(Zelda's POV)

After I talked to Oliver, I went to lunch and sat across from Kelli. "Hey Zelda, something on your mind?" Kelli asked me while taking a bite of her sandwich.

"You don't want to open that can of worms, Kelli." I crossed my arms.

"Oh, it's that bad, huh? What has gotten you so stressed out this early in the week?" Kelli said.

"It's more like who has gotten me so stressed out." I looked around and saw Oliver talking to his buddies. He soon turned his head to me and flirtily winked at me. I responded by flipping him off, and he laughed at this.

"Care to explain what THAT was?" Kelli raised an eyebrow.

"Explain what?" I shrugged.

"Explain why Elysium's boy wonder is joking around with you in the dining hall," Kelli said.

"Oliver is not joking around with me. He's trying to annoy me," I said.

"Well, whatever it is, honey, it's way more attention than he'd usually give to someone that's not one of his idiotic sidekicks," Kelli giggled. "Jax is a prime example of a total retard with an IQ in the single digits,"

"Oliver and I are partners in Advanced Potions," I explained.

"Oh, so that is what the kids call it these days," Kelli said.

I did a facepalm. "Can we please stop talking about Oliver and change the subject?"

"NOPE!" Brooke said with excitement and sat next to me. "What'd I miss?"

"Just Oliver being a prick as usual," I said.

Brooke giggled. "That's funny. I can't wait until the Trials start,"

"I second that!" Kelli clapped. "You two always look like you're on the verge of killing each other in class. Watching how that will play out during the Trials will be worth fucking gold,"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm so glad my misery can provide you bitches with such fantastic entertainment," I said sarcastically.

Brooke laughed at my comment and turned to Kelli. "It's very nice to see you again, Kelli. You don't usually socialize much."

"Yeah, well, the new girl is much more interesting than our dull, boring ass classmates," Kelli smirked.

"That she is, Kelli. That she is." Brooke said.

"Aw, you're making me blush, girls," I said.

"OH, speaking of exciting things, I was wondering if your family is descended from the Obsidian Clan?"

"The what-now clan?" I tilted my head.

"The Obsidian Clan," Kelli repeated.

"I've never heard of them before, Kelli. What makes you think that we're related?" I asked her.

"It's your hair color, black as Obsidian, like the void and pure darkness," Brooke said.

"My hair?!" I said with surprise.

"Hair color precisely, The Obsidian color is unique to the clan's warriors," Kelli explained.

"I had no idea. Is this common knowledge?" I asked.

"Not really. I only recognize it from old stories from my clan." Kelli said.

"Aren't warrior clans formed by non-magical humans? Like the Amazons, for example?" I said.

"Yeah, mine is one of the only ones left with a mixed lineage with magic users," Kelli said.

"Huh, I didn't know those existed. I don't have any relation to the clan you mentioned. This isn't my natural hair color," I faced Brooke. "Brooke, how did you know that tipped her off?"

"Oh, well, I have family from the Obsidian Clan," Brooke said.

"Wait, WHAT?!" Kelli said with shock.

"Yep, on my mother's side. My great-great-grandmother was the last of our family who was active in the clan. You're a part of the Tempest Spire, aren't you?" Brooke said.

"That's right; I wonder if our families have fought each other in the past," Kelli said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The world was a much darker place back then when people started to abandon the teachings of the Moon Goddess." Brooke said.

"It's crazy to believe that we had so much in common all these years without even realizing it," Kelli said.

I beamed a smile. "Well, I sense the start of a beautiful new friendship,"

The bell rang, and we all said goodbye as we headed to our next class.

When lunchtime ended, Kelli and I headed to our next class, which was botany with Professor Cutty.

"Class, I'd like to show you a plant that we will all be taking special care of this semester. I must stress the tender care this plant needs to grow and flourish, as it is equally valuable and hazardous. Now, can anyone identify what plant this is?" Professor Cutty said.

I immediately raised my hand. "Yes, Zelda. Do you know what this plant is called?"

"That plant is known as Aconite, more commonly known as Wolfsbane or the Queen of Poisons," I said.

"Outstanding, Miss Cromwell. This is indeed Aconite, but all of you can call it by its many other names if you'd like. Can anyone else tell us what they know about this plant?" Professor Cutty asked as Cade raised his hand. "Yes, Cade?"

"Wolfsbane is a moderately slow-growing flower that blooms late in the summer and fall. It prefers cool and moist conditions and can grow in the mountains," Cade said.

"Correct, Mr. McFarland. Growing this type of plant outside of the mountains isn't impossible. Who can guess what purpose it would serve for us to grow it?" Professor Cutty asked.

