Бесплатный фрагмент - Named after the Moon

Chapter 1 “New Moon”

“On March 15th, in the Year of the Constellations, a peace treaty was signed between Egalitia and Berrydoule, whose war had lasted for nearly ten years. Having discussed all the terms in the presence of the heads of state, the kings sealed their new friendship with a handshake…” the new edition proclaimed in every corner of the world. The king of the former state, a polite but strained smile frozen on his face, extended his hand across the table to the predatory king of Berrydoule. The handshake was brief, almost fleeting. The king of the fox-wolf kingdom, avoiding eye contact with his recent enemy, was more interested in the rich embroidery on the tablecloth. The inhabitants of the existing powers began to recover from the horrific consequences, and anxious observers joyfully celebrated the news. It seemed that the bloody battles were behind them, and a time of peace had arrived. However, experienced diplomats observing the signing ceremony noted the restraint of both rulers and the coldness in the eyes of their retinues. Hopes for true peace were boosted by the announcement of the Fortuna competition, which had always united the animal races and allowed each to discover their talent in any field.

***

Several months later, Luelle Jenkins, an ambitious and tenacious fox, ran through the main square with undisguised excitement. Today, she was to learn the results of a competition that could radically change her life. She had worked tirelessly all summer, and now she was about to witness the fruits of her labor. A sizable crowd was already bustling inside the building: tall, sullen-faced wolves, bustling foxes whispering about their chances, and even a few miniature fennec foxes, seemingly lost in the sea of animals. No one knew for sure what the winner would receive, as the essence of the competition was the unpredictability of the prizes, designed to encourage the animals to devote their full effort without focusing on the prize itself. Overall, the competition lived up to its name, as you never know what awaits you. However, Luelle was willing to take the potential risk, as her life hadn’t been marked by many happy events: early in the war, she lost her exceptionally loving parents, then ended up in a filthy orphanage, from where she was sent to a local cadet corps that illegally released young fox cubs onto the battlefield. Of course, Jenkins managed to graduate a month before the signing of peace, so she didn’t participate in the atrocities that took place on the border. She missed the list for dispatch, which became a symbol of her belief in her own good fortune. Everyone on that list was buried a month later, immediately after the modest victory celebrations.

Upon hearing the announcement of the competition, Luelle decided to take a chance: she would show everyone what she was made of and dedicate her poems to her native country. It had been a hobby for her before, but to earn anything more than a consolation statuette of adorite, she would have to put forth every effort. In other words, she would have to transcend several levels and develop a unique style with which this native of a warm country planned to dazzle all the judges. Admittedly, the girl initially overestimated her abilities and was faced with an overwhelming burden of required information, from verse meters to a thick tome on ancient philosophy. Her bushy tail trembled at the sight of all the necessary details for the formulas of the works. She drank bitter coffee brew to stay awake over her manuscripts and stared in horror at her reflection in the mirror: dark circles under her almond-shaped eyes, tangled copper hair. Jenkins also worked nights at a remote bar to escape the abject poverty. Now, her eyes glowing like green opal, she clung to any movement from the administration staff. Finally, a large scroll was ceremoniously brought out. It was unrolled and hung on a wide wall, cleared of other papers specifically for the occasion. It included not only the winner’s name but also, modestly arranged below, the names of the most outstanding contestants, whom the judges had actively encouraged to try their luck next year. As the frantic contestants pushed and shoved, searching for their names even at the very bottom of the scroll, their knuckles whitened with tension as they clutched the railing separating the crowd from the rest of the hall. Luelle froze, her gaze fixed on the very top — toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Her gaze darted across the lines, stumbling over unfamiliar names, until it suddenly froze. L.J. — painfully familiar initials, written in beautiful calligraphy. And next to them, like a mockery, a status — “Winner.” It couldn’t be. She blinked, trying to clear the illusion, but the letters remained in place, as if nailed to the parchment. Luelle shuddered in surprise. From the other side of the barrier, the prince addressed her — a tall wolf with piercing gaze and a commanding voice that echoed throughout the hall. He was here. His very figure underscored the significance of what was happening. The animals noticeably quieted and began to look at each other, searching for the winner.

“Luelle Jenkins, follow me!” the solemn wolf repeated in a calm, even iron tone, and, noticing how the fox awkwardly made her way through the surprised and gradually envious crowd, he smiled with satisfaction, as feudal lords smile at their vassals.

The fox herself felt extremely strange, although she should have been happy and looked upon those around her with pride, as she had done with her rare successes in the cadet corps. But now, hesitating to speak, she obediently followed the titled beast and carefully examined the marble walls, glistening in the light of the modest chandeliers: the administration had donated the former luxurious light sources to a fund for the rehabilitation of war victims. At some point, the man stopped and turned to the unusually thoughtful victor. She instantly twitched her red ears and looked into the wolf’s gray eyes.

“Well, I sincerely congratulate you on such a magnificent result of the Fortuna competition,” he said in a velvety voice. “Right now, as required by long-standing procedure, you will meet with the organizers and receive all the necessary information, including about the prize.”

In response, Luelle, remembering court etiquette only after the prince’s words, gracefully bowed and walked through the open door. The bright morning light pouring through the tall windows blinded her, forcing her to involuntarily close her eyes. Someone chuckled, causing the fox to open her eyes.

A motley group of animals, clad in extravagant attire, appeared before her. Deep velvet, embroidered with gold thread, was combined with the feathers of exotic birds and sparkling gems. Every element of their attire seemed to scream status and membership in the judging panel of an international competition. Suddenly, as if fueled by the attention of these unusual creatures, Luelle felt a surge of strength. After a moment of hesitation, she straightened her shoulders and assumed a more confident stance, like a born aristocrat. It seemed Alta’s guests appreciated the change.

The prince, the city’s leader, strolled slowly to his desk, located at a distance. With a slight smile playing on his lips, he began to observe the proceedings, as if anticipating an interesting performance.

“I trust His Highness has already briefly explained the purpose of your visit?” said the leopard, whose coat seemed even more wild against the surrounding splendor. Luelle nodded briefly in response and stole a glance at the prince. He, noticing her glance, winked back. “Then please take a seat, and we can begin.”

Jenkins sank into the chair opposite the one already occupied by the judges. The enigmatic smiles that had previously flickered only briefly across their faces now blossomed into full force, though their air of importance remained unaltered. Like seasoned predators toying with their prey, they awaited her reaction. Leopard pulled a stack of documents, tied with a scarlet ribbon, from his leather briefcase and carefully placed them on the mother-of-pearl-inlaid table. Unable to contain her curiosity, Luelle leaned forward involuntarily, listening intently.

The alligator sitting next to the leopard, dressed in a traditional costume that looked like it was woven from river mists and adorned with embroidery depicting sacred snakes, spoke in a low, velvety voice:

“Before you touch the materials, Ms. Jenkins, let us clarify a few details to avoid any misunderstandings or possible embarrassment. You undoubtedly deserved your victory in the Fortuna competition, and today you will learn exactly what this victory brought you. Our organization values its participants above all else, and we offer each and every one of them a chance to improve one aspect of their lives or another, including education. And while the nature of the reward is kept strictly confidential, we are ready, as always, to lift the curtain on the winner — you, Ms. Jenkins.”

The alligator paused and said the following in a calmer voice, looking the contestant straight in the face:

“This time, in the Year of the Constellations, we have decided to offer a grant for study at any of the proposed Egalitian universities, covering absolutely all needs. We understand your possible concerns, as Egalitia recently agreed to lay down its swords and acknowledge Berrydoule’s victory, but this nation has always been several steps ahead of all others in the quality of knowledge transfer, and we, the organizers of Fortuna, cannot afford to award a low-quality prize.”

At the mention of the kingdom of rodents, the frail herbivores in the north of the planet, Luelle’s heart sank, for it was because of this country that her homeland was experiencing unpredictable cataclysms. She herself was close to heading to the battlefield and drenching her sword in the blood of the hares and mice fighting on the enemy side. Doubts swept over her, not so much the doubts themselves as the excitement itself. But the fox didn’t dare show it in front of the watchful predators, who were more likely trying to find weaknesses in the young girl than to respect her abilities. She also decided to bury her safety concerns deep within her soul. “It’s better not to show even a hint of my timidity, otherwise they’ll think I’m chicken and will refuse, although… I really would refuse and try to get another prize, like a hut close to all the amenities, and I don’t need any other countries!” Luelle concluded and quietly exhaled, stealthily glancing at her interlocutors.

“Miss Jenkins, or whatever I may more respectfully address you as,” began the third judge, a fox like herself, “there is nothing shameful in being nervous; it is even charming.”

His companions didn’t react to his remark and merely continued to glance at the honored participant. The owner of the room had already begun his daily work, writing something with an elegant quill, scratching on white parchment. At first glance, it might seem as if he existed outside the conversation. Luelle had noticeably calmed down by this point, though she tried not to take her fellow tribesman’s words seriously. Everyone in this world knows the renowned cunning of any red-haired individual, even if they are part of the elite of a prestigious competition. Finally, she continued to sit confidently, holding her raging tail in her lap.

“Okay, let’s get started filling out all the necessary information,” the sly fox continued, pointing to each item in turn. “Here you choose a university from the three offered, and then, based on your choice, make notes about your desired program, schedule, and room.”

The fox leaned slightly over the table and examined her options more closely. She immediately dismissed her first choice — the University of Theology — as she found no desire to study ecclesiastical sciences or devote her life to serving the deities. Moreover, Luelle had only recently graduated from military school, which would clearly have prevented her from becoming a respectable novice or so-called “sister of mercy.” The second contender was the conservatory named after a composer and poet renowned in the land of rodents, but Jenkins dismissed it as well: “I’ve never been keen on playing the lute or flute, so no.” Her paws were suited only for combat, not for the gentle touch of strings. Finally, she set her sights on the third institution, her final choice. It turned out to be the Island Academy of Medalchemy. It was located, oddly enough, in a remote province of the kingdom. Despite its location, which meant a limited flow of all necessary resources, including funding, the coastal town of Niral was a lucrative destination for merchants and tourists, thanks to its abundance of precious stones and picturesque waterfalls. The royal family also had no intention of letting such rich lands slip away and provided the local academy with every possible support. The king granted subsidies for the study of local minerals, and the queen commissioned jewelry made from precious stones for herself and her daughters. The only difficulty was obtaining entry permits to the province, which limited the dreams of many Egalitians, not to mention foreigners. In other words, studying there was extremely prestigious, and the academy boasted a wide variety of academic programs. Combining all the knowledge the fox had acquired about the place during her military geography classes at the cadet corps, she decided to try to secure a full-fledged education there. She then completed all the necessary forms, including choosing to study in the Faculty of Pharmacy. Luelle decided, “I wouldn’t say I love that kind of thing, but I’d rather do something more creative.”

