The echo

Chapter 8

Harabi stood in front of the director's office, her heart pounding against her ribcage. The events of the fire in the ballroom three days ago had left the academy in turmoil, and the investigation had finally reached her. Unlike the previous teacher-led questioning, this morning she had been summoned personally. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she raised her trembling hand and knocked on the heavy wooden door.

"Good morning. This is Harabi Kurosaki," she announced, her voice wavering slightly.

"Come in," came the curt reply from inside.

Harabi hesitated, then cautiously turned the door handle. The office was shrouded in a semi-darkness that felt oppressive. Heavy velvet curtains blocked most of the morning light, and the dark wooden panels lining the walls only added to the somber atmosphere. Towering bookshelves filled with dusty tomes loomed in the shadows, lending the room an air of gravitas.

At the center stood a large oak desk, its surface covered in a neat stack of papers and illuminated by the faint glow of a green-shaded lamp. Behind the desk sat the director, a tall man with a stern countenance and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her.

"Sit down," he instructed coldly, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

Harabi approached hesitantly, sitting down with care, her gaze fixed on her hands. The weight of the room seemed to amplify her anxiety, suffocating her in its stillness.

“You’re all here,” the director finally said, his voice breaking the silence.

Harabi turned her head and noticed the others already seated. Rumiya sat closest to the door, her large eyes filled with worry, though she managed a small, encouraging smile. Next to her was Miki, a frail girl with long hair, nervously chewing her thumbnail. Across from them stood Adena, poised and confident, exuding an air of composure.

Two boys stood nearby, strangers to Harabi. One was tall with short-cropped hair and a serious expression, bearing a striking resemblance to Adena—likely her brother. The other had tousled red hair and a detached demeanor, his focus fixed solely on the director.

The director surveyed the group briefly before his eyes settled back on Harabi.

“We’re here to address the incident in the ballroom,” he began, his voice sharp and deliberate. “The fire was no ordinary accident. Evidence suggests it was deliberately set.”

A chill ran through the room. The word “deliberately” hung in the air like a threat, casting a shadow of suspicion over them all.

“You were the last ones seen near the ballroom before the fire started,” the director continued, his gaze shifting between them. “We need answers, and I expect full cooperation.”

He paused, his intense eyes locking onto Harabi.

“Ms. Kurosaki, you were seen leaving the ballroom shortly before the fire. Can you explain your actions that night?”

Harabi swallowed hard, her throat dry. “I… I went to the balcony. It was too crowded, and I don’t like loud music,” she stammered.

The director’s expression remained unreadable as he leaned forward slightly. “Then why did you run back inside once the fire started? Why not escape from the balcony?"

“I thought someone might need help,” she replied earnestly. “But by the time I got there, the fire was already spreading. I tried to assist… my friends, but the flames were too intense.”

“Were you alone?”

Harabi hesitated. “No. Rumiya was with me on the balcony.”

The director’s gaze shifted to Rumiya, his voice cutting through the tension.

“Ms. Suzukawa, witnesses say you weren’t seen at the ball. Yet, when the fire started, you were somehow inside. Care to explain?”

Rumiya hesitated, glancing nervously at Harabi before responding. “I arrived an hour early with Ms. Blossom. I don’t enjoy crowded places, so I stayed on the balcony when the ball began.”

“The same balcony where Ms. Kurosaki was?” the director pressed, his tone laced with suspicion. “What did you do when the fire started?”

“I saw Harabi running back to the ballroom,” Rumiya admitted softly. “I followed her because I was worried. We tried to help… but the fire was spreading too quickly.”

The director’s eyes narrowed. “Thank you, Ms. Suzukawa. Now, Ms. Blossom.”

Miki froze, visibly trembling. She glanced at the red-haired boy before lowering her eyes.

“I… I had left the ballroom to check on Rumiya bwpfe the fire started” she said haltingly. “But before I could return, I heard a noise—glass breaking. Then the fire started.”

“You were found injured in the ballroom,” the director pointed out. “Why did you return?”

“I thought someone might be trapped,” Miki whispered. “But I was too late. The fire spread so fast… I fell unconscious.”

The director leaned back, his piercing gaze shifting to the boys. “And you two? Where were you when the fire started?”

The taller boy straightened, meeting the director’s stare without flinching. “I was with my sister in the garden,” he said evenly. “We saw the smoke and ran inside to help.”

