The sun had barely risen, casting soft, golden light over the orphanage grounds. Inside, the usually quiet hallways were filled with an undercurrent of anticipation. Today was the day. Tobias sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his half-packed bag—his ticket to Calderon Academy—yet it still didn’t feel real. Calderon Academy wasn’t just any school. It was where legends were made, and their futures would be shaped.

Across the room, Felix’s excitement was palpable. He was already packed and ready, grinning like he had just won a prize. "Do you think Calderon has a dueling club? Or maybe a magic tournament? We’re going to have to show them what we’re made of!"

Tobias gave a soft chuckle but didn’t respond. His eyes drifted toward the window, watching the familiar view of the orphanage grounds. He’d miss it—the creaky old swings, the garden where Ms. Larkin grew her herbs, the hidden nooks where he and Felix used to sneak off to when they were supposed to be studying.

"Remember when we tried to build a treehouse behind the garden?" Tobias said with a small smile, his voice full of nostalgia.

Felix burst out laughing. "How could I forget? We got halfway up before the whole thing collapsed!" He mimicked the way they had scrambled to avoid the falling planks of wood. "Ms. Larkin didn’t even scold us, just shook her head and told us to 'aim for better foundations next time.'"

Elara looked up from her packing, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Or that time Tobias tried to cook for the first time. He nearly set the whole kitchen on fire."

"Hey, that was one time!" Tobias defended, though he couldn’t help but laugh. "And in my defense, I thought putting extra firewood in the oven would cook the bread faster."

"It did the opposite," Elara replied dryly. "We had to eat charred bread for a week."

The three of them shared a laugh, the warmth of the memories wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. For all the struggles and the mischief they had caused, the orphanage had been home. It was where they grew up together, fought together, and learned what family really meant.

"I remember the first time I ever used my fire magic," Felix said, quieter now. His eyes softened as he looked at the floor. "Ms. Larkin was teaching me how to create a small flame. I was so frustrated because I couldn’t get it to spark no matter how hard I tried. Then, just when I was ready to give up, she told me to stop thinking about the fire and to feel it instead."

Felix glanced up at them, his smile brightening. "Suddenly, there it was a little flicker of flame dancing on my palm. It felt like magic itself had awakened within me."

Elara nodded, a knowing smile on her face. "She always had a way of bringing out the best in us."

Tobias leaned back against the bedpost, staring at the ceiling as memories flashed in his mind. "This place… it’s been our home for so long." He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment sink in. "I never thought I’d feel sad about leaving."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of their shared history filling the space around them. For all the challenges they faced, the orphanage held countless moments that shaped who they were.

But just as they began to relax in the nostalgia, a mouthwatering aroma wafted through the air, cutting through their conversation like a warm knife through butter.

“Do you smell that?” Tobias asked, his eyes widening with excitement. The delicious scent of something savory beckoned them, pulling their attention away from the past.

Felix nodded enthusiastically, a grin breaking across his face. “It smells amazing! Let’s check it out!”

Elara perked up, her curiosity piqued. “I wonder what Ms. Larkin is cooking this time.”

They abandoned their bags, rushing down the hall and into the kitchen, their footsteps echoing against the cool tiles. As they entered, the scene that greeted them was one of pure joy and warmth. The kitchen was bustling with activity, children from the orphanage gathered around the table, their laughter and chatter filling the room with life.

At the center of it all stood Ms. Larkin, her back turned as she skillfully flipped pancakes on a large skillet, the scent of sweet batter mingling with the savory aroma of sizzling bacon.

“Good morning, my little children!” Ms. Larkin called out cheerfully, not yet turning to face them. “I hope you’re all hungry because I’ve prepared a grand breakfast to celebrate your journey to Calderon Academy!”

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

The children cheered, their faces lighting up with excitement. Ms. Larkin finally turned, her warm smile radiating joy as she caught sight of Tobias, Elara, and Felix. “Oh, there you are! I was hoping you’d join us in time for breakfast!”

Tobias’s heart swelled with gratitude at the sight of her smiling face. “Ms. Larkin, this all looks incredible!” he exclaimed, taking in the feast before them.

There were stacks of golden pancakes, crispy bacon sizzling on the stove, fresh fruit piled high, and steaming plates of scrambled eggs. The spread was far more than any of them had expected, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and love.

“Come, come! Sit!” Ms. Larkin urged, motioning them to join the table as she continued to prepare the meal. “You have all earned this after everything you’ve been through.”