“Still, sometimes it’s nice to change your image,” she said jokingly, handing the leopard, who was sitting at the edge of the table, some documents for inspection, hoping to lighten the mood. She always resorted to wit when she was moderately or severely nervous.

The first organizer nodded understandingly and laughed briefly.

“You’re right, Miss Jenkins, we all need a break from fighting, at least for a while. However, it won’t end even during your training; it will simply transition to a more peaceful form,” he whispered, handing the papers to the others. The prince, meanwhile, glanced uncertainly at the leopard, as if such words could be misunderstood and were inappropriate for competition discussions. After all the remaining formalities, the mayor personally escorted his charge back to the hall, which was now deserted — everyone had returned to their previous routine, somewhat resigned to defeat. The fox returned the completed paperwork to the judges and now held a paid ticket to Egalitia, where she was scheduled to travel by train in exactly one month. She had provided all the information about herself to the organizers, so it was logical to assume that these mysterious beasts would do all the dirty work for her. Before the appointed time, Luelle had to gather all her few belongings and brush up on her knowledge of the northern kingdom, which would help her adapt more easily to a different mentality, particularly by being more prepared to face hostile attitudes or establish connections. It also wouldn’t hurt to have at least a basic understanding of the chosen field, which required a great deal of perseverance, as Luelle wasn’t particularly fond of philosophy or memorizing runes.

“I sincerely hope I wasn’t wrong for agreeing to this adventure,” Jenkins muttered, strolling slowly along the sidewalk, her eyes following the various carts and carriages. She decided to go straight to the library, so she turned onto the promenade that led to the treasury of knowledge. To her right, the fox could hear the sound of the surging waves, and to her left, she could catch the conversations of passing animals. Since morning still reigned in the capital, the sun slowly drifted toward its zenith, illuminating the distant ridges and tops of buildings with its amber rays. “The days are getting colder, though everything looks so summery,” the lonely girl thought sadly. As if in response to her silent words, a wind blew and fluttered her light blue robe, sewn by her second cousin Luelle, who worked at the Berrydoule embassy in Egalitia. And when the war began, the young fox disappeared without ever seeing her future orphan, which was a shame: perhaps she could have prevented all the hardships that later beset her little sister. But Luelle would never know that. “How I dream of hearing ‘Elle, let’s go to the beach’ again,” she dreamed fondly. The girl herself didn’t like to remember her past, believing that one should live in the present, and when stale fragments from the darkest period of her life pressed upon her, the fox deftly snatched them up and threw them far beyond the horizon. She did the same this time.

“I should make some friends, otherwise I wander around alone and think about things I shouldn’t think about when I have so many events… and responsibilities ahead of me!” The last was said with less pleasure, and the girl covered her ears from the surging September wind.

Continuing her journey through the narrow cobbled streets of Berrydoule, Luelle finally reached the monumental library building. Its gray stone walls, intricately patterned with mice gnawing on roots and symbols of the harvest, seemed to tell the story of this industrious people. Through the enormous arched windows, covered with stained glass depicting ancient heroes, readers and librarians could be seen scurrying among the tall bookshelves.

The entrance to the library, like most public buildings in Berrydoule, was flanked by two massive columns adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the city’s founding myths. The heavy oak doors, bound in iron, remained open until midday — an old custom. This allowed students and scholars who hadn’t renewed their library passes in time to visit the library freely, avoiding trouble. However, for most residents, exhausted by the backbreaking labor of hard-working wolves, busy foxes, and simpering fennec foxes, unaccustomed to rising with the first rays of the sun, visiting this treasure trove of knowledge before midday remained an unaffordable luxury.

As soon as she stepped inside, she was greeted by the elderly she-wolf in charge of the building. Jenkins knew her from her time in the cadet corps, so she greeted the old woman warmly.

“Hello, my honor! How are you? I hope you’re still ready to climb the rocks?” the fox said cheerfully, hugging the predator, who had been energized by the courtesy. The latter adjusted her thick glasses and patted the girl on the back. The headmistress herself had truly lived a very long time and had witnessed many of the events described in Berrydoule’s history books. She looked dignified for her age and had the ability to enhance her silvery beauty without resorting to tinctures or the services of the swamp dwellers.

Lady Kara spent her youth touring dances and performing in theatrical productions. Throughout her career, she maintained the image of an unapproachable yet charming she-wolf, preferring to keep other animals at a distance. True to her role, the actress always chose villainous roles, which she then played to the highest standards. However, she overdid it and praised villains, angering the partisans of virtue and the priesthood, and with the help of influential industry figures, she gradually lost everything. Before her retirement, Lara worked in factories until the soft gray skin of her graceful hands became rough, and then she was hired by the country’s oldest library thanks to her achievements in the theater world. Today, any young animal would find it hard to believe that this half-blind old she-wolf once enjoyed indecently enormous fame and was a favorite of many men. Following the serene old woman, Luelle couldn’t help but wonder what she’d be like in just seventy years. “I must live this century without regrets,” the fox decided, quickening her pace, almost overtaking the old lady. The old lady knew all about the visitor’s reading interests, so she immediately led her to the room with fiction from all eras, believing that art was essential for her now.

“Oh, excuse me, I didn’t come to read prose or poetry, but encyclopedias and manuals,” Jenkins exclaimed, a look of slippery awkwardness in her eyes. After all, it must have cost the short manager such a convoluted journey from the entrance to one of the departments reached by the winding corridor! The girl began listing, “Egalitian history, Egalitian etiquette, Egalitian climate, Egalitian politics, Egalitian economics, and a basic course in pharmaceuticals!”

Towards the end, the fox began to falter. Lady Kara herself cleared her throat and smiled with her disease-darkened fangs:

“My dear, I’m not so old that you’d stoop to mere speech!” she laughed, followed by Luelle, still constrained by her awkwardness. Then the elderly she-wolf led her more quickly to the desired room, where books about other parts of the world have been stored for centuries. Then the librarian bowed, leaving the inquisitive fox alone with the source of her necessary knowledge. At first, she didn’t know which shelf to go to, but after a quick search, she got her bearings, and within ten minutes, she was freely wandering between sections, like a butterfly dodging sudden piles of unsorted publications that threatened to collapse on anyone who even slightly brushed against them. Finally, Jenkins found the scientific almanac “White Veil,” consisting of over thirty thick books on various fields of Egalitian activity. This series was maintained by renowned historians in collaboration with animal scientists from all over Berrydoule, so the fox took it with great confidence and began reading the first parts of the collection with great enthusiasm. She settled into a familiar nook with a kerosene lamp. Lighting it, she inhaled the rancid smell of the cramped space and began reading.

During the allotted time, Luelle expanded her knowledge and, as she thought, was already mentally prepared for the upcoming journey. The train departed early the next morning, marking the beginning of the golden month for every inhabitant of the kingdom. It is during this time that holidays and daily festivals take place, and this time, young Jenkins would be unable to attend any of them, as on the first day of October, she would be en route to a country familiar from books but unfamiliar in person. However, she was determined to have an exceptionally pleasant time and even tried to find a silver lining in not being able to attend the Rock Flower Festival. “What didn’t I see there?” “Every year, recognized beauties perform before the king and queen, and then everyone exchanges bouquets of modest blossoms; nothing changes,” she reflected on the national celebration, which she could never participate in, as the only competition there was an exquisite dance, which Luelle, with her sharp nose and small stature by local standards — just over five feet seven inches — would have ruined with astonishing probability. Having found an outlet in military art and the world of poetry, she would, however, gladly yield to the most enchanting individuals at any opportunity.

The night before the big day, the girl nervously double-checked her luggage for all the necessary things and repeatedly looked out the window to breathe in the crisp night air with its hint of crimson maple and tempt her to fall asleep. But whether due to overexcitement or simply a lack of sleep due to fatigue, Jenkins couldn’t close her eyes and lose herself in a dream world. Finding nothing more interesting to do, she lay down on her bed in a starfish pose. For the remaining hours before her scheduled awakening, the vixen tossed and turned, fighting off anxious thoughts and excessive worry. Finally, at six o’clock in the morning, she sluggishly rose from her bed and stretched her aching muscles. The sun glared in her eyes through the open window, causing a sudden pain and an irritated hiss that sounded like a growl. The girl quickly donned chestnut palazzo pants and a cornflower-blue tunic over them, combed her unruly long hair, grabbed her travel bag, and left her dusty apartment. In the dim hallway, she encountered the perplexed landlady and, smiling broadly through her fatigue, said goodbye. The prim, fox-like woman, wrapped in several layers of a dressing gown, only managed to indignantly utter, “What impudence!” and rush into the newly vacated apartment to ensure its safety. In truth, the organizers of the Fortuna contest were supposed to handle all the issues, including negotiations with the pompous landlady. On the other hand, Luelle had been the one to sign the contract with her — she was the one to terminate it. However, Jenkins missed that opportunity. At any other time, such behavior might have landed the fox in the capital’s court, but not now, when she was protected by some of the most influential animals in the world and was leaving Berrydoule and its laws for an indefinite period. With these conclusions in mind, Luelle hurried to the train station, which connected not only the entire country but also maintained connections with other powers.

