Chapter 30: The Dark Betrayal

" ring, ring, ring"

I grabbed my phone to answer" hello? "

I heard Elijah on the other end of the phone." yo, James rise and shine. "

" What the hell, isn't it too early ?" 

" If you don't want to miss the principal's speech. It's not "

I leaped out of bed. " shit, I'll be in the hall in a minute. "

" Alright, I'm waiting for you."

I quickly dressed and made my way to the hall. Upon entering, I discovered the principal's speech was about to commence. 

" Greetings, students. I'm sure you're wondering why I've gathered you all here today. Every Saturday morning, we summarize the results of our traditional house tournament. 

In a few moments, we will announce the final results. But first I'd like to speak on behalf of nortale's council. We are incredibly proud of your dedication and hard work. 

Competition is, indeed , one of the keys to unlock your full potential. By participating in it. You can show your diligence and strength. We are happy to be a part of your winding path of discovering true power. 

We've calculated the total point for each house. This week's winner house is Leonheart. "

Joy propelled me into a celebratory jump " Yahoo we won. "

Elijah's words resonated with pure joy as he spoke. " great Job everyone."

The principal completed " congratulations to leonheart. The path to dale is now open. Each student from the winning house receive 50$ allowance you can spend in dale. 

Please, seek assistance from mister frollo to get to the ship. To all the other students who haven't won this week, try to keep up your spirits. You will have the chance to visit dale next time. 

All you need is to put more effort and win next week's competition. Take care everyone, And have a lovely weekend. "

Well, that was informative. Now I need to find mistre frollo. 

" Mr. pogger." I heard a voice calling me form back of the hall. I turned to see and it was frollo

" I think we're just waiting for you. All right, let's not stall. The ferry leaves in half an hour. Students follow me. "

Haley approached me form behind " Hello James"

" Haley, good morning "

" Do you have plans for dale yet. "

I replied " I don't even know what's there"

" Neither do I, I'm gonna look into it, I hope the local library has a history of the town. "

" I'm sure there is. "

Out from nowhere she start calling" oh, lily, I was just looking for you, aren't you going to the library? Oh, sorry, James, I have to catch her up. See you later James. "

" Bye..... " Hmmmm, so Haley's gonna be at the library all weekend? Sometimes I don't understand her interests. On the other hand, sometimes I don't even understand mine. 

Speaking of Wich, I wonder what I'll be doing this weekend? Guess I'll find out in dale. 

Frollo assembled us, guiding the group until we reached the water's edge, where a ship awaited. I couldn't help but be captivated by the scene unfolding before me.

" Wow, wow, this is beautiful. "

Frollo replied" impressed? This ship is my pride."

" Why? Sir. "

" It's a system I designed. "

" What system?"

" You'll hear about it in a moment. I think everyone needs this information. 

Students, pay attention. We at nortale are well aware that students have to work hard to become great wizards. So you need to get plenty of rest. Too. 

You, as the winners of the house competition, can bord the ship. The journey to dale is not very long. And this ship has everything you need so you don't get bored while you're sailing "

Lily inquired" but why a ship at all? We could just teleport..."

Jacob responded" thanks for that interesting point. Portal magic in nortale territory is limited as much as possible. It's a security measure. 

But there is a special connection between the academy and dale. 'The endless lake.' "

" What is that? "

" My own invention. The lake seems small. But anyone who decide to swim across it..... You don't even want to know. 

The only vessel that can cross it is right here in front of you. Just don't jump overboard unnecessarily. Then the journey to dale won't be a problem at all. 

Any other questions? "

Haley asked " Can I get on board now? "

" Of course, come on in and take your seats. We'll be departing in a exactly 15 minutes. "

Well, it's time to go to town. This ship is gorgeous. I've never been on a ship before. It's shaking when people get on the deck. Should it be like that? Well Haley doesn't look scared, I think it's alright. 

The ship start sailing. And wow , what a view. Who might've thought that a boot trip could be so picturesque. I wish I had my camera with me. 

It's so peaceful, that's how any weekend should start. I might start enjoying winning house tournaments. 

I kept observing the lake . And from nowhere a headache came to me . ouch, ouch ,my head. It's spinning like a record. Like a broken one. Damn.... Fuck, what's happening? Am I seasick? My vision started getting blurry. I'm gonna...

Darkness enveloped everything, and as my eyes reopened, the world gradually unveiled itself before me. What the fuck, where am I? Is this place from inside the sorting foliant?

And why I can't move my arms and legs? Something moving squeezes my body. 

I looked down to see " what the fuck.... Is this a serpent? "

A disembodied voice echoed from the void " Oh yes, that what I was waiting for. What's the matter now? You're not so confident anymore. "

My gaze shifted, revealing Katrina standing with an eerie smile that sent shivers down my spine." Katrina? What the fuck is happening? Where am I ? Is this a dream? "

She replied " little puppy, why should I bother myself answering you? You've insulted my pride, crash my plans. Chose my enemy and exceeded my house. 

You think someone can just do that to Katrina adderin and walk away? "

She's angry, oh my " wait, let's talk.... "

She stopped me " you've said all you had to say, boy. Enjoy your small victories while you can. But do not forget about me. Because if I can get you from underworld. Imagine what I'll do to you when I get out of here. "

The serpent start shocking me. And I ..... Can't..... Breathe..... It's just over. 

Everything fades to black once more, and then I find myself hearing voices...