Extra's Descent

Sarah clutched an envelope on her chest tightly, the sun gleaming down on her. Discover more stories at empire

It was her pay–check.

She had been inactive from the academy for quite a while due to financial struggles.

While Oliver had left them quite a sum, Sarah knew it wasn't enough to rely on it.

Their financial reserves were quickly draining.

Because her mother had been hospitalized recently.

For that reason, unable to balance academics and juggling part–time jobs, Sarah thought about dropping out.

She had barely passed the previous exams in the first place.

There was no point when she couldn't study properly. It was merely a waste of tuition.

"Keep up the good work, Sarah."

Her manager praised her. Despite juggling part–time jobs, Sarah had been diligent in her work.

"Thank you, Sir. Really…. thank you so much."

She bowed her head repeatedly, grateful for her manager's kindness.

As she stepped outside, Sarah glanced down at the envelope.

This advance would cover her mother's medications, maybe even a bit more. It felt like a lifeline, even if just for the moment.

Sarah tucked the envelope carefully into her bag.

Then, her gaze lingered on the groups of magic academy students around her.

Their laughter echoed, carefree, as they strolled in groups.

She forced a smile. It felt like a different world, a life she'd barely been a part of lately.

Clutching her bag tightly, Sarah made her way toward the bus stop.

"Sarah?"

Suddenly, a voice called out for her.

It was Claire, Amy, and Rachel.

"Ah."

Sarah, feeling embarrassed, turned away.

"We haven't seen you in ages, how have you been?"

Amy said. The group of three approached her.

Sarah forced a small smile, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Oh, just…. busy. Haha~"

"I get that. Things have been quite hectic lately. But you…. we haven't seen you since exams ended. You suddenly disappeared before we could even find you."

Claire spoke.

"Yeah, I… needed a bit of a break. It's nothing major, though."

She replied, keeping her tone casual.

Rachel studied her, an eyebrow raised.

"You sure? It feels like we've barely seen you for months."

"I've just been… sorting things out."

Amy looked at her, her face softening.

"Well, you know, if you ever need help with anything, we're here."

Sarah nodded, the words catching in her throat.

"Thanks. Really."

The group stood in silence for a moment.

Sarah could feel the weight of their concern but didn't want to explain.

She wasn't sure how to say it without exposing everything she'd been struggling to hold together.

"Well, I really should get going. But it was nice seeing you all."

"Mhm."

"Take care."

Sarah disappeared from there, stepping into the bus that had just arrived.

The three girls glanced at each other. The first one to comment was Rachel.

"She's acting weird."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Something's definitely wrong."

"Sarah's always been reserved. But I agree, she's acting differently."

The four of them were the only girls in the friend–group.

They had each helped each other out during tough times. This time was no different.

It seemed like Sarah didn't want to divulge anything.

It must've been personal. If that was the case, they didn't plan on prying into her matters.

However, if she needed help, they were only one call away.

***

It was the first time Brandon entered Amelia's apartment after two months or so.

Brandon stepped inside. Soon after, he saw two people in the living room.

"Oh, my."

"B–Brandon?"

Brianna looked shocked. Aurelia, on the other hand, seemed like she was about to cry.

Brandon's gaze softened.

Instantly, Aurelia rushed towards him and embraced his leg with her small arms.

"Hey, Aurelia."

"You didn't come home…. I…."

"Did you miss me?"

Brandon crouched down and ruffled her hair.

"Yes, I…."

Meow~

Suddenly, a meow sounded out from somewhere.

A cat with white fur and blue eyes suddenly appeared and approached Aurelia and Brandon.

"Oh, who's this?"

The cat looked familiar for some reason. He couldn't quite place it.

"His name's Brandon."

Brianna commented, chuckling as she approached him.

"Ah?"

"Aurelia named him."

"Uh…."

No wonder.

Because the cat looked like him.

"Welcome back…."

Brianna embraced him, her tone warm. Brandon embraced her back.

Brianna had asked him where he had been, how he was, and so on. Brandon merely responded back as much as he could, omitting some information.

"Aaang~! Brandon, stop it!"

Meow~

Aurelia, bickering with the cat, frowned. The two were fighting over the snacks Brianna had prepared. Brandon's attention flicked towards them due to the mention of his name.

"Hehe~"

Brianna chuckled.

"You should've seen Amelia. Whenever Aurelia calls for Brandon's name, she'd always have a reaction."

"Really?"

Brandon glanced around.

"Where is she? And where's my Sister?"

"They're at the academy training grounds. They've been quite busy recently."

"I see."

Brandon felt a pang of guilt for going ghost on Amelia.

While it was on purpose, it was more for her sake than his. He wasn't in the right state of mind at the moment, and he was afraid he would hurt her, and his family.

In fact, he still wasn't.

But he couldn't run away anymore.

The isolation didn't seem to work as a remedy than he initially thought.

Those times, holed up alone in his apartment, made him feel quite lonely.

He took a deep breath, glancing down at his hands. They felt colder than usual.

Aurelia, meanwhile, was still locked in her playful struggle with the cat, her small hands reaching for the snacks only to have the cat bat them away each time.

Brandon watched her, his expressions warm.

"You're not giving up, are you, Aurelia?"

"No! But…. this cat is really tricky! Aaang~! Please, Brandon!"

The cat gave a triumphant meow, batting at a stray piece of food just out of Aurelia's reach.

Brianna smiled, setting down a tray of tea.

"Go see them, they'd be thrilled to see you."

"I will."

In any case, there were some good things that came out of his isolation.

If Lianna was truly avoiding him, but connecting with the people around him, she should be able to tell Brandon went off the grid the past few months.

This would give Lianna a chance to approach Amelia or Belle.

If his conjectures were confirmed, then there was no questioning it.

There was a high chance Lianna was the Archbishop of Lust.