CHAPTER - 200

  Narrator: Dav remained lying on the bed, letting himself be lulled by the silence and the softness of the sheets, as daylight barely filtered through the half-closed

  curtains.

  He felt a delicate touch: Sofia was gently adjusting the blanket over him, with a slow, almost affectionate gesture.

  "Thanks for the moon"

  she whispered softly in his ear, leaving a warm breath on his skin before stepping away and quietly closing the door behind her.

  She walked through the silent halls of the academy with calm, steady steps, heading toward her infirmary office.

  There, she sat with composure, awaiting the arrival of her favorite student with a light smile and a gaze full of expectation.

  Meanwhile, Dav was still immersed in his dreams, once again wrapped in that dark, ethereal place where reality seemed suspended.

  He walked in silence, each step echoing in the void.

  A familiar voice, cold and piercing, rang out behind him, as though it were inside his mind.

  "You're wasting time.. knowing something is about to fall upon your kingdom.

  How foolish."

  Dav stopped.

  He closed his eyes for a few seconds, then slowly reopened them, inhaling deeply.

  He responded with a calm voice, devoid of tension:

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  "Maybe so.. or maybe not.

  We’ll see when the time comes.

  For now, don’t bore me. Disappear."

  And he continued walking, without turning back, as silence once again filled that dark imaginary world.

  Moments later, he gently awoke.

  He opened his eyes, staring at the white ceiling above him.

  He stayed like that for a while, saying nothing.

  Then he got up, washed his face in the cool water, and left the room, heading toward the cafeteria.

  As he walked through the long corridors, he noticed students cheerfully running toward the cafeteria, their lively voices and light laughter mingling with the sound of

  books bumping against their legs.

  Some greeted him with enthusiasm, others simply looked at him with respect.

  Dav arrived at the entrance to the cafeteria and saw Sofia and Ekaterina standing outside, engaged in a brief conversation.

  Ekaterina stood with her hands clasped in front of her, eyes downcast, her cheeks slightly flushed, visibly uncomfortable at the sight of so many people inside.

  "Ekaterina, we have to go too."

  said Sofia in a sweet tone.

  "He’ll be here soon."

  At that moment, Dav approached and, with an instinctive and gentle gesture, placed his hand on Ekaterina’s head, stroking it with warmth.

  She looked up, surprised, meeting the professor’s calm and reassuring gaze.

  "Shall we go in?"

  Dav asked, his voice calm and comforting.

  The three of them entered together.

  Inside, many heads turned.

  Selene was seated next to Iris, with Valeria and Evelyn.

  At the head table, director De Santis sat flanked by Eldrin, Kael, Rafael, and Rugerus.

  Everyone noticed Dav’s arrival.. and also the rare presence of Doctor Manfredi and her student.

  Lucrezia, sitting in her usual spot next to Dav, lifted her gaze and offered a discreet smile, already used to the professor’s little habits.

  All greeted them with courtesy.

  Dav addressed everyone:

  "This is Dr. Sofia Manfredi. She will be having lunch with us today."

  Iris stood up immediately, with her usual bright enthusiasm, and added two plates next to Dav’s seat.

  She invited them to sit with kindness.

  Sofia sat to the professor’s left, in the vacant seat left by Elysia and Valeria.

  To Sofia’s left, Ekaterina quietly sat down as well, visibly calmer next to her favorite teacher.

  The kitchen staff diligently served each table, while for Dav’s table, it was Margherita herself who brought the food.

  With her usual motherly smile, and the kind of steady assurance that reassured anyone, she carefully arranged the portions, greeting everyone with the warmth of

  someone who knew each student personally.

  Then, with a fluid movement, she also sat beside Iris, ready to share that moment of togetherness.

  "Have a good lunch, my cuties"

  she said with an affectionate tone, lifting a perfect forkful of ragù spaghetti, wrapped just as only she could do.

  The cafeteria filled with voices, laughter, and delicious aromas.

  Dav looked at the faces of his students, his colleagues, and for a moment, felt that sense of home despite the shadows still stirring within him.

  END OF CHAPTER - 200