“And you, Mr. Flamer?”

Damien Flamer finally looked up, his green eyes sharp. “I was assisting the student council with containing the fire,” he said curtly.

The director scrutinized him for a moment before speaking. “This investigation is far from over. Until the truth is uncovered, you are all under suspicion. Speak of this to no one. Dismissed.”

They all walked outside, the cool air of the academy's courtyard brushing past them, a stark contrast to the tension that lingered between the group. Harabi had intended to speak with Rumiya about the strange happenings, but her attention was quickly diverted when she noticed how Rumiya’s gaze was fixed on Miki, who was speaking with Damien.

"I have to talk to you, Damien," Miki spoke, her tone laced with sincere care, her brows furrowed with concern as she stepped closer to him.

Damien turned to face her, his jaw tightening, a flicker of impatience crossing his features. "Not now, Michelle. My family is here. I can't leave them alone with the teachers," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. The urgency in his voice was clear, and Miki hesitated, her worry evident.

"But..." Miki began, her voice trailing off, but Damien cut her off with a quick wave of his hand, a gesture that was almost too dismissive.

"Later, Michelle. I said later," Damien said, his words final, leaving no room for argument.

Miki's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, but then she lowered her head, nodding reluctantly. She knew there was no point in pushing him further right now. Still, the expression on her face reflected the weight of something unsaid, a lingering concern she couldn't shake.

Rumiya, who had been standing off to the side, watched the exchange with an unreadable expression. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she turned away, her steps sharp with irritation. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but the scene had caught her attention more than she would have liked. As she started walking, she wasn’t looking where she was going and, in her haste, collided with Harabi, who had been standing nearby, lost in thought.

"I didn’t notice you," Rumiya said, her voice startled but quickly recovering, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she stepped back.

Harabi, surprised but not offended, offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry... I was caught up in that drama over there. Is that Damien Flamer everyone talks about?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Rumiya nodded, but her gaze drifted back toward Damien and Miki. "Yeah. The genius magician with the bright future and the loud surname," she said, her tone distant, almost dismissive, as if the words themselves carried more weight than the person they described. "And also Miki’s boyfriend."

Harabi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the casual mention of the relationship. "I didn’t know... He looks much older than her," she remarked, watching Miki and Damien for a moment.

Rumiya let out a soft snort, shaking her head as if dismissing the very idea of age. "And she doesn’t care about that," she said, her voice laced with something sharp, something that hinted at deeper feelings of frustration.

Harabi noticed the slight tremor in Rumiya’s voice, the subtle tension that had begun to settle between them. It was clear now that something had shifted in Rumiya’s demeanor, something unfamiliar and unexpected. There was a visible irritation in the way she held herself, her shoulders tense, her jaw clenched just slightly.

"Do you not like him?" Harabi asked, her voice careful, probing gently but not intrusively.

Rumiya paused, her eyes narrowing for a fraction of a second before she turned to look at Harabi. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a brief moment, Harabi saw a flash of something almost bitter in her gaze.

"It’s not that simple," Rumiya muttered, her tone darkening. "People idolize him, but I do not trust him."

The words hung in the air, thick with meaning. Harabi watched as Rumiya stepped away, her pace quickening. Rumiya didn’t look back, her steps echoing in the empty space between them, as if she was trying to leave more than just the conversation behind.

Harabi remained still, watching her retreating figure, the unanswered question lingering in her mind. She couldn’t help but wonder what exactly had caused this tension, this unspoken rift between Rumiya and Damien.

Suddenly, a voice sliced through the tense air. Aden appeared behind them, stepping out from the shadows of the academy’s high stone walls, his footsteps light but purposeful. His eyes gleamed with a knowing look, and his smirk was barely contained, as though he had been watching from a distance.

"They’ve been together since they were fourteen," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "And they’re still a couple. I wonder why Miki hasn’t noticed that their relationship isn’t as perfect as it appears."

The words hung in the air, and Harabi and Rumiya exchanged an uncomfortable glance. Rumiya’s face tightened, a barely noticeable flash of irritation crossing her features. Harabi, too, seemed taken aback, though her expression remained more composed. Both instinctively took a few steps back, bowing to the prince with respect, though their hesitation lingered in the air like an unspoken question.

