plushie, a serene smile on her face.

  Cedric and Gabriel were sleeping nearby, but Dav paid them no mind. He left them where they were and only picked up Elysia, carefully wrapping her in his arms.

  Dav: (looking at Valeria and Iris) Shall we go to sleep?

  Iris/Valeria: (smiling) Yes!

  Dav: (nodding, walking ahead) I'll take her to bed first, then we'll go.

  Narrator: Iris and Valeria followed him, lightly holding onto his shirt with two fingers, never letting go.

  Upon reaching Elysia’s room, Dav opened the door and gestured to Valeria.

  Dav: Help me tuck her in.

  You take care of her clothes, Iris can handle the blankets.

  Narrator: Carefully, the two girls undressed Elysia from her heavy clothes and placed her in bed, while Dav waited outside the room.

  Still half-asleep, the little girl murmured with a smile:

  Elysia: Now I have two moms too… how nice…

  Narrator: The two girls exchanged an amused glance, taking those words as an innocent joke, unaware of how much deeper the truth was.

  After settling her in, they closed the door and, without hesitation, took Dav’s hands, eagerly leading him to his room.

  Every time they entered, it felt like a small paradise: everything was perfect, cozy, and filled with that scent they now associated only with him.

  Dav, for his part, was always attentive to the small things, and keeping his room clean was one of them.

  As usual, they changed into his pajamas and fell asleep clinging to him, as the night embraced them in dreams.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The next morning, Dav woke up around eleven. After getting ready, he decided to look for Lucrezia.

  Upon entering her room, he found her arranging scrolls on the shelves, using a ladder to reach the higher ones.

  Approaching her, he handed her his gift.

  Dav: (serious but with a hint of a smile) I hope you like it.

  A very important mage helped me enchant it.

  Lucrezia: (looking at him, curious) What is it?

  Dav: (in a softer tone) It’s a bracelet infused with a part of my soul.

  If you ever find yourself in danger or feel lonely, just call my name, and I’ll teleport to you no matter where you are.

  You only have three uses… so use them wisely, Lucry.

  Lucrezia: (blushing, clutching the bracelet happily) I also have a gift for you…

  but yesterday I was too embarrassed to give it to you.

  It’s nothing special, and surely not as important as yours… but one day, it will help you.

  This is a compass. It always points south, precisely here, to this very spot where we are now.

  And this… (hands him a scroll) You must only open it if you ever feel lost and alone.

  Dav: (looking at her, then embracing her) Thank you, Lucrezia… One day, I’ll give you something far better than a simple bracelet.

  Narrator: She remained silent, enjoying the warmth of his embrace, a soft smile on her lips.

  After the celebrations, everyone returned to their routines. Classes resumed, work at the Academy continued, but the air was still filled with the joy of the gifts received.

  Iris and Valeria treasured their rings with pride and jealousy, as if they were the most precious things in the world.

  Not even if God himself ordered it would they part with them.

  During one of Kael and Dav’s lessons, the Director knocked on the door.

  Director: Professor, could you come to my office?

  Narrator: Dav didn’t ask any questions. He entrusted the class to Kael and followed him.

  Upon entering the office, he saw two children sitting, their faces lighting up with wide smiles at the sight of him.

  Lucas and Leona.

  As soon as they saw him, they ran toward him, hugging him tightly.

  Lucas/Leona: Uncle! Uncle!

  Narrator: Dav let them do as they pleased while the Director cleared his throat.

  Director: Take them to their rooms and show them around the Academy.

  Dav: (nodding) Understood.

  Narrator: With the two siblings in tow, he began guiding them through the Academy, showing them the arena, the cafeteria, the classrooms, and the various courses available.

  When they arrived at the library, Valeria was watching from above, sitting on a shelf, her chin resting on her hand as she curiously observed them.

  Later, Dav returned to the classroom. Without saying anything, he made a few quick, precise gestures—unintelligible to anyone… except Cedric and Elysia, who understood them immediately.

  Outside the classroom, the two kids looked at Dav, confused.

  Cedric: Why did you call us, Sir.?

  Elysia: (nodding) Did something happen?

  Dav: (serious) I need a favor.

  Narrator: He pointed at Lucas and Leona, standing a bit further away.

  Dav: They need a place to stay. Do you think you can share your rooms with them?

  Narrator: Cedric had one of the largest rooms in the Academy, while Elysia shared hers with Martina, but it was still spacious enough.

  The two exchanged a glance, then shrugged.

  Cedric/Elysia: Sure.

  Narrator: Without further questions, they led Lucas and Leona to their new rooms, helping them unpack their bags.

  Meanwhile, the Director had already assigned them a language professor to teach them Italian. However, since English was the primary language spoken at the Academy, adapting wasn’t an issue for them.

  Thus, the two new students began their life at the Academy, while Dav observed everything with a calm gaze.

  Another day had begun. And with it, new challenges to face.

  END OF CHAPTER - 85