Elias awoke to the faint scene of herbs and warm sunlight filtering through the curtains.
For a brief moment, he forgot where he was.
His shifted, trying to sit up, only to find his body still drained from the day before
Mathilda's cheerful voice cut through his thoughts.
"You're awake! Good morning, Elias!"
You've been asleep for a while after the academy discussion.
Ah right, she told me she is in the dreamers academy. Isnt she a grade above me?
By the way,
mathilda said, her voice turning casual,
I was thinking…. How would you like to attend the Dreamers Academy?
The Dreamers Academy. A place where powerful people trained. He had never been to one in his previous life. The thought of it felt foreign—an opportunity.
Before I could respond, a voice from the doorway broke the moment.
"You should be careful what you decide, Elias"
Elias's breath caught in his throat. He turned to see his…. Mentor standing in the doorway, her eyes calm, but sharp. Before he could stop himself, words slipped out
"Selene..?"
It was too late
Her gaze sharpened immediately. "How do you know my name?"
A wave of panic rushed through me. I said her name without thinking—I havent even realized it until it was out.
Mathilda looked between them, with a confused expression
"Uh, Mom, how did Elias know your name?"
Selene stepped into the room, her eyes showing a suspicious look
"I didnt realize we were acquainted, I dont recall introducing myself."
I fumbled for words, my mind scrambled trying to think of an explanation. How do I explain it? How do I explain the truth, when even I dont understand it fully?
Selene's eyes never left me.
Elias… you should be careful.
People dont usually know my name unless they've been told.
So tell me, Elias, how exactly do you know me?
Wait, haven't we... met before? Im sorry if im mistaken, but I thought I recognized you from somewhere
It was a quick lie I came up with to try and play it off, its obvious we have met before but not in this life
I see…. We have met before but.. I'd rather not get into details
Selene says with a cold gaze
But Selene and Elias's intense stare off was disturbed by a confused mathilda
Mom, What do you mean? Is this why you insisted on taking him?
How did you guys meet?
Selene brushes off Mathilda's questions
"Lets not get into.... Details Mathilda."
Okay fine…..
Mathilda says with a defeated sigh
So, Elias, do you plan on going to the Dreamers Academy? I am a teacher there so I can recommend you to the academy
"It'll be great! Im already a grade ahead, but Im sure you'll catch up quickly! I think it'll be a good start for you."
Mathilda says to Elias with a joyeus and cheerful voice
The academy is where people like you gain true mastery.
If you want to stop being a pawn in someone else's game, you have to take control.
You dont want to be left behind, do you?
Would you want to disappoint Mathilda? Think about it—Mathilda's excited for you, Elias. She's always believed in this academy
This is your chance Elias.
She lowered her voice, almost as if sharing a secret with him
" You know, Elias, there are very few who get the chance to attend Dreamers Academy. It's not just about training; it's about understanding who you are—your true potential."
She leaned in slightly, her eyes locking in with his.
"You've been through so much already. I can see it. You're not like other people. You're capable of far more than you know."
Elias swallowed hard.
I wanted to argue, to rejected her words but something in them resonated deeply within me.
Was this a path? Was this the answer to my struggles?
"You've been running from your past, haven't you, Elias?"
Selene's voice turned colder.
"You can keep running, but sooner or later, you'll have to face reality. The world doesnt wait. And neither will your powers."
Elias recoiled slightly at her words, a flicker of fear passing through him.
Was she threatening me? Or was she just being blunt? Either way, her gaze makes me feel uneasy
It feels as though, she is desperate for me to attend to the academy.
I wonder…. Why is she that desperate?
Mathilda smiled brightly, clearly enthusiastic.
"It would be great, Elias! The academy is amazing. I've learned so much already, and I think you'd fit right in! Plus, with my mom recommending you, they'll have no reason to not accept you."
She paused, noticing Elias's hesitation. Her smile softened into concern.
"Whats wrong? I know you're not sure about it, but it's a good place. It could be the opportunity you've been looking for.
As selene's words swirled in his head, Elias felt a sharp pain of guilt. He thought of Mathilda, of the many times he had failed people he cared about.
Was this how it started before? Was I once again falling into the hands of someone who wanted to control me?
His mind flashed to memories of his past life—the anger, the betrayal, the pain of losing Mathilda. Could this really be an opportunity, or was it another trap?
"I understand your hesitations, Elias."
Selene said, her voice now soft, almost comforting.
"But remember, opportunities like this dont come often. Think about it. You could be one of the few who truly understands their potential."
I felt her words press down on me. I was running out of reasons to say no, and I knew it.
Maybe attending to the academy is the right choice.
Maybe I could save mathilda and gain even more knowledge of magic.
Though how does selene know this much? Why does she seem… so desperate into making me attend the academy?
She was my only mentor in my past life and the only mentor i've ever needed
But why does it seem like….
She knows of my past life?