Aden, twin brother of the cold and regal Adena, seemed to disregard the formality. He laughed softly, his eyes softening as he waved his hand dismissively.

"There’s no need for all that," he said with a gentle smile, his tone casual, even lighthearted. "Unlike my sister, I don’t care for the attention that comes with being a prince." His voice carried a note of almost playful defiance, as though he’d long grown accustomed to the expectations others placed upon him because of his title.

With a more genuine smile, he regarded them. "You’re Miki’s friends, which means you’re mine too." His voice grew warmer, his earlier jest melting away. "It’s a pleasure to meet you both. You can call me Aden."

The air between them seemed to soften with his words, and for a brief moment, the tension of the situation lifted. Aden’s casual demeanor, so different from his royal sister, made him seem more approachable, almost out of place within the stony walls of the academy that were built for formality and power. He seemed to appreciate genuine connections over titles.

Harabi couldn’t help but glance at Aden, her curiosity piqued by the sight of the prince so casually mingling with Miki’s friends. Her voice was soft, a mix of curiosity and surprise. "This is the first time I’ve seen the prince in person. I’ve seen Adena so many times when I was younger, but you..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish the thought.

Aden raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I was always focused more on my education than on politics when I was younger," he replied, his voice casual, yet there was an undeniable weight to his words, as though he had learned to navigate his position without letting it define him. "But that’s not what I wanted to talk about."

Before Harabi could respond, Miki suddenly appeared, her energy as bright as ever. She pushed Aden playfully, her laughter filling the air. "Hey," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "These are my friends. Trying to flirt with them?"

Aden, knowing the playful jab was coming, sighed, rolling his eyes as he spoke. "I wasn’t flirting, Miki." He knew she was joking, but his response was as calm as ever. He then placed his hand gently on her head, his smile softening. "I’m just tired of holding my hand up."

Miki grinned, clearly enjoying the moment. "Finally came, huh? You’re so dramatic."

Aden gave her a look of mock exasperation. "You’re short enough to let my hands rest," he teased, his tone light but affectionate.

Harabi and Rumiya exchanged surprised glances, their eyes wide at the sight of the two. They had both assumed Aden was the more reserved and serious of the pair, but seeing him so at ease with Miki was a revelation. Harabi, the first to recover from her shock, spoke up, her voice laced with quiet amazement. "You two seem really close."

Aden nodded, a warmth in his eyes that softened his otherwise stoic face. "We’re childhood friends," he said simply, as if that alone was enough to explain everything. His tone was open, but there was a depth of connection between him and Miki that was impossible to miss. Their bond was evident in the way they interacted—comfortable, playful, yet underpinned by a deep trust.

Miki, with her usual mischievous grin, rolled her eyes playfully. "I spent all my childhood with Aden and Adena. If only you knew how tired I am of them." She leaned back, crossing her arms with a dramatic sigh.

Aden chuckled at her words, clearly unbothered. "It’s true. We’ve been together for a long time. People even joke that Miki is our third sister."

Rumiya, observing the exchange quietly, leaned toward Harabi and whispered softly, "Miki told me she knows the royal family, but I didn’t know it was this close."

Harabi, still processing the conversation, couldn’t hide her surprise. "I’m shocked right now. Just look at Aden... he looks so much like Adena, but he’s nothing like her."

Aden, with his usual calm demeanor, laughed lightly at their observations. "Sorry, I have really good ears. And yes, I know I’m not like my twin sister."

Miki, ever the tease, added with a wink, "Adena, Aden, and I are definitely not birds of a feather flocking together."

Harabi, unable to shake her curiosity, furrowed her brow. "You two seem like siblings, but Adena... she seems to be out of your circle."

Before anyone could respond, a voice interrupted, sharp and confident. "There can only be two twins. And even though I don't want to admit it, Aden is my twin."

Adena stood behind Harabi and Rumiya, having appeared without either of them noticing. Her presence was commanding, and she smirked as she observed the group. Her words had been loud enough to startle both Harabi and Rumiya, who turned in surprise.

Adena’s smirk widened as she took in the group’s reactions. She gave a brief, almost dismissive glance at her brother, Aden, and then shifted her gaze to Miki, who had a knowing look on her face. "I don’t know what you’re all discussing, but let me make this clear. There’s no denying Aden is my twin, even if we don’t always see eye to eye."