Arriving on the first available carriage, Jenkins presented her ticket and hurriedly set off in search of her carriage on the international train. The platform, strangely enough, was deserted, creating a certain solitude, a bubble-like dome of silence. Finally, the fox entered the first compartment carriage and, finding her seat, sat down by the window in need of cleaning, from where she could watch the cream-colored platform gradually filling with animals. She had arrived early enough, so she had to wait another hour, and then the girl and some other Douleans, and perhaps others, set off on their journey into the unknown.

Chapter 2 “The First Light”

The train’s wheels clattered along the rails, carrying passengers at high speed into the prematurely frozen Egalitia. The colorful, hot forests had disappeared over time, giving way to ugly, bald branches, a tireless reminder of the foreign, harsh nature. Likewise, the foaming, warm waves closer to the border with the former enemy had turned into motionless, gloomy mirrors, but Luelle was not destined to witness this view, for the tracks ran through the very heart of the country, far from any source of water on either side, save for small, slippery rivers. Along with the terrain, the skies changed, and along with the skies, the life of our dreamy fox slowly changed.

The girl had to travel all day, surrounded by ringing silence, and by evening she would be standing on the platform of the central station in Frateville, the capital of a beautiful snow-white country. Until the occasional snowflake began to appear outside the window, the full enormity of her near future and, at the same time, the youthful recklessness of the undertaking didn’t dawn on Luelle. Only at the sight of the tiny symbols of winter did she allow herself to lower her travel bag to the floor, lie down on the leather seat in her dark moccasins, and cry.

“What a fool I am! A fool! I fell for the politeness of these scoundrels, and now I’m going somewhere where I could be in serious danger!” The fox couldn’t resist and covered her round face with her clawed paws. Right now, she didn’t care if anyone heard her howling. And who would come to see her, when there should have been plenty of empty seats in the entire carriage?

For a moment, Jenkins sniffled and wiped away salty streams, popping dried meat into her mouth, but then all sounds, save for the hum of the wheels, grew quieter and then disappeared altogether. The sun was at its peak, its intangible hands reaching for every window on the passing train. But neither the blinding light nor anything else could distract the young fox girl, who had fallen asleep after an emotional outburst. On her tear-swollen white-red face, the large almond-shaped eyelids twitched occasionally, likely from a new phase of sleep; her eyebrows drew together from time to time, straining all the fine wrinkles on her forehead, formed during grueling studies. It’s impossible to say that the dream was able to distract the fox from the stress that had surfaced, but one can assume it was an echo of the past. That very past that Luelle so diligently wanted to cast aside, but this time couldn’t. We won’t know why until she tells us herself someday.

When the fox opened her eyes, she was greeted by the same silence, accompanied by darkness. “Did I really sleep until dark?” was her first thought. Jenkins sat up and glanced at the foggy window. Her greenish eyes widened at what she saw, and she covered her mouth with a paw: crystal-clear, whitish hills and glossy, frost-covered trees were racing past her at extraordinary speed. They were completely different from the tattered plants in northern Berrydoule. These were like ice figures, carved by master craftsmen, as if someone had deliberately performed delicate work and replaced the bare crowns with such fluffy beauties. But no, the trees were absolutely real, which captured Luelle’s attention. She stood and walked closer. Her ragged breathing created frosted circles on the window. The fox gazed with bated breath at the beauty of Egalitian nature. The snow-clouded sky made it impossible to tell the time, but Jenkins sensed she would definitely arrive soon. In the meantime, she was eager to capture the otherworldly landscapes in her memory.

A rustling sound came from behind — Luelle’s fox ears caught it immediately — followed by a heavy sigh. Turning sharply, the young woman spotted a passenger sitting on the second bench right by the entrance. She glanced at him sharply: the stranger was dressed in dark overalls, and almost his entire face was hidden by a scarf as fluffy as fairytale trees. His clothes weren’t particularly new, but they looked decent enough, befitting a diligent student surviving on a shoestring. His baggy pants reached to his heels, obscuring his warm boots. Against the dark robes, his snow-white paws resembled those of someone suffering from skeletal fever, the kind Luelle often saw on the streets of her neighborhood. She hoped he wasn’t contagious and continued her quick analysis. Trying not to focus on the young animal’s unsightliness, she raised her gaze higher, to his long, white hare ears. “Holy shores! What’s a hare doing here!?” The girl was horrified and backed away to her own, the first bench. She looked into the traveler’s icy eyes and lowered her gaze. In fact, Jenkins hadn’t studied him for very long, and only furtively, but it was enough for her to understand which specimen she would be sharing the rest of her journey with. The Egalitian also noticed the young fox’s intense gaze, but in response, he turned away, his entire being expressing a lack of interest. The girl did the same, not so much because of the similar glances as because of the impoliteness she detected in his gesture. “Ha… I should have foreseen this; it’s only been a short time since the peace treaty was signed, and it’s entirely possible he could have been my opponent if I’d been in a hot spot,” she reminded herself, looking out at the magical landscape, “though he doesn’t look so good to be sent to the battlefield…” Her thoughts about the strange hare gave way to thoughts about what kind of city would greet her. As far as Luelle knew, the capital had been poor since the war ended, having been dispatched with all sorts of resources sent to the borderlands, so it needed time to recover. But had the rumored, indescribably beautiful city managed to regain its former glory in almost six months? Jenkins would find out. She also had to decide how to travel to the island province of Niral. “But I only got a train ticket…” she recalled, but assumed the organizers had already sorted that out, which was why they hadn’t given her a ticket for an escort to the academy gates. Pausing in her thoughts, the girl glanced at the stranger again, and to her surprise, he was already reading a book with an engraving of a flower unknown to the fox. The title was in a more or less familiar runic language: “Basics of Healing.” Luelle chuckled, inaudibly to the hare: she, too, would have to learn something similar. She didn’t say anything out loud because she didn’t know the right words. And was it really necessary, when he was busy with his business, and she with hers? “Even though he came here unannounced and is now pretending...As if I’d been rude!” the fox protested internally, only casting a disapproving glance at the hare. He immediately looked up from the book and returned Luelle’s gaze, even more disdainful than hers. The glowing ice floes held a menace. The girl felt uneasy and returned to quietly observing the enchanting snowfall. In this relative silence, Jenkins and her unexpected companion reached the capital of Egalitia. However, the young beast immediately departed, leaving our heroine alone with her own problems. Now she had to navigate an alien world, among timid herbivores and others.

The fox passed through the checkpoint, where she was subjected to a thorough inspection. Meanwhile, she watched as the rodent inspector quickly ushered a miniature rabbit and her small children through, almost with a welcoming smile. The girl nearly rolled her eyes, but caught herself: “What did you expect? I could be a potential threat to them…” Then, gathering her thoughts, she continued walking through the crowded lobby. Her entire journey to the desired exit was accompanied by sidelong glances and even worried whispers from some timid Egalitians. They weren’t the only ones uncomfortable seeing a redhead with sharp fangs among their own kind — Luelle Jenkins herself was already sweating profusely in her cotton tunic, looking less like a neat young lady and more like butter melting in the hot Tanapurr sun. Nevertheless, she tried to maintain an upright posture and walk confidently, albeit quickly. The urge to leave the stuffy room increased tenfold, so the girl practically ran the last two meters before the large varnished door. Opening it, the fox once again admired the local weather and stood on the porch for a few more seconds, examining every object, despite the chill pounding her veins. Sleighs were visible in the distance, allowing residents to quickly reach their destinations. Nearby, couples and families strolled leisurely, chatting pleasantly about everyday matters. Surrounding the mice and weasels, as well as other animals, were low-rise buildings in a northern style: pitched roofs, a natural look, a lack of unnecessary details — all of this characterized Frateville as a town of modest morals and a reverence for tradition. The local fashion for layered fabrics complemented the atmosphere. Egalitians wore dresses with various patterns, loose around the legs and arms but tight around the waist and chest. The beast-men also differed in style from typical Douleans, preferring comfort over elegance. “Truly, a completely different world…” Luelle marveled, now openly examining the passersby. Ultimately, the questions remained unanswered, and the girl, who had by then descended, was intently searching for some sign, a clue as to what to do next. At that moment, a cough was heard behind her. Jenkins turned and met the piercing gaze of an elderly otter-man dressed in an old-fashioned coat. It seemed as if he had been waiting a long time for the girl to turn around.

“I presume, Miss Jenkins? In that case, you’ll need to follow me if you want to reach Niral on time and without unnecessary inconvenience to yourself and the other animals,” he said with a deliberately relaxed expression. Otter headed toward his unusual vehicle. Luelle, however, was confused and glanced with some apprehension between the stranger and the bizarre mechanism. “Young lady, this is no time for daydreaming! I wasn’t paid to waste my time on your sentimentality, so please board the sleigh.”

The fox hiccupped and jumped onto the seat behind her, clutching her suitcase to herself.

“Thank you, keep in mind, I drive fast,” he warned, adding, seeing the complete incomprehension in the olive eyes, “just hold on tight.”

The transport pulled out of the station and rolled past the other sleighs at the promised speed. Jenkins clutched her seat in fear, but soon felt a sense of weightlessness with undisguised pleasure. A snowy wind blew into the faces of both the girl and the driver, but the latter had long since become accustomed to the climate of his native country and seemed oblivious to the flakes flying straight into his eyes. Jenkins did her best to examine the passing signs and study the capital’s infrastructure, but then the sleigh turned onto a bridge, the end of which was shrouded in frosty fog, revealing the frozen sea on all sides. Nothing else. “It’s a shame the waves don’t crash against the shore here in October, like here…” Luelle admitted wistfully, becoming increasingly lost in thoughts of a kingdom where everything was strikingly different from what was written in reputable books. Half an hour later, the elderly otter dropped Jenkins off at the gates of the city, with whose guards he had spoken in advance about the arrival of a foreign student, and began to instruct the girl.

“We’re here. So, before you stands the entrance to Niral, where you’ll spend four years at the Academy of Medalchemy. Rule number one: respect local traditions and general laws. Don’t try to deceive, cheat, or flatter; otherwise, life here will become unbearably difficult for you. Rule number two: don’t wander alone after lights out. No matter how safe Egalitia may be for you, it, like any country, is full of dangers if you don’t act cautiously and wisely. Rule number three: don’t engage in any amorous affairs with the locals; it’s strictly forbidden here, unlike in Berrydoule. Everything else you’ll learn and, accordingly, master as you go.” He warned in a tone that didn’t invite argument.

