Chapter 7: Alchemical Solutions

Chapter 7: Alchemical Solutions

Silas approached the alchemy lab. The corridors of Arcanium University seemed even more foreboding at night, shadows stretching long and ominous under the flickering torchlight. He hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open.

Inside, a single lamp illuminated the cluttered workspace. Glass beakers and strange concoctions littered every available surface, casting eerie reflections on the walls. Lyra was hunched over a table at the far end of the room.

She didn't look up as he entered. She remained focused on her work, her auburn hair pulled back in a haphazard ponytail. Silas cleared his throat, trying to mask his nervousness.

"Hey, Lyra," he began awkwardly. "I got this note and... well, it said to come here."

Lyra straightened up, turning to face him with an unreadable expression. "Silas," she said softly, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Close the door behind you."

He did as she asked, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. "So... you're working late," he ventured, glancing at the various bubbling flasks and intricate devices around her.

"Always am," Lyra replied with a small smile. "Alchemy never sleeps."

Silas shifted from foot to foot, unsure of how to proceed. "About the note..."

"Yes, I left it," Lyra interrupted, stepping closer. Her eyes were sharp behind her thick-rimmed glasses. "I saw your eyes during that scuffle earlier today."

His breath caught in his throat. He had hoped no one had noticed that fleeting moment when his altered eyes were exposed. "You... saw?"

"Yes," she confirmed, crossing her arms over her chest. "And I know you're not completely human."

Silas felt fear in that moment. He had hoped no one would discover his true nature. He didn't want to think what it might mean for him at Arcanium University.

"Look," he said, raising his hands defensively. "I didn't ask for any of this. I just want to get through this place without any trouble."

Lyra's gaze softened slightly. "I'm not here to cause you trouble, Silas. Quite the opposite." She took another step closer. "I want to help you hide it."

"Help me? Why would you do that?" Silas asked.

"Because I know what it's like to be different," she said. "And because I want to see how much you shake things up. I know you didn't grow up rich, and I'm wondering if you're as angry with the system as I am."

Silas blinked, surprised by Lyra's words. "You're not wrong," he admitted after a moment. "I've seen how unfair this system is. How it grinds people up and spits them out." He met her gaze, his own eyes fierce with determination. "And I do want to change it. I'm just not sure how."

Lyra's expression softened further. "I know what happened to your mother, Silas. I'm so sorry for your loss." Her words were gentle, filled with genuine sympathy.

Silas felt a lump form in his throat. It had been a long time since anyone had acknowledged his grief. "Thank you," he managed.

"I don't want to get your hopes up, but there might be a way we can get your mother back."

"Well, well, well," Jace said, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like we're going to be roommates, Silas."

Rowan nodded, his dark eyes studying Silas intently. "Seems that way," he said, his voice deep and measured.

Silas forced a smile, trying to ignore the unease that churned in his gut. "Yeah, I guess so," he said, moving towards the empty bed that he assumed was his.

"So, where have you been?" Jace asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp. "We were starting to think you'd gotten lost."

Silas shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just exploring the campus a bit," he lied, avoiding Jace's gaze. "It's a big place."

Rowan grunted, his expression unreadable. "Better be careful wandering around at night," he said. "Never know what kind of trouble you might run into."

An icy sensation trickled down Silas' back at Rowan's words, but he forced himself to keep his expression neutral. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, busying himself with unpacking his own belongings.

For a few moments, the room was silent save for the rustling of clothes and the clinking of bottles as they each settled into their respective spaces. Silas could feel Jace and Rowan's eyes on him, their gazes heavy with unspoken questions.

Finally, Jace broke the silence. "So, what did you think of the assessment today?" he asked, his voice casual but his eyes intent.

Silas hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "It was... interesting," he said finally, choosing his words carefully. "I didn't expect to be ranked so highly."

Rowan snorted, a hint of derision in his voice. "Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head," he said, his eyes narrowing. "Rankings don't mean shit in the real world."

Jace shot Rowan a look, but didn't argue. Instead, he turned back to Silas, his expression curious. He leaned forward. "So what's your story? Where are you from?"

Silas swallowed hard, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a believable lie. He knew he couldn't tell them the truth, not yet. Not until he knew he could trust them.

"I'm from a small town," he said finally, his voice steady. "Nothing special. Just here to learn, like everyone else."

After that, they all got ready for bed. As Silas was sliding into bed, he noticed something moving on Rowan's bed.

Silas couldn't help but stare at the strange sight before him. Rowan, the brooding and intense young man, was curled up in his bed, his arms wrapped tightly around a small, pudgy creature. Upon closer inspection, Silas realized it was a familiar - a light green, translucent stegosaurus.

The tiny dinosaur seemed content in Rowan's embrace, its eyes closed and its body rising and falling with each gentle breath. Silas found himself wondering about the nature of their bond and the magic that allowed such a creature to exist.

Jace, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the unusual bedtime companion. He simply climbed into his own bed, his eyes already heavy with sleep.

Silas tossed and turned, his mind racing with the events of the day. The assessment, his conversation with Lyra, the secrets he now carried - they all swirled in his head, refusing to let him rest. He stared at the ceiling, willing his eyes to close, but sleep remained elusive.

And then, as suddenly as a switch being flipped, Silas was asleep. One moment he was awake, his thoughts churning, and the next he was drifting off into a deep, dreamless slumber. The tension in his body melted away, his breathing evened out, and the world faded into a peaceful darkness.