I raised my hand again. "Yes, Zelda?"

"It's a crucial ingredient in the Elixir for Lycanthropy. This potion is invaluable to those cursed with Lycanthropy who do not wish to transform during a full moon. Wolfsbane's poisonous properties are deadly to humans and werewolves. When brewed at the correct dosage and with the proper combination of ingredients, it can act as a strong sedative that will halt the transformation." I explained.

"That's right, Miss Cromwell. The market price for this elixir is quite steep due to its long and complex brewing process. Due to the lack of a permanent cure for Lycanthropy, this potion is the best treatment, and every full moon would require a dosage, though, equating to one every month. So here at Elysium, we create our supply and make it accessible to any witch or wizard within our school community who may need it." Professor Cutty said.

The botany doors opened, and everyone turned around to see Professor Luma walk through the door. "Hello, class! Hello Professor Cutty." Professor Luma smiled. "I apologize for the interruption, but I was wondering if I could steal you for a moment?"

"Of course, I'll be right with you, Professor Luma. Class, please discuss the potential remedies to wolfsbane poison with each other while I step out for a bit. We'll be going over that next." Professor Cutty said as he stepped out with Professor Luma.

"Hey Zelda, what's the remedy to wolfsbane poison?" Kelli said.

"Well, let's assume you don't have access to a ready-made antitoxin tonic. I would say that a handful of Neutralizing Boluses would do the trick. It'll counteract the poison just as effectively as a potion. Or a bezoar or a goa stone." I explained.

"Wow, you're such a nerd. 10 points to Intuitus! Great job," Kelli joked.

"Really? A Harry Potter reference?" I giggled.

"I got you to laugh, so it was worth it." Kelli winked.

"I could have answered your question too, Kelli. I think you already know that answer yourself. I don't get why you always act like you don't," Cade said, entering the conversation.

"And Cade McFarland has entered the chat. Moon Goddess, help us all." Kelli groaned.

"You don't have to talk about me like I'm not here. I was trying to make a point about your unnecessary tendencies," Cade said.

"What about my 'unnecessary tendencies'?" Kelli turned to face Cade. "What exactly about my tendencies do you feel you have the right to tell me what is unnecessary?"

"You don't put any effort into school, Kelli," Cade hissed. "It's ridiculous, and you could be the top of our class if you want to be. You could have been a challenger in The Trials."

I was watching Cade and Kelli fighting and yelling at each other. I hate seeing them fight like this again. Should I step in and try to defuse the situation, or should I stay out of it and mind my own business? After pondering this question, I decided to intervene and try to defuse everything. This fight is a huge misunderstanding.

"He's not entirely wrong, you know?" I said as Cade was taken aback by my words, but Kelli looked at me with rage.

"What do you mean by that?" Kelli growled.

"Yeah, what do you mean?" Cade added.

"Look, I have yet to know either of you, but based on what I've seen from your interactions, there's a bit of miscommunication between you two. Cade admires you and your abilities, Kelli, and it sounds like he is frustrated that you don't apply yourself more. However, I won't make any excuses for how he talks to you about it. It's an overly aggressive and counterproductive way of showing concern for you, but I believe he means well. You are an incredibly talented witch, Kelli. I would know as I saw it first hand when you cast that spell to blow the smoke away," I said.

"Zelda's right; I'm sorry, Kelli," Cade said. "I didn't mean to come off so aggressively. I admire you, and I've looked up to you since we were kids. I hate that you seem so set on doing the opposite to piss off your dad. That's why I care about seeing you succeed." Cade said.

"I appreciate you thinking so highly of me, Cade. But please trust me to make my own decisions next time, okay?" Kelli said. "Yeah, I act the way I do to piss off my dad, but you make it sound like I'm self-sabotaging things I genuinely want. I would have been in The Trials if I wanted to be. I think that the right challengers were chosen. You and Zelda are the best people here in Intuitus," Kelli said.

"I hear you. I promise I'll try to be better going forward. I'm sorry for making you feel like I wasn't trusting your decisions," Cade said.

"All is forgiven, silly goose. Just don't cross me again." Kelli said as Cade laughed. "Hey, thanks for playing mediator, Zelda." Kelli faced me.

"Yeah, thanks. Most people avoid us when we argue. I appreciate that you stepped in when you didn't have to. Thank you." Cade smiled.

I smiled at them and nodded. "Happy to help. Sometimes, all you need is an outside perspective."

Professor Cutty walked back into the classroom as he was done talking with Professor Luma. "Sorry for the delay. Let's get back to talking about the wonder of flora."