With that, the two acquaintances parted, and the fox had to find its way to the academy without getting into trouble. As soon as the otter’s sleigh was out of sight, Luelle looked resolutely at the gates and, by special order, was admitted into Niral. The city wasn’t much different from the country’s capital: the same minimalist houses and stern morals reigning in every building. However, the island’s inhabitants differed somewhat from the animals of Frateville in their greater freedom and a certain unity. Niral’s entire population consisted primarily of elderly people living in the coastal neighborhoods and young rodents of college age. Since the only institution of higher education here was the renowned academy, Luelle would likely encounter this latter category once inside the building. “Well, they look cheerful and friendly; I think I’ll have no trouble getting along with them,” Jenkins optimistically suggested, walking quietly along the white path. Several animals were loudly joking at the other end of the block. A thin layer of snow still crunched beneath her boots, and the crystal trees swayed gently in the occasional breeze. By then, the sky had cleared of dense air masses, revealing a clear, dark blue canvas and the small disk of a recently risen moon. The girl sighed and continued on her way to the academy.

Evening turned to night, the streets gradually thinned out, and only the lamps remained, strangely hovering above the cold ground. Distracted by the mysterious phenomenon, Luelle approached one and was about to touch it with her numb fingers when a door creaked from around the corner. The fox squeaked and ran in the opposite direction. “Why am I running away!?” she thought quickly. We would have heard more amusing thoughts if the girl hadn’t crashed full force into someone. Since she had accelerated quite rapidly, not only did the predator fall, but also a poor local, who was turning around to take a different road at the time. The fall was unpleasant for both, but while the resident of Niral landed in a small snowdrift, which significantly softened his landing, the visiting student found herself on a hard surface, painfully hitting her back and head. Her bag landed nearby. Hissing more from surprise than pain, she stood awkwardly, straightened her rumpled robe, and was at the injured man’s side in a flash. The fox extended her paw.

“I’m s-sorry I didn’t see you! Are you badly hurt?” the girl asked worriedly, to which the unfamiliar animal rudely pushed her trembling fingers away and stood up on its own. Luelle was taken aback by this gesture and came to her senses when he had already gone his way. It had become completely quiet again, even. Jenkins trudged dejectedly along yet another unfamiliar road, along the way losing any shreds of hope that she would soon run into a barrier separating her from the campus. Along with fatigue and frostbite came irritability, eager to lash out at anyone who crossed her path. Even if that someone turned out to be that rude person or even the hare the fox had encountered in the compartment. Alas, she didn’t want to speak out loud about the feelings raging at that moment, so she could only replay them in her mind: “What a strange day! But it all started so beautifully, with the morning sun in Alta, and now I’m sloshing through snow where I have no idea where I’m going, almost at night, alone… Yeah, I should have demanded an oath of guaranteed escort right to the door of my dorm room… And that scoundrel in the snowdrift — a real boor, the rarest kind! I know I have a fox’s face, but I apologized, I was polite, and he… How I hate to believe that everyone here is so unbearable…” After her angry tirade, the fox whined helplessly but kept walking. Seriously, the winner of a prestigious international competition wouldn’t spend the night in the winter cold like an orphan, would she? That’s right — she is an orphan, albeit under the shiny guise of an honored participant in the competition.

Finally, Luelle reached a fork in the road. There she spotted footprints in the snow, heading right. Deciding she had no choice, she hurried to the marked path.

The air thickened, and the snowfall only intensified. However, Jenkins kept up her pace, this time confident in the success of her search. Suddenly, she tripped over something hard and nearly fell to her knees. Looking down under her autumn moccasins, the fox discovered a metal ramp. She placed one foot, then the other, and continued to the top. The sight made her gasp. In front of her, or rather, on either side, stood a pair of iron gates, like the looming threat of a jaw suddenly closing. Ahead of her, a well-kept white path stretched, with branches leading to other landmarks a little further on. The end of the main path was visible at the entrance to a majestic building, which, as far as the fox could discern in the thickening fog, appeared more stately than the other buildings on the island. Behind this structure, several pointed towers rose up, emitting the last traces of light. Luelle stepped hesitantly onto the path. Nothing happened. Then she took a few steps. Silence again. The Doulean walked a good distance away from the gates, and then they slowly closed. With slight fear, she rushed straight to the central point. Her heart was pounding wildly, and her teeth were clenched not only from the cold. In a matter of seconds, the girl found herself right at the main doors. Unlike the eerie gates, these were wooden, just like the ones at the train station, but an even lighter shade and adorned with the signature patterns. “What am I doing? What if I’ve trespassed on forbidden territory? What will happen…” Jenkins whined and peered into the nearest window. Unfortunately, it was blocked by thick curtains from the inside, although the fox could definitely see the dim light. Without hesitating for long, she pulled the door towards herself and found herself in a warm hall.

The interior was quite spacious, compared to the public administration building of the capital of Berrydoule. The Maiden looked up and saw not just the absence of any chandelier, but sparkling, whimsical lights, similar to the ones she wanted to touch.

“But how? I don’t even see any ropes or threads!” she blurted out. Her melodic voice echoed throughout the hall, and the girl fell silent, once again embarrassed by her lack of restraint.

A calm voice of an elderly man was heard from the side:

“Oh, my dear, there is still much you don’t know about us and our secrets.”

Luelle whirled around and saw an old beaver in the distance, near a wall with portraits of smiling young animals. He was standing half-turned, so the fox couldn’t see him fully, but she slowly approached to see what he meant.

“If you don’t mind, miss, I’ll address you as ‘you,’ so please allow an old man the liberty,” he continued, moving toward the information desk. “Earlier, our dean from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine was waiting for you next to me, but he was called away on a matter…”

Young Jenkins didn’t know what to say, but for some reason she felt… shame? A vile feeling, slithering beneath her skin. Her relief, however, was greater, for she hadn’t been mistaken; those tracks had led her to the academy. But was it her fault for not knowing the way?

“You know, this place can be so confusing, even I, who have lived here for over half a century, sometimes get lost… Come on, my dear, come closer, I need to acknowledge your presence and explain everything to you properly!”

The girl complied with the old beaver’s gentle request. He led her to a posted form, where various names, surnames, and signatures, all written with paws, were visible. The handwriting varied widely: from calligraphic and ornate to rounded and small.

“Should I write here?”

“Yes, miss, right here.”

Luelle checked in and handed the pen to the patiently waiting beaver. He led her closer to the lounge area, like those found in good hotels, and seated the late student opposite him.

“First of all, I want to congratulate you on your victory in Fortuna and thank you for choosing our glorious academy,” he said good-naturedly, lifting his wrinkled eyelids and giving the fox an old man’s look. “Well done for finding your way; our autumn can be truly difficult for an unprepared animal…”

In response, the fox nodded, pricking up its ears.

“You’re currently in the main building’s lobby, but we have two more towers with dormitories, as well as three more for study. You’ll read about them in this booklet especially for first-year students,” the beaver began his explanation and placed a folded sheet of chalk directly into the paws of his charge, who immediately began studying it. “Lectures begin tomorrow at 9 a.m., so I advise you to get a good night’s sleep.”

The venerable rodent then explained to the girl, briefly but thoroughly, the basic rules, the main events, the lecture process, and the location of her room. He also shared tips on note-taking and preparing for exams. The beaver also addressed her relationships with classmates: “Remember, don’t give in to anyone’s provocations… And don’t fall in love with anyone, otherwise you’ll have to live in the dungeons… This is no joke.” Finally, he gave the fox the keys and escorted her to the girls’ dorm.

“Are you sure you won’t get lost?” he teased the student, who had relaxed after a hard day, and she laughed it off.

Then the old man bowed out. This time, Jenkins didn’t get lost and reached the farthest room, neatly engraved with the number “25.” Once inside, the Doulean locked the door and placed her suitcase by the cream-colored wardrobe. She looked around: the small, decently decorated room contained a single bed, a desk the same color as the wardrobe, and a chair. “Looks like I won’t be getting a roommate,” Luelle concluded, and with a contented sigh, she fell onto the soft mattress. As soon as her head hit the pillow, her almond-shaped eyes closed, plunging her into a weightless sleep.

***

The girl greeted the clear dawn, standing by the window. Since her room was at the top of the residential tower, Luelle had a bird’s eye view of picturesque Niral and its surroundings. She hadn’t expected to wake up early, and in high spirits, either, but she still had a couple of hours to spare before her first lecture. “By the way, what’s my schedule?” she thought, walking over to the desk where she’d left the information booklet in the darkness. She unfolded it, and a white sheet of paper with a printed schedule fell out. Looking closer, Jenkins realized that along with the general navigation, the old beaver had given her information regarding the school day. She glanced at the last line. “Am I really only free at 6 PM? Although when I studied in my building, we sometimes trained until 8…” the fox commented on the schedule. However, she couldn’t help but agree with how strange the courses sounded these days: “Theory of Elements and Particles,” “Pharmacology in a Magical Environment,” “Medical Code of Honor,” “Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses,” and then time was devoted to electives and homework. At the same time, she was perplexed by the word “magical” next to a scientific term.

“That must be a figure of speech? Although academies like these must adhere to strict rules even in their names!” she reasoned, dubiously rereading the title of the second lecture. “I hope I read it correctly.”

In reality, the Pharmacy and Medicine courses cover many more subjects, but the vice-dean decided not to assign six classes to all new students on the first day of classes. However, the fox had spent the entire month of September diligently poring over the fundamentals of the noble sciences, lest she embarrass herself during her first classes. “I wouldn’t be surprised if even the knowledge I’ve acquired turns out to be outdated,” she thought sadly, concentrating on what she would actually wear. Taking advantage of the time available, the fox leisurely arranged her few belongings into two compact piles and opened the closet. Unexpectedly, there were already some clothes folded there. “Probably a uniform,” Jenkins guessed, pulling them out to examine them. A hint of mint caught her nose. The first two items of clothing were seamless shirts that reached to her knees. The third was a pair of soft, wide-legged pants, reminiscent of her favorite palazzo pants. The fourth item resembled a medical apron with a thick bib. The fifth item, Luelle held out in her paws, was a wonderful milky robe that accentuated the color of her eyes. Overall, the entire outfit, with the exception of the last item, was done in muted tones, which struck the girl as odd: “This uniform gets dirty quickly.”

