134. Back to college
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NEXT MORNING — ST. LUMINA UNIVERSITY --
The sun cast a soft glow over St. Lumina University. The campus was alive with students hurrying to their classes, but Aiden and Chloe felt like they were stepping into a fresh, welcoming world after three weeks of confinement at home.
Chloe practically skipped ahead, her laughter bright and infectious, while Aiden walked beside her with a careful awareness — he had changed a little in the past three weeks. The confinement had forced him to mature; he carried himself straighter, spoke with measured tones, and tried to balance his natural warmth with a newfound calm.
And today… he couldn't stop thinking about one person in particular.
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By the university's fountain, Marcelline was sitting on a bench, a book in her hand. Her soft aura seemed to draw attention effortlessly — but unlike the usual captivating presence some might mistake for arrogance, hers was gentle, inviting, and comforting.
Chloe ran ahead, waving.
"Marcelline!"
Marcelline looked up and smiled immediately, her eyes lighting with warmth.
"Oh, Chloe! It's so good to see you again. Did you miss the campus?"
Chloe jumped into her arms, hugging her tightly.
"I did! It's been so boring at home for three weeks!"
Marcelline laughed softly, brushing Chloe's hair behind her ear.
"I can imagine. But I'm glad you're back. And Aiden…" Her gaze fell on him, gentle and kind. "It's good to see you too. How have you been?"
Aiden felt his chest tighten slightly, caught off guard by her tender attention. He cleared his throat, forcing a calmness he didn't quite feel inside.
Aiden:
"I… I've been good. Better now that we're back. And… seeing you."
Marcelline tilted her head, a soft, amused smile playing on her lips.
"You always know how to make a simple greeting sound… special."
Aiden's face flushed faintly, but he held her gaze, trying to hide the flustered part of himself behind his newfound maturity.
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Chloe immediately began chattering about small college incidents she had missed, skipping from one story to another, while Aiden and Marcelline walked slowly beside her.
Marcelline listened patiently, asking gentle questions, laughing warmly at their jokes, and occasionally giving Aiden an approving nod whenever he contributed something insightful or thoughtful.
Her kindness made him both nervous and elated. He admired her more than ever — not just for her beauty, but for the way she made everyone around her feel valued and seen.
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When Chloe ran off to greet some friends, Marcelline and Aiden found themselves walking side by side.
Marcelline:
"You've grown a little more… composed, Aiden. The past weeks at home must have been hard on you."
Aiden swallowed, keeping his tone steady.
"It wasn't easy… but I learned a few things. How to handle myself better, I guess."
Marcelline smiled warmly, genuinely impressed.
"I can see that. And it suits you. You've always been kind… now you're thoughtful too. That's a rare combination."
Aiden's heart raced, but he managed a small, confident smile.
"Thanks… it means a lot coming from you."
Her laughter was soft, like wind through leaves, filling the space with a calm he didn't know he'd needed.
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THE AFTERMATH OF THE REUNION
The rest of the morning was filled with gentle teasing, laughter, and playful conversations. Marcelline guided them through small campus details, offered advice, and listened to their stories with the kind of attention that made anyone feel special.
Aiden felt something stir inside him — a mix of admiration, affection, and a subtle crush that refused to fade. But it was respectful, quiet, and tempered by his growing maturity. He wanted to impress her, not overwhelm her.
By the time classes began, Marcelline waved them off with her usual warmth.
Marcelline:
"Don't forget to eat well and take care of yourselves. And Aiden… keep up that maturity. It suits you."
Aiden nodded, trying not to let his blush show, while Chloe skipped ahead, oblivious to the small, meaningful exchange that had just occurred.
As he followed his sister, Aiden couldn't help thinking about Marcelline — her voice, her smile, and the way she somehow made him feel both small and inspired all at once.
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St. Lumina University's courtyard was still buzzing when Marcelline's phone vibrated in her pocket.
LEO
"Teleportation enchantment ready.
You can try it the moment you're free."
Marcelline's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk — a smirk no one at St. Lumina ever saw.
Gone was the soft angelic girl everyone adored.
In its place…
The devilish goddess who commanded shadows, broke curses, and bent reality to her will.
Marcelline tapped her phone against her cheek playfully.
"Well… I guess I suddenly don't feel well."
She turned toward Liz, placing a hand on her forehead like a dramatic actress.
"Liz… I think I'm coming down with something. A little fever. I'm going to head back."
Liz gasped softly.
"Oh no! Should I walk you—?"
"No, no," Marcelline smiled gently — the pleasant, harmless smile everyone trusted.
"I'll be fine."
Five seconds later…
She vanished into thin air, slipping through reality like a whisper.
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THE VILLA — LEO'S COURTYARD
Leo was waiting, hands on his hips, rune circle glowing behind him like a portal to another world.
"You came fast."
Marcelline's eyes shimmered with excitement, her devilish aura leaking through her calm posture.
"Of course I did. Now tell me—how does this beautiful thing work?"
Leo began explaining the complex sequence of incantations, the stabilization points, the destination markers.
She listened with the patience of a queen but the impatience of a demon.
"So I just say this phrase… and it'll take me to my Shadowline mansion?"
Leo nodded.
"As long as you hold the location in your mind, yes."
Marcelline grinned.
Perfect.
She stepped onto the rune circle, her aura darkening with power.
The air crackled.
The sigils glowed.
Reality warped.
Marcelline whispered the incantation…
And in a burst of black-silver light—
She disappeared.
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