Aden, unphased, met his sister’s gaze with an easy smile. "I’m not offended, Ada. You can admit it when you’re ready," he teased lightly, though there was a hint of affection in his voice. Miki, always ready for a bit of banter, joined in. "It’s fine, Adena. We all know the truth," she added, grinning at her friend.

Adena’s gaze swept across the group, her piercing eyes scanning each of them with an intensity that made the air around them shift. The usual playful energy seemed to evaporate as everyone felt the weight of her presence. A cold, sharp aura emanated from her, one that left no room for lightheartedness. It was clear she wasn’t here to joke.

She took a few deliberate steps forward, closing the space between her and Miki. Her eyes narrowed, and she looked down at her with a mix of frustration and something darker. "All of you seem to be careless enough to make fun right now. Didn’t you hear the rumors?" Adena’s voice was colder than usual, and her words struck with the force of a warning.

Harabi, sensing where this was headed, felt a knot form in her stomach. She instinctively shifted uncomfortably, her gaze flickering toward Rumiya, who seemed to be trying to disappear into the ground, avoiding eye contact. Miki, caught off guard by the sudden shift in Adena’s demeanor, stepped back slightly, her playful teasing from earlier replaced by an unease she couldn’t quite shake.

Adena’s gaze hardened as she continued, her words cutting through the silence. "You are one of the suspects, too, by the way," she said, her voice a mixture of scorn and resignation. The accusation hung in the air like a heavy weight, the truth of it sinking into the hearts of those present.

Miki, unable to hide the sudden tension in her chest, opened her mouth to respond, but Aden stepped forward again, the edge of her tone not allowing for rebuttal. The room seemed to hold its breath, each word echoing louder than the last.

Harabi couldn’t stay silent anymore. "Being suspects... it isn’t cool. Or good," she said softly, her voice edged with concern. She could feel the unease tightening around them, and it made her anxious. Adena’s words had struck too close to something real. Everyone had heard the rumors, the whispers of what was happening at the academy, but to be implicated was another matter entirely.

Miki, her expression serious now, nodded slightly in agreement. "We’re all in this situation," she said, her voice steady despite the tension. "None of us are immune to what's going on." Adena just looked at Miki with a sharp red eyes. Then she slowly turned to the girl with black hair and smirked: " You know, I was speaking to YOU, right? "

Harabi sighed deeply, feeling the weight of Adena’s presence press down on her. She glanced at Rumiya, offering a small, reassuring smile, trying to calm her down amidst the growing tension.

"I know there are rumors about me and Rumiya again. And about our sisters… But," Harabi paused, glancing at the others, "I think, right now, we need to come together. We need to find the truth about this arson."

Adena raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mocking smirk. "Hmm, is that what you say?"

Rumiya’s face tightened in frustration. "Harabi, what are you—"

Harabi cut her off, her voice calm but firm. "I know you told me to be careful, but here we are, already getting more attention than we need. And we have to deal with it."

Adena scoffed, stepping closer to Harabi. "Hey, Ada... Don’t say—"

"I am speaking now," Adena snapped, her tone icy. "Just close your mouth and take your little friend Miki away. I’m speaking to Harabi."

The words stung, but Harabi stood her ground, unflinching under Adena’s anger. Adena’s eyes flickered to her, and for a moment, the tension in the air was palpable. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she turned her gaze away, as if dismissing everyone else.

Adena began walking slowly around Harabi, her eyes never leaving her, studying her as though she were an interesting puzzle to be solved. "You know, I’m just so interested in you," she said, her voice dripping with something between amusement and disdain.

She laughed, a sharp, bitter sound that cut through the air, and continued her slow circle. "About the new rumors… they don’t have a huge difference from the old ones. Two mysterious daughters, from two absolutely different families, with a rather interesting common past…" Adena paused, her eyes narrowing as she sized up Harabi, her words a deliberate taunt. "They suddenly appear at the academy this year. And the next day, people saw them together, and then the fire started."

Adena stopped walking abruptly, turning on her heel to face Rumiya. She pointed at her, her smirk growing wider. "Some people say it was you. You and your ‘new’ friend."