“So, am I even allowed to wear these clothes? They’re made of high-quality fabric, I can tell,” Jenkins muttered thoughtfully, resting her pointed chin on her cold fingers.

The girl glanced at the clock above the table and discovered that time wasn’t about to pause for her reflections, but continued to flow according to its own, unknown rules. Then the fox decided in favor of the clothes she’d prepared and very carefully donned two layers of shirts, pants, and a robe. She forgot to put on the apron, seeing it as unnecessary. “I think it’ll be useful for the experiments,” the fox reasoned, and walked over to the mirror by the window.

“The organizers could have made a deal with the management so I wouldn’t walk around here like a weirdo,” she guessed, looking at her reflection. The mirror’s placement was perfect, thanks to the good natural light streaming through the window. “At least the weather is nicer in the morning and visibility is good…”

Spinning around again, the fox noted with some satisfaction how well the image had been assembled, despite its unfamiliarity. However, Jenkins was still young and eager to embrace new traditions and principles. Continuing to arrange the remaining items, she placed two books on the table that Lady Kara had given her out of old friendship: “Fundamentals of Pharmaceutics,” which explained the basic rules at a basic level, and “Advanced Literary Theory.” Nearby, she placed several quills, a bottle of ink, two unused notebooks, each nearly a hundred pages long, and a herbarium of medicinal herbs from her native kingdom. “It’s not much, but it’s all I hold dear at the moment,” the future pharmacist thought neutrally, approaching the window again. She could now see students and professors strolling around the campus, and soft footsteps and girlish chatter could be heard outside the door. Luelle glanced at her watch and saw the small hand almost touching the 9 o’clock mark, while the long one rested on the 30 o’clock mark. Surprised by her own slowness in unpacking, she hurried to stack and place her textbooks for the required subjects in a woven bag. She had also found the necessary materials in her room. The fox hadn’t forgotten her writing utensils either. One last time before leaving, she approached the mirror and made sure her tail wasn’t visible under her robe and her hair wasn’t sticking out in all directions, having been pulled back into a neat bun.

“Okay, today’s your first day, you’ll do well and maybe even make some friends!” Jenkins encouraged herself and walked out into the hallway.

Chapter 3 “The Raised Scythe”

The girls’ dorm was quite noisy with girls getting ready for class. They looked just like our fox, which helped Luelle confirm her suspicions about uniforms being provided to all new students. Moreover, each of their clothes fit perfectly, suggesting that the administration had indeed ordered blouses and pants in sizes for all the students. The fox considered this a good sign: “It means there’s respect for everyone here, regardless of species.”

The energetic girls seemed oblivious to the red-haired beast among them. They didn’t even glance at her when she emerged from the back room. But when Luelle had moved a sufficient distance away, standing next to the stairs leading to the lower floors, some rather unpleasant words reached her furry ears. The herbivorous students — Jenkins was the only predator from Berrydoule at the academy — had found themselves a target for gossip and hostility, perhaps without even realizing why. But how did the girl react to the hostile whispers? She accepted it as a given and immediately tried to forget it. “Oh, I don’t need to shed tears over some arrogant girls,” the fox thought, descending the steps and examining the tower’s interior. Everything seemed so unusual, strange, yet incredibly captivating. Diamond-shaped crystals chained to the walls served as light sources (“Maybe they’re light bulbs?”), and patterns adorned the rounded walls (“They look like ancient runes…”). Otherwise, the space wasn’t particularly aesthetically pleasing, but it did remind Jenkins of the general style of Egalitia’s buildings. She didn’t encounter anyone along the way, but from below, she heard the increasing noise of heels and platforms. She slowed for a split second, but then cast aside her hesitation and boldly ran to the base. Luelle walked down another, more spacious, glass-sided corridor. Since it had been late yesterday, she hadn’t had the chance to appreciate the building’s splendor, so she decided to do so now, stopping every now and then at the windows and gazing at the snow-covered flowerbeds of unfamiliar ice flowers. “It makes sense — ice trees grow here, so why shouldn’t small plants grow too?” the fox explained, an unfamiliar phenomenon. Then she reached her classroom (“Thank goodness for signs!”) and quietly opened the bright door. The room looked like a typical classroom, only with conveniently arranged desks and seats. To her inexplicable annoyance, she’d have to sit at the same table with someone, but with nothing else to do, Luelle chose the farthest seat in the third row.

“It’s actually quite convenient here!” she remarked, sitting down on a chair and starting to lay out her supplies. The first lesson was on the theory of elements and particles, so the fox flexed her fingers; she had a lot of writing to do, especially on the first day. At least she wouldn’t have to write reaction equations: Jenkins still hadn’t figured out why some organic substances decompose into acid and alcohol when heated, while others decompose into completely different components. However, she definitely didn’t plan to make her own tinctures using esters, especially complex ones. “The textbook said that pharmacists don’t usually use complex esters in lab experiments, because simple ones are more effective,” Luelle recalled of the material she’d read. Truthfully, she wanted to start studying medicinal herbs as soon as possible and save the theory of elements for later. The thought made her slap herself across the cheeks: “Now stop this rebellion! I must devote due attention to each discipline if I want to get ahead and not let others displace me!” She was lucky the lecture hall remained empty, as the fox’s behavior could have perplexed the other first-years or even compromised her in front of the professor. She wanted to establish a rapport with the faculty right away, and she believed it wouldn’t be difficult, since “learned animals are free of prejudice.” The idea struck her to prepare for the hour-and-a-half lecture, and Jenkins opened a brand-new textbook. Admittedly, the design was attractive, and the material was explained in student-friendly language, but the fox found that certain information differed from that presented in the textbook in the Alta library. Luelle began to worry. “What if they ask me? ‘Miss, can you tell me how to obtain a high-grade crystal from Felinestill clay? You’re here for a reason, aren’t you?’ No, that even sounds absurd, and besides, no one will single me out for my achievements! Yes, I’m sure everyone here is talented, even better than me…” she mused, tapping her nails on the colorful cover of a large notebook. Closer to the appointed time, a large group of animals entered the classroom, apparently having already become friends with one another. The girls chatted cheerfully with the boys, and the boys, looking wise, shared their successes with the rest of the boys. With their presence, they brought life to the almost empty room. Since our fox sat at a distance and nevertheless began reading the material, the group did not notice her and landed in the first rows. Other first-years followed them and settled into second and third places. Conveniently for Luelle, no one went further than the fifth row, meaning no one could disturb her or give her an unfriendly look. Soon, the professor arrived — a dignified bunny in a lilac dress just above her ankles and rectangular glasses.

“Hello, everyone! I’m Tyra Maves, your mentor in ‘Theory of Elements and Particles,’ a remarkable and important science not only for medicine and alchemy, but also for pharmaceuticals, where you’ve chosen to follow your heart,” she said in a deep, soft voice and looked around at the silent animals. For a split second, her gray eyes rested on the distant desks where Jenkins was sitting at the time, then the woman continued her speech, smoothly transitioning to the topic of the lecture. The fox, meanwhile, had already prepared to write down all the material. Moreover, she already had a rough idea of what needed to be recorded in her notebook.

The lecture proceeded at a fairly dynamic but not tiring pace, so Luelle felt virtually no loss of concentration or fatigue by the end. She left the auditorium in a good mood.

“Hey, fox!” someone called out from behind her.

The girl turned and looked questioningly at those who, like her, were sitting in the Elemental Theory class. They were probably the animals from that same friendly group, but, frankly, they certainly didn’t look friendly right now. A slight smile was frozen on their faces, but tension was clearly reflected in their eyes. Even when Jenkins inhaled, she felt something thick and heavy in the air. She felt strange impulses in her scalp, as if all her hair was standing on end.

“You know, we decided that we need to instruct you for all eight semesters,” the rat said, relaxedly, and fell silent, giving the floor to his friend, a tall and graceful weasel. The weasel’s eyes narrowed slightly, not merely out of judgment but a deeper resentment. Her heart burned with the fear of being outshone by a newcomer, a reminder of how fragile her status could be if Luelle were to excel here. “We’re not going to insult you or anything, but you need to know one thing: don’t get cocky just because you won some competition. We’ve all worked hard to study here, so we won’t let some newcomer bully us,” she said menacingly, then, giving the others a displeased look, went off to do her own thing. She clenched her fists, masking the unease that grieved beneath her frustration, exuding a sense of calm when inside, each word spoke of her own insecurity.

There was silence, which the fox took advantage of and tried to clear up the misunderstanding.

“I understand everything, truly,” she said, putting her paws forward in a conciliatory tone. “But I didn’t mean to offend you in any way! I never intended to mock anyone for any reason. My presence here was inevitable, and I intend to use it solely for educational purposes.”

In response to the girl’s words, someone laughed.

“That sounds so pathetic, especially coming from a fanged rogue (“Actually, I didn’t call you anything…”), don’t count on our naivety, because we can bite too,” the young otter hissed, after which all the “offended” students dispersed to their offices or the cafeteria.

