Chapter 64 — The Trip to StarCrest
Hazel had a book open in her lap, the firelight flickering against the golden edges of its pages. She barely noticed the quiet whispers floating through the halls of Star Academy's main library. She, Evervine, and Marcel, were sitting at the tip of one of the star shaped halls of the library, in one of the cozy reading nooks.
Both Evervine and Marcel were trying to convince Hazel of the validity of going to StarCrest, the town that Star Academy students visited to spend money and socialize.
Of course Hazel, however, had no interest in it.
"I don't see why we need to waste an entire day wandering through stalls and sweets," she said, without looking up as Evervine perched on the edge of her chair. "I could use the time to review my Traveler runes. Or to finish the incantation set Professor Sing assigned."
Evervine groaned dramatically, flopping sideways. "You study too much. You're going to shrivel up into parchment."
"She already has," Marcel teased, folding his arms as he leaned against the table. His grin had the mischievous tilt Hazel recognized all too well. "Hazel McGonagall, the first Traveler who preferred ink and scrolls to adventure. History will weep."
Hazel finally raised her eyes, narrowing them. "I've been on plenty of adventures. Besides, you two study way more than I do."
"Really?" Evervine arched a brow. It was half true. She and Marcel had to practice more than she did, they were always playing catch up to their friend, but she glossed over that point. "Because you didn't come with us last time, when we went to the Spawning Lake. You didn't even look at the crystal fish or the Trying Crystal that spawned for us. And now you want to skip StarCrest, again?"
Hazel coughed lightly, flipping her page. "It's nothing new. I've been to Hogsmeade with my mother before — it's the same idea, isn't it? A town beside a school, filled with shops and sweets. I've already done it. Why repeat?"
Marcel laughed. "Hazel, comparing StarCrest to Hogsmeade is like comparing an orchard to a single apple. You'll see."
Evervine leaned closer, her tone slipping into coaxing warmth. "Come on. You've never experienced StarCrest with us. That's different. And besides, you need a break from staring at those pages. If you burn out, what good will all that studying do?"
Hazel hesitated. They had her cornered — and they knew it. With a sigh, she closed the book and set it aside. "Fine. One day. But only because you'll be insufferable if I don't."
Evervine allowed her smile to slip. "Besides you said you wanted to make a traveler's cloak for your dad before he leaves. There is a great shop in town to get all the materials you will need."
Hazel sat a bit straighter and Marcel pursed his lips. She nodded. It would be interesting and she could easily get what she needed. Besides she really did need to spend more time with her friends.
"Next time you go to Spawning Lake work this hard to convince me."
Marcel laughed "I really can't believe you haven't been there. I am sure something spectacular would spawn for you."
Evervine merely smirked and picked up her book. Her objective achieved, she needed to get back to studying. She needed to beat Hazel at least once this week during their transfiguration spars.
---
The following morning, the three of them joined the growing crowd gathering at the central hall. A tall battle mage opened the way — a swirling oval of shimmering silver anchored in the air. It spanned forward growing into a seemingly endless tunnel. At its end glowed a faint image of cobblestones, rooftops And a tall wooden fence with curling filigree and vines growing along its top and bottom.
Students jostled with excitement, clutching coin purses and whispering plans.
Evervine clapped Hazel's arm. "Ready?"
Hazel adjusted her scarf with a resigned expression. "As I'll ever be."
One step through the portal, and the world shifted. A rush of cold, the faint pull of space twisting — and then they stood at the small portal station just outside of StarCrest. They quickly moved aside, as they regained their bearings, ensuring incoming students did not collide into them.
The town stretched out before them, vibrant and alive. White stone streets wound between shops trimmed in gold and deep blue. Flower boxes spilled over with flowers of vivid colors and odd shapes before neat windows, and in the distance, the vivid green of a large forest loomed at the base of an intimidating mountain.
"It's… busier than I expected," Hazel admitted.
Marcel smirked. "Better than Hogsmeade?"
She didn't answer — but the faint lift of her brow gave him his victory.
---
They followed a stream of students down the main lane, where banners fluttered with sigils of stars and silver moons. The air smelled of fresh bread, herbs, and something spiced and sweet.
Ahead, they caught sight of Rosa, Timothy, and Temperance. The three walked with practiced ease, as if nothing was new to them. Hazel and the others read it as arrogance.
"Should we follow them?" Evervine whispered.
Marcel shrugged. "Let's just see where they're going."
Hazel paused, not sure if they should let it be or if they should take advantage of the moment. In the end she merely passively followed her friends.
They trailed far enough behind to avoid notice. At the corner of the Crimson Hibiscus — a low, warm-lit tavern pulsing with chatter — Rosa paused. Hazel's ears caught her clipped words: "We'll split up. Meet here later."
The trio parted ways, Rosa striding toward a tailor, Timothy and Temperance veering off toward a bookshop.
