Lili, Child of the Infinite Sky

Chapter 9: "The Hidden Garden of Sylvandria"

The morning sun bathed the Grand Academy in a golden glow, casting long shadows on the cobbled streets. Lili sat on the windowsill of her dormitory, her arms wrapped around her knees. The events of the past week replayed in her mind like a never-ending loop. Darius's cruel words, her explosive anger, and the raw, untamed power that surged from within her. She had never felt so out of control before.

"Lili Elara Thaloris."

Master Orin's voice broke her reverie, stern but not unkind. He stood by the door, his robes rustling as he folded his arms and looked at her thoughtfully.

Lili turned to face him, her heart heavy. "Master Orin, I didn't mean to... I didn't know I could... I hurt him." Her voice cracked, guilt swelling within her.

Orin nodded slowly, stepping closer to the window. "You've been given immense power, Lili. But power untamed can lead to destruction. You must learn to find peace within yourself before you can control it."

Lili lowered her gaze, her fingers toying with the hem of her tunic. "But how? I don't even know where to begin."

Master Orin gave her a gentle smile. "That's why I've given you this task, Lili. Go find something that makes you happy. A place that calms your mind, that reminds you of home. Thaloria, your roots—they are your strength. When you find that place, return to me and tell me how it made you feel."

Lili nodded, though uncertainty still gnawed at her. She knew Master Orin was right, but the pressure of being sponsored by the Draconis royal family weighed heavily on her. Darius, the boy she had lashed out at, was King Darion's nephew. The political implications were not lost on her.

The next day, Lili set off on her search, wandering through the academy grounds. She passed by the bustling courtyards, where other students were immersed in their studies or training. The weight of her task hung over her like a shadow. She wandered to the edge of the academy, the grounds growing quieter and more secluded. She followed a narrow, overgrown path that she had never noticed before.

At the far end of the academy, hidden behind a thick wall of ivy, she found a small gate. Curiosity tugged at her, and she gently pushed it open. Beyond the gate lay the most beautiful garden she had ever seen.

A cascade of flowers, vibrant and fragrant, hung from the treetops, while a crystalline waterfall tumbled into a clear pool. The air was filled with the sweet melodies of birds, and small, magical creatures flitted through the foliage, their wings shimmering in the sunlight. Lili's heart swelled as she entered the garden. The place reminded her of Thaloria, but there was something more—something ancient, magical, and deeply familiar.

As Lili moved deeper into the garden, animals and magical creatures approached her, not with fear, but with joy. A tiny fairy, no larger than her palm, fluttered near her ear, humming a song of Thaloria. Lili laughed, twirling in the midst of the garden, her heart lighter than it had been in days. Here, she felt at peace. The anger, the guilt, and the confusion that had been plaguing her melted away.

She remembered Master Orin's task and smiled. "This is it," she whispered to herself. "This is where I find happiness."

The next morning, Lili returned to Master Orin with a piece of magical paper in hand, excited to tell him what she had discovered. He sat at his desk, engrossed in a thick tome, but looked up when she entered.

"Ah, Lili," he said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

Lili handed him the paper, her eyes bright with excitement. "I found the most amazing place, Master Orin! At the far end of the academy grounds, behind a hidden gate. It's a garden, but it's more than just that. It's like... magic itself lives there. The animals, the flowers, everything. It reminded me of Thaloria, but even more beautiful. It made me so happy, I forgot all about the things that were troubling me."

Master Orin's brow furrowed. "A garden, you say? Hidden behind the academy?"

Lili nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! The creatures there made me feel like I was in Thaloria again. And the sounds of nature... it's like they soothe my heart."

Orin's expression shifted from curiosity to something deeper—concern, perhaps even disbelief. He closed the tome in front of him and stood. "Show me, Lili. Show me this place."

Lili led Master Orin through the winding paths to the hidden gate, excitement bubbling inside her. When they arrived, she pushed open the gate, just as she had before. Master Orin stepped inside and stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes widened in astonishment.

"This... this place," he muttered under his breath. "I've heard of it, but I never thought it truly existed."

Lili blinked up at him in confusion. "What do you mean, Master?"

Orin walked further into the garden, his gaze sweeping over the flowers, the waterfall, the magical creatures that darted in and out of the trees. "This garden is a legend, Lili. It was said to be created by the greatest magicians of Sylvandria, long before the Academy was even built. Only those with Sylvandrian blood can find it. And you—" He turned to Lili, his expression softening with realisation. "You're the daughter of the Princess of Sylvandria. That's why this place revealed itself to you."

Lili's eyes widened, her heart pounding in her chest. "I... I never knew."

"This place," Orin continued, "was built to protect the secrets of Sylvandria. Not many know it exists, and even fewer have ever entered it. It's a sanctuary, Lili. A place where magic can thrive without interference."

Lili looked around, her mind reeling. "Does this mean... I'm connected to it?"

Master Orin nodded slowly. "This garden will play a vital role in your journey, Lili. It's not just a place of peace, but a place where you will learn to control your power. But remember, not everyone can find this place. It chose you, just as much as you found it."

Lili looked at the garden, a new sense of awe and responsibility settling in her heart. She wasn't just any student at the Academy—she was something more.