It wasn’t that Jenkins was brutally offended by such attacks, but her positive outlook was slowly sinking. Even the stranger’s rudeness the previous evening hadn’t left her feeling so dejected. Perhaps she wouldn’t have even noticed his rude gesture if she hadn’t been exhausted from the journey and the long search for her academy. Nevertheless, she arrived at the cafeteria with a dull look in her eyes. “Maybe it’s my hunger… Indeed, hunger! In Berrydoule, I ate whatever I could get my hands on, but could my eating habits improve here? What can I even eat?” she thought as she stood in line in the buzzing cafeteria. Several more people waited ahead of her, and then only three more joined, clearly reluctant to stand next to their former blood enemy. Fortunately, the fox had already become oblivious to the hostility to her right and glanced at the student standing next to her. However, she immediately flinched, as to her left stood one of those who had said such stupid things to her after the lecture. The white-and-brown weasel gazed gloomily at the vats of food, impatiently tapping her small heel on the floor. Finally, it was her turn, and the unfamiliar girl began to fill her plate with a breakfast of salad and fruit. The fox noticed the increasing discomfort throughout the weasel’s body as she raked through the leaves with tongs. Then the tall student stepped aside, making way for Luelle. Apparently, the sight of such bland fare for her and her fellow students hadn’t lifted the girl’s spirits, but the chance to eat after a full day without anything substantial — dried chicken legs notwithstanding — could certainly ease her growing headache and emotional state. However, the fox couldn’t ponder her choice for long, and her hunting nose couldn’t be relied upon, having lost her sense of smell as a cub. Perhaps that’s why she didn’t pounce on the rodents surrounding her now.

The girl served herself some amaranth porridge and sprinkled it with nuts, then placed three small wild peaches on another saucer. Grabbing a glass of water, she wandered to the only available table in the corner of the dining room, right next to the door to the utility room. The glossy chair glittered in the light of the tiny crystals sewn into the thin tablecloth. After sitting down, Luelle couldn’t concentrate on her food for a moment, merely staring, mesmerized, at the multicolored lights. They felt like ordinary gemstones to the touch, but the properties of these minerals were certainly surprising, unlike mediocre jewelry. “I should probably eat; the next class starts in twenty minutes,” she thought, examining the tiny facets of the crystals, her head resting on her paw. “If I’m not mistaken, pharmacology in a magical environment — I wonder what could be there?” Jenkins was distracted from his thoughts by someone’s laughter, and the fox peered over the corner of the counter without getting up.

The animals from the ill-fated group were seated at one of the tables, and before them stood the elegant weasel, holding a tray. She was facing her classmates, but Luelle could tell from her stiff movements that the disgruntled stranger was in trouble. She caught snatches of words like, “…I disagree, go away…” and “You’re just as much of a meat eater…” followed by a ringing silence between the weasel and the rodents. Someone glanced at the fox’s table and its occupant, as if ordering the white-and-brown specimen to retreat to the lazy student. The weasel did just that, walking to a secluded spot in the dining hall with an inscrutable expression and sitting next to Luelle. The weasel herself wasn’t particularly opposed, but she was deeply perplexed by the behavior of the girl who had previously threatened her.

“Are you alright?” she ventured, only to be met with the sound of ragged breathing and the clatter of utensils. The weasel decided not to answer the fox’s question, but her appearance already spoke for itself: the student was ill. Jenkins followed the girl’s example and also began eating. The porridge, still hot, unpleasantly burned Luelle’s tongue, and the nuts crunched pleasantly between her teeth. Her greenish eyes closed as she struggled to swallow. The fox continued to empty her plate, oblivious to the weasel’s stunned gaze. The stranger’s saucer remained practically untouched, and her brown eyes seemed reddened, as if from an allergy. Finally, the fox finished her breakfast and glanced at the marten. The girl was breathing hard, and tears were streaming down her cheeks. Her gaze was now fixed on the food she hated. Without thinking, Luelle brought her face closer to the weasel, which showed pain, and placed her paws on its shoulders:

“We’re going to run to the infirmary now, do you hear me!?” the fox tried to bring the student back to her senses. She nodded slightly in response and allowed herself to be led to the doctor. Jenkins didn’t clear their plates, as it was urgent, and, accompanied by curious and mocking glances, she ran off with a languid caress in search of the desired office.

The vixen had already gotten used to the life-saving signs, so she and the girl quickly reached the infirmary. They were met by a young hare wearing a standard academic uniform and an apron over it. He looked no older than Luelle.

“Good morning to you! She’s taken ill in the cafeteria and needs a doctor,” the predator rattled off, supporting the sick woman by the waist. The student glared at the girls with icy, sullen eyes, but let them in. The fox placed the weasel on a vacant couch and exhaled — it had been a while since she’d carried another animal. The long-haired boy approached the pale-faced student and ran his eyes over her. Then he turned to the worried fox standing nearby.

“What did she eat?” was all he asked, maintaining an iron calm and, it would seem, boredom.

“Some kind of salad,” Luelle answered uncertainly.

“Was there something else?”

“Fruits, all kinds…”

“What about something meaty?”

“Do they serve any meat here?” she asked, puzzled, still looking into his cold eyes. Suddenly, a shiver ran through her as she realized who stood before her. Barely restraining herself from exclaiming, the fox glanced at the sick woman.

“Okay, then the verdict is this: this idiot developed an allergic reaction to herbivorous food,” he sighed irritably, reluctantly beginning to explain, simultaneously tapping the syringe containing an unknown liquid he had pulled from the fold of his apron. “She’s a carnivore by nature, so improper nutrition could cause unpleasant consequences, ranging from temporary visual impairment to,” he jabbed the injection into her neck with a flourish, missing her carotid artery with surprising precision, “a coma.” The victim gasped at the rough treatment, tears spewing from her bloodshot eyes.

The fox flinched at the sight, but leaned toward the weasel, whose suffocation subsided almost immediately. She looked calmer now, though her gaze hadn’t yet regained its former awareness.

Jenkins looked at the hare again, who turned away and walked into the laboratory, where one of the doors from the infirmary led. “No, I definitely won’t mistake those eyes for anything else — it’s the stranger from the train. But how did it happen that both he and I came from Egalitia with the same purpose? Such coincidences are rather absurd,” she thought excitedly, turning her attention to the weasel lying on the couch. “What should she do?”

There were a couple of minutes left before class. Weasel slowly rose and sat up, hunched over. She took a few more seconds to catch her breath and finally looked at her savior. There was no hint of hostility in her honey-brown eyes now; instead, they shone with remorse and shame for her previous behavior.

“I must apologize for such an immature act,” she began in a trembling voice, “I promise I won’t bother you again…”

The bells rang to signal the beginning of the lectures, but the two girls continued to remain in the empty infirmary.

“Yes, your greeting certainly isn’t warm, but I don’t hold a grudge,” Luelle replied quietly and sat down next to the tall student, “let’s stick together, especially since you and I both have difficulties with… our backgrounds.”

The gaze of both predators brightened.

“Are you sure? Are you sure you’re not offended by our attacks?” the weasel asked, still hesitant, to which the fox responded by gently taking her brown paws. “Then we should begin with an introduction.”

“Let’s hurry, or they won’t let us into the auditorium!” the fox said encouragingly, smiling. “My name is Luelle Jenkins, but just call me Lue. I’m glad we finally found common ground.”

Something resembling a smile appeared on the haggard face of the graceful girl.

“I’m Sana, Sana Kairie,” the weasel introduced herself, “thank you for your kindness, Lue…”

Chapter 4 “Strengthening”

Finding a kindred spirit can happen at an unexpected moment, when hopes for any kind of connection have abruptly faded. Luelle found herself in a similar situation, but a meeting and subsequent encounter with a similarly aloof, weasel-like girl helped the fox shake off her lingering loneliness and survive the next three years at the chilly academy.

The first year was like a colorful play, where events dynamically advance the plot and delight the uninitiated audience. Luelle struggled to keep up with the pace of learning; at first, she struggled to get used to the number of assignments outside of class time, the trek from one tower to another, and the way all lectures were conducted. Here, too, the Niral Academy distinguished itself from most educational institutions in the kingdom, demonstrating its own approach to teaching young beasts. While at the capital’s university or outlying seminary, students went through three stages — welcome, theory, and test — then at the Medalchemy Academy east of Frateville, the structure of a class could not be predicted in advance. The instructor might first conduct a knowledge test for everyone present, then begin a new topic or conduct a lab assignment without warning. Until her second year, Doulean felt like she was walking a tightrope over an abyss, as the chaotic nature of the learning process severely damaged her confidence and caused anxiety. However, having learned from life in damp, cramped barracks, where straw thrown on the floor served as beds, she was able to adapt to the academic difficulties. Moreover, Sana helped her and, for a time, became something of a mentor to Luelle. Under her watchful eye, Jenkins studied the material and then retold it, even if it took until the official curfew. Then Kairie retired to her room nearby, and the fox, her head barely touching the pillow, fell into a restless sleep.

It’s not as if the academic program was trivial or lacking an innovative approach to knowledge acquisition. During her year on campus, Luelle discovered a world of magic unexplained by modern science. In Berrydoule, mysticism existed in the form of legends and ancient rituals, but no one seriously practiced it there, with the exception of fortune tellers, whom the lion’s share of educated foxes, wolves, and fennec foxes considered mere old swindlers. Jenkins held the same opinion until she witnessed with her own eyes a fire illusion from a professor of healing and protective magic. She was even more shocked by her own abilities, which unfolded after the first few lectures. Unlike Luelle, Sana had been taught since childhood that magic was not something unrealistic, but a significant part of the life of any worthy citizen. As the fox later learned, Egalitia had, since ancient times, practiced the powers bestowed by the heavens for good purposes and had not revealed its teachings to anyone, including the enemy state on its southern land borders. Thus, the winner of Fortuna became part of the sacred sacrament and vowed not to disturb its centuries-old order.

The first year, filled with new experiences, was followed by the second year. Here, Lady Jenkins stood more confidently and was able to devote more time to medicinal herbs and combat magic. She consistently earned gold grades in these and related subjects. On the other hand, she barely managed a silver in particle theory and natural medicine, no matter how hard she tried to spend time poring over tomes of subjects that didn’t interest her. In her free time, she managed to stay in shape, but fiction had to be put on hold due to the excessive workload. Attending the winter ball affected every second-year student at the academy, to the delight of those who loved dancing and making new connections, but unfortunately for those who favored solitude. “Sounds fun! I must definitely invite Sana,” the fox thought at first, joyfully wagging her tail and pacing the room. Then she caught herself thinking the exact opposite: “What will I do there? I can’t dance, no one likes me… So be it, the ball is canceled for me!” Kairie, for her part, understood the girl’s wishes, but spent one snowy evening in a truly magical hall. Otherwise, the school days were interspersed with sessions and improvised activities.

