FAMILIAR FACE

Sophie led Lila out of their room and into the vibrant energy of Thornwood Academy. As they walked, the halls echoed with the laughter and chatter of other students, creating a backdrop of lively school life.

"First stop, the cafeteria—it's the social hub," Sophie said, guiding Lila towards a large, arched doorway that opened up to a spacious room filled with students. "We get students from all over the world, so the food is pretty diverse. You'll definitely find something you like here."

Lila looked around, impressed by the bustling atmosphere and the smells of various cuisines mingling in the air. "It smells amazing," she commented, her stomach rumbling slightly.

Sophie laughed. "Wait until you try the enchanted desserts—they're magical, literally! The chocolate lava cake can make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, perfect for those cold Thornwood nights."

They continued their tour, heading next to the sprawling library. "This is my favorite place," Sophie confessed as they stepped into the quiet, book-lined sanctuary. The library was a towering structure, with books reaching up to the ceiling and ladders sliding along the shelves.

"Wow, it's like something out of a movie," Lila whispered, awestruck by the sheer number of books and the mystical ambiance.

Sophie nodded. "It's the best place for studying. Plus, some of these books are so old, they contain spells that aren't taught in classes anymore. It's a treasure trove for those who love to explore."

As they exited the library, Sophie pointed out various classrooms, each designated for different magical disciplines. "You'll spend a lot of time in those rooms, learning everything from basic spellwork to advanced magical theory," she explained.

They made their way towards the athletic fields, where students were practicing various forms of magical sports. "Thornwood isn't just about academic magic. Physical training is important too," Sophie explained. "You might enjoy broom racing or spell dueling. It's a lot of fun and a good break from studying."

Lila watched as a group of students zoomed overhead on brooms, their laughter ringing clear. "I've never flown a broom before," she admitted, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"You'll learn soon, and I bet you'll be great at it," Sophie encouraged, giving her a friendly nudge. "Most importantly, have fun with it. Thornwood is about discovering your strengths and pushing your boundaries."

Their final stop was a quiet courtyard, hidden away behind some of the main buildings. "And when you need some peace and quiet, this is the spot. Not many students come here, so it's perfect for some alone time or to catch up on reading."

Lila took a deep breath, taking in the serene beauty of the little garden, feeling more relaxed and at home than she had since arriving. "Thank you, Sophie. For all of this. I was really nervous about starting here, but seeing all these places makes me feel a lot better."

Sophie smiled warmly. "Anytime, Lila. We're all a bit nervous when we start, but you'll find that everyone at Thornwood is really supportive. You're going to fit right in."

"Hey, you didn't tell me about your magical skills," Lila said, stopping in her tracks to look at Sophie.

"Well, it's not as impressive as yours, but it's pretty cool. I can talk to animals and plants ," Sophie replied with a smile.

Lila's mouth dropped open in surprise. "You can really talk to animals?" she asked, amazed.

Sophie laughed at Lila's amazed expression, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yes, I really can! It's part of my elf heritage. My mom's side of the family has always had a strong connection with nature, so it kind of runs in the family," she explained, her smile broadening.

"It's pretty useful, especially in classes like Magical Botany or Care of Magical Creatures. I can understand what the plants and animals need and feel, which helps a lot." Sophie's voice held a note of pride, clearly cherishing her unique ability.

Lila's eyes were wide with wonder as she imagined the possibilities. "That sounds incredible! What's it like to talk to an animal?" she asked, genuinely curious and a bit envious.

"It's fascinating! Each animal has its own personality, just like people. Some are chatty and friendly, while others are a bit grumpy or shy. It's all about building trust with them," Sophie shared, her enthusiasm evident.

"And plants, well, they're not exactly conversationalists, but they do send feelings and signals about their health, their needs, and how they interact with their environment. It's a bit like sensing their emotions," she added, clearly passionate about her connection with nature.

Lila nodded, absorbing every detail. "That must be so magical, to feel that connected to nature," she said, her voice filled with awe.

Sophie grinned, pleased to share her world. "It really is. And don't worry, there are so many amazing things you'll learn to do here too. Thornwood is full of surprises, and I bet you'll discover abilities you never knew you had!"

"Hey, Ezra," Sophie called out as they walked back to their dorm. The name struck a chord with Lila.

Lila paused and turned to see where Sophie was looking. There stood Ezra Thorn. He was tall with a strong, muscular build, a hint of his gargoyle heritage. His skin had a slight gray tint, and his dark hair was always perfectly styled. His piercing slate blue eyes often seemed to be deep in thought. He dressed in simple, earthy colors that matched his calm personality.

Lila's heart skipped a beat. Ezra was her best friend from back home, and now, unexpectedly, he was here at Thornwood.

'What the heck?'

'What is going on?'

'Why is he here?'

"Ezra?" Lila called out, and Ezra walked over to them, a bit shyly.

"Do you know him?" Sophie asked.

"I thought I did," Lila replied, her mind racing.

"Hey, Lila. It's good to see you. I've been looking for you," Ezra said, his voice calm but carrying an urgency.

"And how did you know where to find me? I mean, I came through a portal!" Lila's voice was a mix of a whisper and a shout, her frustration evident.

Ezra glanced around nervously before responding to Lila's intense questions. "Let's talk somewhere private," he suggested, his voice low and urgent.

Sophie, sensing the tension, nodded understandingly. "I'll catch up with you later, Lila," she said, giving her a reassuring smile before moving away to give them space.

Ezra led Lila to a secluded corner of the garden they had passed earlier, where the noise of the campus seemed distant. The calmness of the spot did little to ease Lila's racing mind.

"What's going on, Ezra? How did you know I'd be here at Thornwood?" Lila demanded, her confusion and surprise mingling with a flicker of anger.

Ezra took a deep breath, his stony features softening a bit with concern. "I knew because I was sent here to watch over you," he admitted, meeting her gaze with a serious expression. "There are things happening, Lila, bigger than us, and it's not safe for you to be out there without protection."

Lila's heart pounded at his words. "Watch over me? Sent by who? Why didn't you tell me any of this before?" Her questions tumbled out, each one laced with a mix of betrayal and worry.

"It was all very sudden," Ezra explained. "When your abilities were discovered, it wasn't just Thornwood that took an interest. There are others, not so friendly, who are curious about the power of a Phoenix descendant. My family has connections with the guardians who protect magical beings, and they asked me to make sure you're safe."

He looked around again, ensuring their conversation remained private. "I couldn't tell you earlier because I had to be sure that nothing would interfere with your arrival here. Thornwood is one of the safest places for someone like you. Here, we can learn and prepare for whatever might come."

Lila felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her—relief, confusion, but also a sense of betrayal. "I appreciate you looking out for me, Ezra, but I wish you had trusted me enough to tell me the truth from the start."

Ezra's gaze was apologetic. "I wanted to, really. But there were rules I had to follow. Now that you're here, we can work together. You're not alone in this, Lila. I'm here, and I've got your back."

His sincere tone helped soothe some of her frustration. Lila nodded slowly, the shock of the revelation ebbing away, replaced by a determination to understand the full scope of her situation. "Okay, Ezra. We'll do this together. But no more secrets, okay? From now on, we're a team."

Ezra agreed, a relieved smile breaking through his usually reserved demeanor. "No more secrets," he promised.

They left the garden together, heading back towards the heart of Thornwood Academy, both aware that their journey was just beginning and that the path ahead could be fraught with challenges.

But for now, they had each other, and that was a start.