Eldryn Academy Of Elementals

The morning of Mira's departure was filled with a mixture of excitement and sorrow. The house was unusually quiet at breakfast, everyone feeling the weight of the moment.

Her mother kept checking her suitcase, making sure everything was packed. Her father paced, occasionally reminding her about airport security. Even her younger brother, who usually teased her, stood solemnly by the doorway.

When the moment to leave arrived, her mother hugged her tightly. "I'm so proud of you, Mira. You're going to do great things."

Her father clapped her on the shoulder. "Call us when you land."

Mira nodded, forcing a smile, but deep inside, she knew she wouldn't be making that call-not from MIT, at least.

Jason, standing off to the side, threw her a knowing glance. Time to go.

---

As they all piled into the car, Jason volunteered to drive, insisting it would be easier if he handled everything. No one questioned him, which was exactly what he had hoped for.

What they didn't know was that Jason had already spotted Ethan's crew waiting outside. A black SUV, tinted windows, parked down the street. Watching. Waiting.

Ethan was sitting inside, his expression calm but focused. The moment Mira left the house, he leaned forward.

"She's on the move."

His men nodded, starting the engine. They followed Jason's car at a distance, confident they had Mira right where they wanted her.

---

Jason drove casually, acting like nothing was wrong, but inside, his mind was racing. He needed to lose them-and lose them fast.

As they neared the airport, he noticed a detour route-one that led through the underground parking lot of the Airport.

Perfect.

He turned smoothly, pulling into the lot. His parents didn't question it, thinking he was just looking for a place to park.

Ethan's car followed.

As soon as Jason turned a corner, he whispered to Mira, "Now."

Mira unbuckled her seatbelt, grabbed her small bag, and slipped out of the car before it came to a full stop.

Jason kept driving forward, making it look like nothing had happened.

"Why Mira, is dropping off here." Mira's father questioned from the back seat.

"Ahh that's easier for her uncle, she can go through the lift and clear everything with the ticket counter." Jason casually replied.

"Now we can unload her luggage at the entrance. And one of us can stay to handover the luggage to her"

Jason said while driving towards the entrance.

"That's good Jason, otherwise it's going to be a nightmare with this traffic" Mira's mom said with a relieved look.

He casually stopped at the airport entrance, letting their parents get out and start unloading bags.

Once done, he again volunteers to stay and handover the luggage to Mira.

By the time Ethan's crew arrived, scanning the crowd for Mira, she was already gone.

---

Mira sprinted through the side exit of the parking lot, heart pounding. She couldn't stop. Not yet.

A cab was waiting nearby-the one Jason had arranged earlier. She jumped inside.

"Old Lighthouse. Fast."

The driver nodded, peeling away from the airport traffic.

Ethan's team was still watching the wrong car. By the time they realized Mira had vanished, she was already halfway to the coast.

---

Meanwhile, Aria and a group of other students were waiting near the hidden dock. But things weren't going smoothly.

A storm had been forming over the ocean, unusual for this time of year. The water was getting rough, and some of the students were growing anxious.

"The Tide Skimmer should be here by now," one muttered.

Aria frowned. Something didn't feel right. "Stay close. If something happens, we stick together."

A crack of thunder rumbled in the distance. The waves grew taller.

Something-or someone-was interfering.

Arrival at the Lighthouse

Mira's cab pulled up near the old lighthouse, the salty wind whipping through the air. She stepped out, looking around. The place was abandoned, just like Aria had said.

Then-a distant light on the horizon.

The Tide Skimmer.

She exhaled, relief washing over her. She made it.

---

Before boarding, Mira pulled out her phone, dialing Jason.

He picked up instantly.

"You good?"

Mira smiled. "I'm safe."

Jason let out a breath. "Good. Ethan's still looking for you at the airport."

Mira laughed softly. "We actually pulled it off."

There was a pause. Then Jason's voice turned softer.

"Stay safe, okay?"

Mira's chest tightened. "I will. Thanks for everything, Jason. I couldn't have done this without you."

Jason scoffed. "Damn right you couldn't." But there was warmth in his voice.

They didn't say goodbye. They didn't need to.

Mira hung up and turned toward the ocean.

The Tide Skimmer had arrived.

It was time to go.