Her third year at the Medalchemy Academy was marked by an opening concert given by young lab assistants and students specializing in healing. Applause could be heard beyond the gates, all across Niral, as the talented animals had been tirelessly preparing for months. Luelle was once again saddened by her dancing awkwardness and lack of stage presence, which dampened her spirits for several days. However, combat magic was becoming more readily available to her, and soon she was able to freely supplement all her previously learned techniques with it. “You are still far from being a suitable combat mage or even a magical fighter, Miss Jenkins. You put in a lot of effort, but you lack grace,” the instructor insisted. At first, the agile predator didn’t take the strange rodent’s words seriously, but when she earned her first bronze medal in the best discipline, she allowed her self-doubt to take over. Lack of effort — that’s what Luelle saw before her olive eyes while training. Even Sana couldn’t convince her of the normalcy of what was happening, as the fear of failure had dug deep into the ambitious girl’s soul. Previously, the fox hadn’t cared about failing in certain subjects, but after realizing her incompetence in combat, she began to attach more importance to them. In addition to her nervousness, Jenkins began to feel an unbearable hunger more and more often. Her body, which had been surviving on a herbivorous diet for nearly three years, couldn’t withstand it any longer.

One late spring evening, Luelle felt like a charred leaf that had accidentally fallen onto hot logs. The professors had once again praised her for her progress, but the instructor’s displeasure was still radiating, meaning that her other accomplishments no longer mattered. Why was this callous otter constantly criticizing and nullifying all the suffering and efforts of one of his students? Was she somehow worse than the other students? Or was her special treatment due to her background? “Nonsense, he, too, is naturally inclined to meat…” the Doulean convinced herself, continuing to search for the reasons for the instructor’s dislike. However, that day, classes had taken a toll on Luelle’s health, and before reaching the infirmary, she returned to her room and began writing poetry. Oddly enough, this activity had a relaxing effect on the fox, allowing her thoughts to wander freely through picturesque worlds. She composed her first poem after a significant break, several quatrains long, strictly adhering to a specific rhyme scheme and rhythm. At first, the pieces exuded the fresh scent of spring and the awakening of a snow lotus, but over time, Jenkins began to prioritize her own problems, and the lyrics took on a ladder-like form, unusual for a lover of traditional forms. Finally, she carefully scribbled the word “Hunger” with a pen on worn paper. Thousands of images of delicious dishes, all featuring meat in various forms, flashed through her mind. Lots of meat. Tender chicken with a crispy skin, a tuna steak with a smooth texture, braised veal sprinkled with spices — all of this made the hungry Luelle salivate profusely. The sheet of paper with the unstarted poem became damp and unsuitable for further creative work. Meanwhile, dishes with raw offal began to play in her head. Then Jenkins slowly rose from her chair and walked to the window, from which neither the pale sun nor the light azure expanse could be seen. A silent night had descended upon Niral. “It’s so quiet, as if everyone were asleep,” she thought deliriously, “I could slip out of the territory and attack some defenseless chipmunk…” Luelle instantly slapped herself and covered her round face with her paws. “What am I thinking!? I would never, never do that!” Then she assumed a push-up position and held it for several minutes, trying to distract herself from destructive thoughts. When her hunger truly began to subside, the fox jumped onto her bed and tried to sleep, but either the light or the insatiable desire to satisfy herself with something more suitable than amaranth porridge or green tofu cakes awakened with renewed vigor. Unable to bear the temptation to fall into the darkness of dreams, Luelle stood up irritably and began pacing her small dwelling. “No, I can’t do this. I need something to eat, otherwise I’ll definitely lose control! Maybe there are some chicken farms nearby? Yeah, right, I’ll remember the taste of chicken,” she mused, still drooling on her shapeless gray dress. Worn only within the confines of a private room. Without hesitation, Luelle emerged from it and, finding herself in her original form, pounced on the shelves of the most inconspicuous and warm clothing: even in spring, Egalitia smelled fragrantly cool. Ultimately, she settled on a baggy sweater, matching pants, and a hooded robe over it. The entire look was the color of night. There was no need to wonder where Jenkins got such wardrobe items. After all, this was her third spring living at the magic academy. Also, there was a special mystery in how she had already fled the institution’s secure premises in just a few minutes. Luelle’s own memory of what followed remained vague. The only thing she remembered after the foray was the sweet smell of blood and the achingly familiar taste on her tongue. That evening, the fox’s face was covered in feathers, and scarlet spots adorned the area around her mouth. “Thank all the higher powers and magic that I came through the secret corridor and not directly through the main gate!” she thought, her heart pounding, as she stood by the mirror and hastily brushed away the remnants of her crime. But peace reigned in the fox’s soul, for she now felt a pleasant fullness in her belly, something she had only ever remembered until now. Finally, Luelle had plucked the forbidden fruit and intended to use her agility the next time she felt a sudden urge to eat.

The third year was inexorably drawing to a close. After a short break, graduation was approaching, marking the fourth year of the Pharmaceutical Sciences program. For some reason, the feisty fox felt a pang as the students performed for everyone once again. “This is the last time I’ll see this beauty…” she said to Sana, who still had two more years of Animal Psychology left to study. Kairie patted her friend on the head and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll see better concerts, I know.” Luelle giggled nervously, but visibly calmed down afterwards and continued watching the stunts on stage. “Sana’s right, I’m only twenty-two, my whole life is ahead of me, and it doesn’t end with just the academy,” the fox thought seriously. After the welcoming speech, everyone dispersed to the dorm and began preparing, because the next morning, the classrooms, lab rooms, and training halls would once again be filled with students. The fourth course inevitably came into force.

Chapter 5 “The First Quarter”

A purple flame flared on the border between Egalitia and Berrydoule, quickly becoming a tiny flame. The once-vigilant guards were unable to resist the blue moon’s charms and quietly snored from the corners of the fortress wall, their primary purpose forgotten. Meanwhile, the travelers passed through the second gate and found themselves on the northern land, shrouded in a layer of frost-covered leaves and puddles crunching with thin ice. A stocky wolf, accidentally planting one of his plump paws, cursed, causing his less courageous companions to flinch.

“Bellvor, if because of you we end up on the chopping block of this lousy place, then I will not hold back and…” the arctic fox, wrapped almost to the ears in linen fabric, hissed, but the wolf interrupted him:

“Yes, yes, yes, I’ve heard this before. Why don’t you check the condition of those damn ampoules? We’re all responsible for them.”

The third companion silently observed the latest squabble, merely scanning the dense row of trees. His rat’s nose peeked cautiously from beneath his canvas hood, sniffing out any potential dangers. The rodent’s paws trembled not only from the cold but also from the adventure the three wanderers were about to embark on. Suddenly, the wind whistled, and the rat squealed, nearly dropping what appeared to be an important load. Both companions turned sharply and gave him the most contemptuous glance imaginable.

“Ebonis, how did our mistress choose you? You’re shaking like a leaf, even though no one caught us; only nature itself made itself known,” the fox whispered mockingly, to which the wolf growled softly and continued to monitor the situation.

The cowardly rodent chuckled softly but said nothing in response to the predator. As they continued their journey, all three illegal border crossers remained silent, trying to keep their presence on Egalitian soil a secret. Even a simple, quiet conversation could get the wolf, the fox, and the rat into trouble, and their cunning mistress would then devise merciless punishment. Besides, what could they talk about? The eldest of them could only think about successfully completing his duty and then returning to his poor wolf wife and their cub. The white predator dreamed of a reward and of personally dealing with his annoying companion, who was quietly following him. The brown rodent himself was completely unconcerned, as anxiety for his own life and the lives of his teammates crowded out all thought in his small mind. The shaggy autumnal alleys were in no hurry to stop the travelers, whose intentions were clearly ill-intentioned toward the inhabitants of this land. The occasional crystal trees, along with those not yet white, swayed in the icy air, watching every step of the unexpected guests.

“Both of you, listen!” The wolf stopped abruptly and began scanning the rest of the path like a hunter. Ebonis, instantly cowering, and Malion, tense, strained their ears as hard as they could, but a faint ringing sound reached them. It was followed by a faint flash of light off to the side, deep in the trees. The wolf turned left, followed by his companions. The fearsome predator approached and began sniffing the wondrous spot. The sound came again, this time slightly louder, and the flash seemed closer than before. The leader of the small gang immediately growled loudly across the alley:

“Let’s run forward right now! Come on!”

The rat squealed and moved at high speed in the indicated direction, heedless of where he was going. The fox stood for a moment, debating whether to attack the unknown creature or save his life, but the wolf nudged him, and the white fox rushed after his cowardly companion. Meanwhile, the ringing and flashing continued to increase in intensity.

***

The chief of the alcohol-soaked infirmary looked closely into the young fox’s greenish eyes, waiting for further explanations from her.

“Miss, did I understand correctly that you want to change your medical practice to work in a laboratory?” The middle-aged hamster tilted his head in confusion, crossing his short legs over his chest.

Luelle took a deep breath and smiled crookedly.

“Yes, sir, I would very much like to gain new experience here, in this wonderful place! Moreover, I have already checked with the dean of my faculty and the head of the department, and they have given their permission for such an event.”

It seemed that the important argument did not convince the usually flattering and carefree doctor, who loved to eat silver corn in the dining room.

“Oh, I don’t know if you’ll be able to learn anything in your last year here,” he muttered and walked over to the cabinet with packaged medicines. “I know, I know, you showed yourself to be a diligent student, but even your knowledge may not be enough for such scientifically intensive work!”

Luelle’s orange-white face took on a tired expression, and the strange smile vanished. She touched the tense bridge of her nose with her fingers and began to massage it. The hamster, meanwhile, remained silent, pretending to be wildly intrigued by the package of thunderclap migraine medication.

“Mr. Anokan, what do you require of me? I’ll do everything,” she said, perched on the edge of the couch next to a closed shelf. Her feigned, concentrated, yellowish gaze slid over the fourth-year student. Jenkins looked unwell, but her intentions had been clear the moment she stepped through the infirmary door. “Please, I really need to fill in the gaps in my knowledge and get more points on the final exam…”

Suddenly, the room was filled with velvety laughter. Jenkins flicked her fluffy tail and stared in amazement at the amused man.

