Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 404 (Un)expected Reunion

The cool night air was still, punctuated only by the occasional rustling of the wind as it weaved through the empty streets. Aria moved swiftly and silently, her figure completely concealed beneath the shimmering invisibility cloak given by Tessa. Behind her, Aurelia followed, her own cloak hiding her form just as effectively, though her steps were more hesitant, filled with uncertainty.

Aria's steps, in contrast, were sure, confident, as if she knew exactly where she was going. The soft glow in her eyes, barely visible beneath the hood, was a sign of her using her ability again—a gift that allowed her to see the past. It was this ability that guided her now, leading her through the narrow alleys and deserted streets.

Aurelia, though quiet, could not help but feel a knot of tension in her chest. She had been following Aria without question, trusting her instincts, but she was completely in the dark about what was happening.

Aria, however, seemed unconcerned, as if she already knew the answers. And in truth, she did.

Aria's ability allowed her to sense Adrian's past till the present, the faintest flicker of his presence far ahead, like a beacon drawing her closer. She had used it frequently as they moved, adjusting their path to ensure they would cross his soon enough. Aria's lips twitched into a small smile; she could guess exactly what Adrian was up to—probably something reckless and stupid as always.

After walking for what felt like hours but had only been minutes, Aria came to an abrupt stop. Aurelia halted just behind her, peering through the shadows.

"Why did we stop?" Aurelia whispered, glancing around. They were two streets away from the academy, the towering structure completely visible in the distance.

Without answering, Aria pulled off her cloak and let it fall around her shoulders, revealing her small, determined frame. She scanned the area, then called out into the quiet night.

"Adrian."

Her voice was soft but clear, breaking the silence of the night. Aurelia blinked in confusion, her body tensing. Was Adrian nearby? How could Aria know that? Did they have some kind of special thing to know each other's

"Adrian!" Aria called again, louder this time, her tone more insistent.

Aurelia's heart began to race. She scanned the dark streets, her nerves on edge. Was Aria just hoping Adrian would hear them? How could she be so sure? Wasn't she afraid of alerting those monsters?

Just as Aurelia was about to ask what Aria was doing, there was a faint ripple in the air ahead of them. The shadows shifted, warping for a moment before a figure materialized right in front of them, stepping out of the night like a ghost.

Aurelia nearly jumped in fright, instinctively stepping back, her hand going to her chest.

But Aria, smiling, wasted no time. She quickly moved forward and wrapped her arms around the figure, hugging him tightly. The figure hesitated for a brief moment before returning the hug, as if surprised, but appreciative.

"B-Brother…" Aurelia breathed out, her body finally relaxing as she recognized the face of her brother beneath the hood.

Aurelia blinked away the remaining shock before stepping forward to join the embrace, her arms wrapping around both Aria and Adrian. They stood there, the three of them, bathed in the faint light of a distant torch, holding each other in the quiet streets.

For a moment, nothing else mattered. The chaos of the city, the dangers lurking in the shadows, and the weight of their responsibilities—everything faded away in that brief reunion.

Finally, they pulled apart.

Adrian's eyes flickered with warmth as he looked at the two of them, his usual calm demeanor masking the relief he felt deep inside.

"Are you both okay? Nothing happened to you, right?" he asked, his voice low, but there was a clear tension beneath his words.

Aurelia shook her head, and Aria answered for both of them. "No, we were lucky. We were already in the mansion when it all started."

Adrian sighed in relief, some of the pain and guilt he had been carrying easing with their words. The tightness in his chest loosened slightly after that hug, after seeing them safe.

Thankfully, they were okay.

But Aurelia, her mind racing with questions, couldn't hold back any longer. She stepped forward, her brows furrowing as she gazed at her brother.

"What's happening, brother? Do you know anything about it?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

The question hung in the air, and Adrian's face darkened slightly as he glanced back towards the academy, as if weighing how much he should reveal. There were things they didn't know, things he couldn't tell, and now wasn't the time to share everything.

Still, he couldn't keep them in the dark.

So, he explained the situation in a short and simple explanation.

Aurelia's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching. "Aurelius…" she whispered, her mind reeling. He was — hurt? The thought sent a wave of panic through her, but she swallowed it down, her hands balling into fists.

Aria's expression tightened as well, though she remained silent, her gaze sharp and focused on Adrian as he spoke.

Aurelia gasped, her heart pounding even faster. "Rhea… betrayed us?!" She couldn't believe it. The woman who had fought beside them, shared meals, and acted as a trusted ally had turned on them?

Explore stories on empire

It seemed impossible.

"How... how could she?"

Adrian stepped forward, placing a firm but gentle hand on Aurelia's shoulder. He locked eyes with her, his gaze steady and full of reassurance. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said, his voice calm but filled with determination. "But everything is going to be okay. I promise. Calm down."

Aurelia stared into his eyes, her mind still swirling with confusion and fear, but something about his tone—about the way he looked at her—helped ease the knot of panic in her chest. It always did.

She nodded slowly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "O-Ok..."

Shifting the focus back to the situation at hand, Adrian took a step back and straightened his posture, his expression hardening once more. "Right now, we need to enter the academy. And you two can help greatly. But, it's going to be dangerous. Are you still going to do it?"

Aurelia and Aria exchanged a glance and turned back to him.

"Yes, please tell us what we need to do."