*Chapter 12: Dawn After Shadows*
For the first time in weeks, the dawn over Jade Spirit Academy felt gentle, not tense. Golden sunlight spread across the common room as Li Wei rejoined his friends after everything that had happened, the air humming with a feeling of relief and the promise of a fresh start.
The group crowded around the breakfast table, eager for something normal. Jin Ming, back to his old self, loaded his plate with pancakes and boasted, "Maybe we are legends now. Or maybe I just need about ten more of these." Bao Yu grinned, sharing one of Chen Xiulan's secret dumplings under the table, while Mei Fen created tiny glowing dragon illusions to dance through their orange juice. Conversation flowed: Rui recounted his pet squirrel's latest rain prediction (it was, as usual, wrong), Chen Xiulan whispered about securing a rare talisman for their dorm, and even Li Wei let himself relax and laugh out loud.
Classes resumed that day, but everything felt brighter. Teachers gently teased the group about their reputation for sticking together, and magical creatures—even the grumpy cactus—seemed to welcome them with friendlier energy. In Potions, Mei Fen messed up a tricky brew, filling the room with blue bubbles that popped in sweet bursts; instead of being scolded, the teacher awarded her extra points for creativity. On the lawn, Bao Yu helped a younger student with their first garden spell, smiling as another enchanted plant finally sang on cue.
Afternoons brought quieter adventures: exploring new corners of the library, swapping silly stories under the cherry blossoms, and planning their next big project (a "Secret Night Market" where students could trade magical doodads, snacks, and stories by lantern light).
As the week rolled on, each of them noticed how much they'd grown. Li Wei checked in on others, but let himself lean back and trust the group too. Jin Ming took pride not just in bravado, but in keeping everyone laughing. Mei Fen grew bolder with her illusions, experimenting in class and at midnight pranks. Bao Yu's little plant flourished, spreading blossoms along the dorm windowsill, while Chen Xiulan started a journal of every "first" they shared together.
One night, gathered outside under a sky brilliant with stars and floating lanterns, Mei Fen summed it up best: "If there's magic anywhere, it's in how much better we all are—together."
The shadow of old trials faded, leaving only the daily magic of friendship, promise, and dreams quietly waking.