“Why didn’t you tell me right away that you needed to get gold marks from the teachers?” He narrowed his eyes slyly and walked over to the main counter. “Okay, come with me, I’ll show you what you’ll be dealing with soon.”

The fox hesitated, unable to get up and follow the insufferable beast after such a swift change of heart. “Well, of course, his quirks are inevitable… I hope he really agreed. The dean told me not to return without a satisfactory outcome to our negotiations, if you can call them that,” she thought, containing her displeasure.

First, the healer led her to the universal pharmaceutical storage room, which also served as the source of various medications for all of Niral’s pharmacies. The room was truly vast, housing an endless array of ampoules, pills, tablets, and herbs, stored in gigantic translucent containers. The room was illuminated by magical crystals, which also provided the perfect conditions for preserving all alchemical products in their best condition.

Luelle couldn’t help but gasp in admiration. The hamster, accustomed to this part of his job, nodded understandingly but continued leading his new charge through the maze of sections.

“Why did I bring you here? Well, I’d like to honor you by classifying useful and unusual flowers into special boxes!” he explained playfully, demonstrating the necessary algorithm to the battle sorceress. “I think you understand. Just be extremely careful, because some of the plants here are one of a kind.”

Jenkins, focused, swallowed and nodded, and they both headed for the exit, leaving the rest of the vault untouched. Returning to the reception area, the fox caught the lingering scent of medicine again, and the dark tip of her nose twitched. The medic, without batting an eye, led her into a room with a small number of white cots. They seemed to sparkle with cleanliness. “My, is he really the one who maintains this room?” Jenkins wondered.

“You got it right, Luelle,” the man said meaningfully, standing by one of the beds, “everyone who does an internship with me monitors the cleanliness of not only the infirmary hall, but the rest of the rooms as well.”

In fact, the confused fox did not notice how her curator switched to a more informal form of conversation, but she was more confused by the fact that Mr. Anokan was in no hurry to introduce her to the most intriguing area of her main activity.

“Um, excuse me, but when will you give me instructions regarding the experimental department?” she asked the pressing question with the most innocent eyes.

“Oh, yes, you’ll be doing some work in the lab too, but I was just trying to show you the parts you’re now more responsible for than reagents and hazardous solutions! I’ll take you there now, but you need to put on a white coat; there’s no need to expose your moon robe to the decomposition elixir…”

Luelle was even more perplexed: “Am I supposed to do the dirtiest part of the internship here?” This obvious question angered her, because if she intended to gain the necessary experience in the infirmary, it would be in the most interesting way, through conducting all sorts of reactions and helping the other interns. But she didn’t press the doctor further and obediently followed him, clenching her fangs.

“And also, my dear, watch your bushy tail, otherwise you’ll be cleaning up the mess here too (‘And here?’),” he said, pointing to the red tail floating like an enchanted ribbon. It immediately nestled against its owner’s legs, disappearing behind her dark gray robe.

Having somehow managed to pull on a thin-looking robe over several layers of clothing, Luelle carefully entered the dark purple room, dimly lit by two cold spheres. A symphony of varied aromas played out inside: from pungent sweetness to suffocating bitterness — they burned the nostrils of the fox’s slightly closed eyes.

“Don’t worry, all the smells here are potentially harmless to us, after all, we’re not in a research center lab… However, it’s not far from us, just a couple of kilometers away,” said Mr. Anokan, walking further.

Indeed, nothing had happened to Jenkins; she felt as normal as ever. The only inconvenience was the need to be especially careful and control her tail, which, in her excitement and agitation, could start wagging in all directions. Unfortunately, the flasks weren’t designed to withstand a collision with a fluffy red tail, so the fox had to master all her senses to keep them safe. However, the sight of the entire laboratory took Luelle’s breath away, making the task increasingly difficult. For now, she had to follow the healer and listen to his brief but exhaustive explanations.

“My dear intern, I must warn you of one equally important point. I require your full attention,” he continued, noticing how the predator was gazing at the growing crystals of the curios, whose light radiated warmth. “One of my students often spends time here, but be careful, because he takes his tasks seriously and does not tolerate meaningless conversations!”

The girl, smoothing out the folds of her robe, rolled her eyes. “By any chance, that cynical weirdo?” and immediately encountered the object of her bewilderment and displeasure. He looked almost exactly as he had on that fateful day when her then-classmate had choked to death from eating herbivorous beasts. Stunned by the scene, our heroine didn’t immediately appreciate the hare’s brazenness, and only later, reflecting on what had transpired in her room, did she christen him with such an unflattering nickname. Now, slightly to her right, sat not a young man, but a mature man whose appearance bespoke a lack of sleep and a penchant for nerfinium, an invigorating drink. His apron, worn over a tattered school uniform minus the robe, remained unusually clean, despite his obvious diligent work in a place where it was impossible to leave without acid stains and traces of alchemical reactions. “That means he’s very careful and doesn’t allow any dirt on himself,” Luelle concluded logically, stealthily looking at the impenetrable hare with crystal clear eyes.

“Oh, my esteemed disciple, we were just talking about you!” the hamster exclaimed in his thin voice. “Still working? Very well.”

The silent beast nodded in respect and blinked heavily, turning all his attention to the fox who was examining him.

“Linsu, I brought Miss Jenkins here to give her a chance to get acquainted with the lab, since she’ll be starting her internship here soon,” the middle-aged hamster explained, placing his paw on the fox’s shoulder, which was a bit difficult for him, since the Doulean was ten centimeters taller than him.

“Mr. Anokan, I suppose I’ll have to share this place with her?” the hare asked, narrowing his eyes. “He’s obviously not thrilled with my presence… Well, that’s not going to change,” Luelle admitted with some annoyance, sincerely hoping that this Linsu wouldn’t bother her or annoy her with his grumpiness.

“That’s true, but you’re studying here with the other enthusiasts, so you’ll get along with this girl too,” he babbled good-naturedly, looking at his new charge with his golden eyes.

The white-haired guy did not change his neutral-irritated expression and seemed to be looking for something on the faces of both visitors.

“Healer, all the students this year have transferred to more ‘smelly-pleasing’ classes or changed their entire training,” the hare said slowly, closing several scent flasks and beginning to draw symbols familiar to the fox. At this point, he no longer glared at her but merely held his ears upright to continue listening to his mentor.

Mr. Anokan looked puzzled.

“How… unexpected!” he blurted out, his voice filled with confusion, looking questioningly at the bewildered Jenkins. Suddenly, the hamster jerked, nearly shoving the girl into the shelf holding the Eternity Pollen collection. Following her honed reflexes, she deftly dodged and backed away, so as not to break anything from the academy employee’s emotional outburst. “Right, I was informed about this. How could I have forgotten? Alright, then you two will be here to carry out your tasks. I think you should chat, so that your future internships will be more beneficial for you!”

With a final nod to the fox, the healer disappeared through the door that led to the brightly lit reception area. She turned around, but to her relief, she didn’t meet the hare’s gaze, focused on his notes. Luelle didn’t risk asking questions, sensing it would only inflame the young man. She watched for a moment as the long strands of his hair trembled slightly with every movement, and his painfully thin fingers moved the quill across the parchment as if through thin air. It seemed as if Linsu had immersed himself in an entirely different world, filled with alchemical symbols and the most extraordinary ideas. Since she stood quietly behind him, she couldn’t see his face, but she was certain it glowed with both concentration and detachment.

Deciding that the cold student wasn’t going to spare her even a second of his precious time, Luelle turned and silently walked toward the exit, looking around cautiously to avoid touching any fragile objects. Just as her claws touched the doorknob, she heard a voice calling her name. She turned around in surprise. A pale, delicate-featured face peered around the corner, adorned with dark circles under her light blue eyes.

“Oh, you know what? You can go now; our acquaintance won’t affect either of our duties,” Linsu said, as if changing his mind, and returned to his work.

Luelle couldn’t help but snort.

“Don’t worry, I’m not jumping for joy either,” she quipped before slamming the door shut.

The doctor was not in his usual place, so the fox simply left the infirmary, casually taking off his robe and hanging it on a hook.

All the way to the dorm tower, Jenkins pondered the last few hours melancholically, including her encounter with the hare. “It’s been three years already; he should have gotten used to me, even if we haven’t crossed paths for almost the entire school year… I can’t believe that even in such a secluded, quiet place, I’ll face prejudice because of my eating habits! And why did he stop me and then tell me to leave? If that was a joke, it was definitely a bad one. They have better jokes in Alta… Alta… What’s my homeland like? I’ve completely forgotten my true home. What are the locals talking about now? What festivals are they holding? How are the waves lapping this October? Ugh, such thoughts don’t bode well for my battered mood…” Dejected, she went up to her room and walked to the window in her moonlit little room. The night light watched everything that was happening in Niral and silently gazed at the round face of the awake girl.

“How wonderful,” Luelle whispered in a hoarse voice, “it’s so clear now, even though Egalitia begins to harden with the cold in the fall…”

Once again calling the phenomenon miraculous, the girl undressed and lay down on the bed, anticipating changes in her life.

Chapter 6 “Waxing Crescent”

The next morning, Fox Jenkins felt a bit underwhelmed, and the soft rays of the sun only gave her a headache. She made her bed haphazardly and went to her desk, filled with poetry sketches, to remember her schedule for the new October day.

Combat and Defensive Magic. Basics of Close Combat — 9:00

Theory of Elements and Particles — 11:00

Runology in the Context of Alchemy — 12:40

Medicinal herbs and their uses — 2:30

Practical task — 4:10

Free time — 7:00

Lights out at 10:00

Luelle turned the magic leaf over in her paws, took a deep breath, then exhaled loudly. Today, she’d have to work an hour later, then do all her housework until nine o’clock.

“That’s if you’re lucky,” the fox chuckled sadly, pressing her ears back. “It’s usually hard to get to bed before lights out, let alone have any free time before bed.”