(Later that Night, After Dinner)

I arrived at the library after classes ended for the day and saw Oliver waiting for me at one of the tables. Well, here's the moment I've been dreading all day. Study date with The Nightingale. No big deal at all. Wait, study date? Why did I think that? No, that was just a slip-up of the brain. Goddess, get it together, Cromwell.

I looked at him again and noticed that he hadn't seen me standing behind him yet. I took this moment to steal myself; I couldn't help but closely study him with bated breath. There's a certain reverence with which he cradles the book in his hands as if it's the most precious thing in the world. His slender and elegant fingers turn each page with tender care as though he's tending to a wounded animal. Like it's a rarity that merits devout regard that few other things are truly worthy of. My heart stutters as an unbridled warmth of fondness blooms within me upon recognizing that this boy feels like a kindred spirit. Oliver's innocent treatment of a simple book can somehow inspire a deep understanding and feeling of camaraderie that I can't shake from the hollow depths of my soul.

This is the mate bond at work here, trying to mislead you, Zelda. The logical part of my mind is screaming, 'No, it's a trick! Think of the war this boy is fated to wage later in history. Please think of the countless people whose lives were lost at his mercy. Think of that terrible being, for he cannot be a kindred spirit.'

But this version of Oliver in front of me looks so captivating in his earnest bookishness. The one who looks so wildly and alarmingly unassuming when he doesn't realize someone is watching him. In this encapsulated moment, I can feel an aching longing to know this singular and pure version of him. Damn it.

Oliver turned around and noticed me, and he looked surprised. "Do you usually sneak up on unsuspecting people from behind like a creep?" Oliver said.

I was taken aback by his words. "Whoa, hold up. Did you call me a creep?"

"Did I stutter?" Oliver smiled.

"I certainly was NOT creeping on you," I said defensively.

"You can tell yourself that if it helps you sleep at night, Cromwell," Oliver said.

I scoffed at him. "Wait a minute, are you messing with me?"

Oliver laughed as he knew I was catching on. "I'm merely quoting someone who once accused me of the same thing,"

I sighed. "Alright, alright. You got me back. Are you proud of yourself?

Oliver thought about what I said for a few seconds. "Yes, I am."

I rolled my eyes and sat next to him. "So, what were you reading about?" I asked.

"A guide to Elixirs, Potions, and Concoctions," Oliver said.

"Did you find anything suitable for our project?" I asked him.

"I narrowed it down to a few contenders. Philter of the Sun, The Sleeping Curse, and a potion where all of our endeavors will be solved."

"Liquid Luck! That potion is an S+ Ranked Potion. If we manage to do that, Professor Luma will be amazed that we exceeded her expectations," I smiled.

"Yeah, we also have other options from the books I picked from the shelves that we can look at. What do you think?" Oliver said.

Wait? Do I hear things, or did Oliver willingly ask for my opinion? "Thanks for researching these ahead of time, Oliver. I do think that they're all solid choices, and it probably wouldn't hurt to look some more. Further, covering our bases could lead us to the perfect choice instead of just an adequate one." I said.

"I couldn't agree more. Nice to see that we're on the same page for once," Oliver smiled.

"A miracle for sure," I joked. "Who would have thought we'd ever see the day?

Oliver and I laughed as we grabbed potion books and talked about making each one and the difficulties that would come with it. Before we knew it, we were both asleep in the library. I woke up sometime later and found Oliver asleep by me. Oliver looks so peaceful; he is beautiful while he is sleeping. Goddess, Zelda, get your head out of the gutter. It's scaring me that I don't know where my thoughts end. What if they get worse? What if they begin turning into actions? I'm in so much trouble.

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(Oliver's POV)

After discussing what potion we should make, Zelda let out a cute yawn and fell asleep. "Cromwell, wake up. Cromwell?" I said, shaking her shoulder lightly. "Yoohoo! Hello!" I yelled.

Zelda snored softly as her head rested on the table. "Damn, you're knocked out. I'll let you nap for a bit. Sweet dreams," I said as I returned to my book, but I quickly realized what I had said.

"Sweet dreams? Sweet dreams? Did those words come out of my mouth? What is wrong with me?" I saw Zelda was still sleeping. "Great, I'm talking to a sleeping person. That's not helping this situation and not helping how sane I look." I stared at Zelda; her hair looked smooth as silk, and her breathing was slow and relaxed. "You look so peaceful, almost angelic, to be honest. Screw it; I might as well take a nap myself, as I fear you'll somehow convince me to say even more nonsensical things if I don't. Best to keep that from happening now by incapacitating myself."

I rested my head on the table with Zelda and peacefully slept.

Moon Goddess, help me.