I Killed The Main Characters

Chapter 76: Heartfelt

Ariana stood in the quiet parlor of the academy's guest house, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she faced Livia's parents.

The room was modestly furnished, with soft candlelight flickering in the corner, casting warm shadows across the walls.

It was meant to be a comfortable space for visitors, but today, the air was thick with sorrow.

Mr. and Mrs. Calloway sat on a small loveseat, their hands intertwined, as though clinging to each other for support.

Their eyes were red and puffy from crying, and their expressions, though composed, were full of pain. They were simple folk—humble, gentle people from a rural town who had sent their beloved daughter to Ravenwood Academy in hopes of giving her a better future.

And now, they were leaving with nothing but grief.

Ariana swallowed hard, her throat tight, unsure of what words could possibly soothe the deep ache in their hearts.

Livia had been her close friend, her laughter a constant source of joy, her kindness a balm to anyone who crossed her path.

Losing her had been like losing a part of herself. But standing here in front of Livia's parents, Ariana felt a guilt that weighed heavy in her chest—guilt that she was still here, and Livia was gone.

"I'm so, so sorry," Ariana whispered, her voice barely audible, but full of emotion. "I... I wish I could do more. I wish I could bring her back."

Mrs. Calloway, a woman with graying hair and gentle eyes that mirrored Livia's, shook her head slowly.

"Oh, dear," she said softly, her voice trembling but kind, "you don't need to apologize. None of this was your fault."

Her husband, a quiet, stout man who had barely spoken since their arrival, nodded in agreement.

Ariana blinked rapidly, her vision blurring with tears she had been fighting to hold back.

"She was the best of us," she choked out, her hand gripping the edge of her dress tightly.

"I'll never forget her. None of us will."

Mrs. Calloway reached out, placing a warm, trembling hand on Ariana's arm.

"You were her family here, Ariana. You gave her so much joy. Thank you for being her friend."

Ariana couldn't hold it in any longer. A tear slipped down her cheek, quickly followed by another, as she knelt down in front of the grieving parents.

"I should've been there for her," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I should've—"

"Hush now," Mr. Calloway interrupted gently, his voice steady despite the grief in his eyes.

"No one could have known. No one could have stopped it. We... we have to believe she's at peace now, as hard as that is."

Ariana closed her eyes, pressing her lips together to keep from sobbing. She knew they were right. She knew nothing could change what had happened. But it didn't make the pain any easier to bear.

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Mrs. Calloway gave Ariana a sad smile, brushing a strand of Ariana's golden hair behind her ear like a mother would for her own child.

"You've done more than you realize, child. Just being here with us, sharing this moment... it means the world."

Ariana bit her lip, nodding, even as her heart ached. She wished her presence could take away their pain, wished she could shoulder their grief, but all she could do was offer them her sincerity, her love for Livia, and her companionship in this difficult time.

"We'll never forget her," Ariana said softly, her voice trembling with conviction.

"And... if there's anything you ever need—anything at all—you can count on me. I'll make sure her memory is honored here at Ravenwood."

The Calloways smiled through their tears, their expressions humble and grateful.

"Thank you," Mrs. Calloway whispered, her voice barely a breath. "Thank you for everything."

For a few moments, there was silence, the three of them sitting together, united in their shared grief.

The world outside continued to turn, the academy continued its routines, but in this quiet room, time seemed to stop as they remembered the bright, beautiful life that had been lost too soon.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Mr. Calloway cleared his throat. "We should be going. We... we have a long journey home."

Ariana stood slowly, wiping the tears from her eyes and offering them both a small, sad smile. "I'll walk you to the gate," she offered softly.

Mrs. Calloway hesitated for a moment before nodding. "We'd like that."

As they made their way to the academy's entrance, the evening sun had begun to set, casting a golden light over the grounds.

The warm hues of the sunset seemed almost too beautiful, too serene for the sorrow that weighed on Ariana's heart.

Ariana stood by as the carriage pulled up, her hands folded in front of her once again. Mr. and Mrs. Calloway stepped inside, offering her one last, grateful look before the door shut.

As the carriage began to move, Ariana whispered, "Goodbye, Livia. I'll miss you."

And though the Calloways couldn't hear her, the wind seemed to carry her words, the gentle rustle of the trees offering a small, comforting reply.

***

Rylan exited the faculty building, feeling the cool evening breeze brush against his face as he adjusted the strap of his gym bag.

He'd just finished a meeting with one of his professors, discussing the upcoming assessments and strategies for improving his magical output.

The sky above Ravenwood Academy was transitioning into a deep indigo as the last remnants of sunlight faded beyond the horizon.

It was a perfect time for a night workout before hitting the showers.

As he approached the gate leading to the academy's training grounds, a flash of blonde hair caught his attention.

Standing near the gate, watching a carriage disappear into the distance as the wrought iron gates slowly creaked shut, was Ariana. Rylan recognized her immediately.

She was hard to miss—her golden locks, loose and flowing down her back, and her presence, though usually filled with an infectious energy, seemed subdued. The softness of the fading sunlight highlighted her features, casting her in a gentle glow.

Rylan's footsteps faltered, his gaze narrowing in concern.

She looked distracted, almost lost in thought. As the carriage disappeared around the corner, she stood there staring at the gate, her arms loosely folded around her middle as though she was trying to hold herself together.

Rylan cleared his throat softly as he approached, unsure of what exactly to say.

"Ariana," he greeted, giving her a warm smile, hoping to lift her spirits a bit.

She turned, offering him a small, tired smile in return. "Hey, Rylan."

There was that familiar warmth that Rylan always felt whenever Ariana smiled. But today, that warmth was tinged with a sadness he couldn't quite shake.