The trio joined the group, and soon they were surrounded by the familiar faces of their friends. Laughter echoed through the kitchen, the sense of camaraderie strong as everyone dug into the feast. Tobias couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over him. It felt like the kind of day where the worries of the past melted away, replaced by the warmth of friendship and community.

As they ate, conversations flowed easily, the children reminiscing about their time together at the orphanage, the antics they had gotten up to, and the memories they would carry with them to Calderon Academy.

Tobias found himself laughing along, sharing stories about the times he and Felix had gotten into trouble for sneaking out, or the time Elara had put a harmless hex on Felix that turned his hair bright green for a day.

Time slipped by unnoticed as they savored each bite, the delicious food momentarily distracting them from the weight of their upcoming departure.

But as the meal drew to a close, the mood subtly shifted. The knowledge that they were leaving this place—and the people who had become their family—loomed over them like a shadow.

“Alright, everyone!” Ms. Larkin clapped her hands, breaking through their quiet thoughts. “I know you’re all excited, but we still have a lot to do before you head off to your new adventure! Make sure you finish your breakfast and gather your things!”

The children groaned playfully, but they obeyed, returning to their plates with renewed vigor. Elara exchanged a glance with Tobias, who seemed deep in thought, and then at Felix, whose usual energy was subdued. Whatever Ms. Larkin had done, it had left them alive, but there was no doubt in Tobias’s mind that they hadn’t seen the last of whatever danger was out there.

After a hearty breakfast filled with laughter and stories, the time to leave the orphanage finally arrived. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of excitement and bittersweet emotions as Tobias, Elara, and Felix gathered their belongings one last time.

As they stepped outside, the familiar sights felt imbued with a sense of nostalgia. The creaky swings, the worn-down path leading to the old oak tree, and the stone walls that had witnessed countless memories—everything felt sacred, a piece of their shared history.

They made their way to the front of the orphanage, where a large carriage awaited them, its polished wood gleaming in the sunlight. The gentle clop of hooves and the soft whinny of the horses filled the air, mingling with the sounds of children playing in the background. But today, the usual cheer was tinged with a sense of impending change.

As the trio approached the carriage, they were met with an unexpected sight. A guard of honor had formed, made up of the other children from the orphanage. They stood in two neat lines, their faces bright with smiles and excitement.

“Take care of yourselves!” one child shouted, their voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

“Don’t forget to come back and visit!” another chimed in, the plea ringing with sincerity.

The children’s cheerful remarks were peppered with laughter and well-wishes, filling the air with a bittersweet melody that tugged at Tobias’s heart.

At the center of the walkway stood Ms. Larkin, her presence commanding yet nurturing, a beacon of strength amidst the emotional send-off. She looked at each child, her gaze filled with pride and encouragement. “Remember, my little ones,” she began, her voice steady, “the golden rule we’ve always lived by.”

In unison, Tobias, Elara, and Felix stepped forward, their voices clear and resolute. “Our power must only be used for self-defense and the protection of others.”

Ms. Larkin smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but her spirit remained unyielded. “At Calderon, you will refine your magic to perfection. You must take your studies seriously, and who knows? Maybe one day you’ll even surpass me.”

A chill ran down their spines at the thought, each of them remembering the immense power she displayed during their battle against the serpent man. But her smile remained steadfast, a reminder of the love and support that had nurtured them throughout their time at the orphanage.

With their hearts full, they turned to the other children behind her, waving goodbye as the collective chorus of voices rose in a heartfelt farewell. The sounds of “Goodbye!” and “We’ll miss you!” echoed in the air, wrapping around them like a warm embrace.

As they stepped toward Ms. Larkin, the three of them embraced her in a group hug, their arms wrapping tightly around her. “We promise to make you proud,” they said in unison, their voices muffled against her shoulder.

Ms. Larkin held them tightly, her heart swelling with pride and love. “I believe in each of you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You will do great things.”

Finally, they pulled away, their eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer before they made their way to the carriage. As they climbed inside, the reality of their departure settled in. The wooden doors closed with a soft thud, sealing in their anticipation and the bittersweet farewell.

The carriage lurched forward, and as they rolled away from the orphanage, a chorus of “Goodbye!” rang out, echoing in the distance as the children waved, their faces bright with hope. Tobias, Elara, and Felix leaned out of the carriage window, returning the farewell with waves and smiles, their hearts heavy yet full of promise for the journey ahead.