Harabi felt her chest tighten. She wanted to say something—anything—but the intensity in Adena’s gaze made her pause. The aura surrounding Adena was suffocating, and Harabi felt the weight of her words settle heavily on her shoulders.

She glanced at Rumiya, standing at the corner of the room, her head lowered. Rumiya was quiet, distant, perhaps trying to hide the anxiety she surely felt. Harabi wanted to step toward her, comfort her, but her eyes lingered on Adena. In that moment, it seemed as though Adena was playing a game, one where Harabi couldn’t win.

Adena’s voice broke the silence again, low and dangerous. "Don’t think I haven’t noticed. People are already talking… about you, about your sister. And I’m just curious—do you really think you can hide what’s really happening here?"

Harabi's gaze locked with Adena's, and for a moment, the air between them seemed to crackle with unspoken words. Then, in a voice so quiet it was almost imperceptible, Adena leaned in, her lips curling into a cold, knowing smile. She whispered only to Harabi, her words hanging in the space between them like a threat.

"By the way, I know who set the fire. But," Adena’s eyes gleamed darkly, her voice taking on a playful tone, "you know, I like playing with fire."

Harabi’s breath caught in her throat. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively took a step back, her mind racing. Was this a warning? A game? Or something more sinister? But before she could react, Adena straightened up, her smirk widening just slightly, as if savoring the impact of her words.

Adena’s voice rang out, louder now, laced with venom. "Have fun, Harabi. And Rumiya…" She turned her eyes toward the girl in the corner, her gaze sharp and dismissive. "Please, change already. I really feel sick looking at you."

With those final, biting words, Adena pivoted sharply and began to walk away. Her footsteps were deliberate, echoing in the silence she left behind. As she moved, she cast one last glance over her shoulder, her smirk still in place, a reminder that she held all the cards, for now.

Harabi stood frozen, feeling the weight of Adena’s cryptic message settle deep within her. The silence that followed felt oppressive. Her mind spun, trying to process what had just transpired. Rumiya, still standing in the corner, slowly lifted her head, her eyes full of uncertainty. It was clear she had heard everything.

Harabi’s hand clenched into a fist, her knuckles whitening. What did Adena mean by knowing who set the fire? And why was she taunting her, playing this dangerous game? There were so many questions, but for now, Harabi could only stand in the wake of Adena’s departure, trying to piece together the puzzle.

Rumiya took a small, hesitant step toward her, but before she could speak, Harabi held up a hand, signaling for silence. She needed a moment. She needed to think.

Miki epped forward, her expression soft but serious. She placed a hand on Runiya's shoulder, her touch warm and grounding.

"Harabi, Rumiya," Miki began, her voice calm but laced with concern, "don’t let Adena get to you. She’s always like that—intimidating, manipulative, but don’t let her control your emotions." She gave a reassuring squeeze. "You both are new here. You don’t have to handle everything alone."

Aden, who had been watching from a short distance, finally walked over to them, his usual easygoing demeanor masking the tension that still lingered in the air. He flashed a half-smile, trying to ease the atmosphere. He stood next to Harabi and smiled.

"Yeah, Adena’s a lot to deal with," he said, chuckling softly to break the tension. "But we’ve known her for years. Trust me, she likes to stir things up just to see how people react. It’s part of the game with her."

Harabi nodded, still visibly shaken, but she appreciated their attempts to calm her down. Rumiya, too, seemed to breathe a little easier after hearing Miki’s words, though she remained quiet, her gaze distant.

Miki looked at Harabi for a moment, then back at Rumiya "Listen," she said, her voice brightening slightly, "how about a walk? The academy’s huge, and we could use some fresh air. Plus, I can show you guys around, introduce you to some of our friends. It’ll help take your mind off of everything, I promise."

Aden nodded in agreement. "We’ll even make it a small tour of sorts. You’ll get to meet some people who aren’t wrapped up in all the drama," he added with a teasing grin. "And you can see the parts of the academy no one else bothers to check out."

Harabi hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering back to the distant path Adena had taken. The weight of the conversation still lingered, but she knew Miki and Aden were right. She needed a distraction, and Rumiya did, too. Besides, they were new at the academy—meeting new people, making friends, and getting familiar with the place was the right thing to focus on.

Finally, Harabi sighed and gave a small nod. "Alright. A walk sounds good. I guess we could use a break from all this drama," she said, managing a small smile.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***