"That's our chance," Marcel said, tugging Hazel's sleeve. "Come on. We can do as we like for now and return here later."
Hazel and Evervine nodded in unison.
---
The first stop was Mystic Curiosities, a narrow shop cluttered with trinkets that gleamed under enchanted lanterns. Shelves overflowed with glass globes, silver pendants, and talismans etched with runes that shimmered faintly when touched.
Evervine darted to a shelf, lifting a pendant shaped like a crescent moon. "Look at this one. It feels warm."
The shopkeeper, a kindly witch with a crooked hat, explained in a hushed voice, "Charms from the Crystal Caves. For clarity of mind."
Hazel ran her fingers along the spine of an old book near the counter. Its title flickered in silver script, changing from Traveler Marks of the Fifth Realm to Paths of Light and Shadow. She stiffened, recognizing the shift — the book was alive with dimensional resonance.
"Careful," she murmured, drawing her hand back. "Some things here aren't meant for students." But the book seemed to scoot towards her. The shopkeeper looked on with surprise. "Are you a traveler young lady?"
Hazel nodded her eyes still on the book. "How much is it?"
The shop keeper shook her head gently. "No my dear. I admit it recognizes you, and maybe even claims you, but you are still too young. Gain a few more years and if it still wants you I will give you a fair trade."
Hazel nodded, she felt the danger underlying it, so she knew the kindly woman was being honest.
---
Next came the Arcanist's Armory, a stark contrast of steel and magic. Racks of staffs, blades, and rune-etched shields lined the walls. The air buzzed faintly, every weapon humming with stored power.
Marcel's eyes lit up instantly. He picked up a wand-sword hybrid, testing its weight. "Now this — this is worth coming for."
Hazel shook her head. "You'd get expelled if you tried to bring that back onto Academy grounds."
"That's why you buy it here and leave it here," the shopkeeper chuckled, a broad-shouldered man with runes burned into his forearms. "Storage charms. Battle mages come in before tournaments all the time."
Evervine whistled low. "This place is dangerous."
Hazel agreed — and yet she couldn't help noting how her Traveler's sight flickered faintly over the shelves. Some of the weapons carried echoes not just of their creators, but of other places, other dimensions. She turned away quickly, unsettled, and a bit too intrigued.
She looked sternly at Marcel as he smiled broadly. "You were just at the dealing fields complaining that you had no idea what to do. What exactly will you do with that?"
Evervine laughed as Marcel's smile fell into a frown.
---
Their final stop was the Herbalist's Apothecary. A warm, green-scented haven, the shop brimmed with dried herbs hanging in clusters from the rafters, jars of powders, and potion vials glowing faintly with soft light.
Marcel was in his element, asking questions about the uses of silverleaf and fire-root. Hazel lingered near a row of dried hibiscus petals, recognizing the crimson hue. Crimson Hibiscus… just like the tavern.
The herbalist, a thin man with ink-stained fingers, leaned across the counter. "Careful with those. They're good for strengthening the heart, but mixed wrongly, they'll cause fever dreams."
Hazel nodded, tucking that away in memory.
---
By the time they Had returned to the Crimson Hibiscus, the tavern was buzzing. Light spilled through the stained-glass windows, and the rich scent of spiced cider filled the air.
They waited outside for a few minutes, watching. Rosa and her companions still hadn't returned.
"Maybe they're not coming," Evervine said, looking about carefully.
"Let's go in anyway," Hazel decided. "If they do show, we'll already have a table."
Inside, they slipped into a corner booth, half-hidden by a carved wooden screen. Hazel murmured a Traveler's incantation under her breath, weaving it into the air like threads. The sound around them shifted, sharp voices rising while the rest dulled.
"What's that?" Evervine whispered.
"A listening charm," Hazel replied softly. "We'll hear them when they come in."
Moments later, the door swung open. Rosa, Timothy, and Temperance entered, their expressions shadowed. They slid into a table nearby, just within Hazel's spell's reach.
The conversation began in low tones — but the key words hit like stones dropped in water.
"…I no longer have money for the ingredients. Ambrose house can not be suspicious."
Timothy shrugged. I heard we can get black marker herbs here in StarCrest, you just need an interesting talisman to trade."
Rosa nodded. "Good, I have three talismans that I can part with."
Timothy sipped his drink. "We can go later."
As they spoke the bell rang again and three brightly dressed witches entered.
"Did you here about the two young boys found dead?"
"Dead? What are you talking about Agnes."
"Two boys, dead, and it seemed they had been under a glamour at the time of their death.."
Timothy froze, color draining from his face. Temperance gently tapped his hand and his posture subtly calmed.
Evervine's breath caught. She glanced at Hazel, who stayed utterly still, eyes fixed forward.
The weight of the revelation pressed heavy in the air, sharper than any weapon in the Armory.
Hazel knew — this trip to StarCrest was no idle excursion. Something deeper had been uncovered, and now they were standing at the edge of it.