Chapter Text
Tucked into layers of snow and bathed in the violet glow of the setting sun was the Ottawa Academy for Celestials. A dark academia dream with its historical architecture of rounded columns, ornate roof decor, and grand archways— hidden far away from the city it belonged to, where its bright lights couldn’t disturb the sky.
Watching it approach through the bus window, Noah could safely say that the building would never not look like a pretentious hellhole. He lamented his moon affinity for sentencing him to spend four years there. Not to forget the life sentence of being a Celestial, always propped up as some beacons of perfection.
Noah exited the bus last of all when it stopped by the courtyard. He shivered as the cold January air did not hesitate to sink its teeth into him, and hurried to the entrance of the academy’s main building— passing several people who couldn't wait until they were indoors to loudly reunite. They were all returning from winter break, so Noah supposed their elation was understandable, even if it annoyed him.
The foyer was pleasantly warm, lit as usual with both lightbulbs and spheres of celestial lights that floated through the air. Noah brushed them aside as he walked up to the professors charged with keeping track of the arrivals. They were mostly just standing around, despite the foyer being full of students, so Noah only needed to approach to gain their attention.
“Name please,” one of them said.
“Noah Mudaliar, third-year Moon Celestial,” Noah said near robotically. The professor scribbled it down on his clipboard and smiled.
“Enjoyed your winter break?”
“Meh,” he shrugged and left before the professor could say anything else. He still had to haul his bags over to the dorm building, and hopefully experience some peace and quiet.
But of course, that wasn’t going to come easy. Noah only managed to take three steps before roughly bumping shoulders with someone walking past, causing him to stumble. And of all people to run into, it of course had to be Heather.
She was already dressed in the academy uniform, already sneering at everything and everyone. “Watch where you’re going, twerp!”
“Good to see you too,” Noah drawled, “Appreciate the warm welcome.”
“Oh, shove it. Like I’m obligated to be nice to you.”
“That implies the existence of people you are obligated to be nice to, which we both know isn’t true.”
Heather upturned her nose with a huff, but didn’t take her eyes off Noah, “This place is much more appealing without losers like you.”
“Glad you’re self-aware.”
Light flared quickly in her eyes. “Whatever. I don't have time for you.”
“Then why are you talking to me?”
“Because you're-!” Heather puffed up in anger, about to throw him one of her usual half-baked insults, when she forced herself to calm down and turn on her heel.
Noah’s gaze trailed after her as she walked away— high and mighty with her model strides like she owned the place. Heather really hadn’t changed a day since their first year. Still the queen of mean, still shining artificially.
Still… confusing.
It wasn't too uncommon for some students to arrive a few days in advance after break. For three years in a row, Heather had been one such student, already at home in the academy by the time the others arrived. There wasn’t really anything noteworthy about it, but something in the back of Noah’s mind told him that something was off; and for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what that something was. It would have bothered him— if he cared about the answer. Since he didn’t, he simply rolled his eyes and continued out of the main building.
Noah’s dorm was on the smaller side, but he didn’t mind. Especially since it meant he didn’t have to deal with a roommate. As usual, there was a stack of papers waiting for him on his bed when he arrived. They contained information about the upcoming semester along with his schedule, and as Noah had no interest in reading them at the moment, he moved them to his desk so he could collapse onto his bed. It was ridiculously soft and comfortable; he mourned having to leave it every morning.
He’d fallen half-asleep when loud knocking on his door rudely awoke him.
Noah grumbled, but having recognized the pattern of the knocking, he pushed himself off his bed to open the door. Gwen, the only person he’d bothered befriending at the academy, was waiting on the other side.
“Hey, asshole,” she said and invited herself into his dorm.
“Welcome in,” Noah muttered as he closed the door.
“Enjoyed your freedom?” Gwen asked and took a seat on his bed, leaving him to lean back against his desk.
“I did, believe it or not. Even celebrated the solstice.”
“Like a Celestial or a Beast?”
“Ha ha. A hibernation joke, you're so funny.” Noah said dryly, and chose not to point out how hibernation wasn’t universal for Beasts— people whose affinities lay wth animals.
“Hey, your reputation is not my fault.”
Noah rolled his eyes. “So, when did you arrive?”
“A few days ago,” Gwen said. “Some construction stuff made it so that everyone had to leave early.”
“Must've been a fun few days,” Noah said, even if he already knew the answer.
“Wanna guess?”
“Heather?”
“Heather. No clue why she'd choose to be here so early. It's not like she's all that academic to begin with.”
“I think she just likes being in a pseudo-castle. Makes her feel more at home.” Noah said, even if he didn’t believe it. And because it was an easy jab to make, he added, “That or she’s trying to get some alone time with Alejandro.”
Gwen’s laughter came to an abrupt end as she drew her face into a disgusted grimace. “You don't actually believe there's something going on between those two, right?”
‘Absolutely. And the rest of you are dumb for not seeing it.’
“Nah, don't worry about it.” Noah waved his hand dismissively.
“Your sarcasm is getting dangerous,” Gwen remarked. “Anyway, I’m honestly surprised you’ve never shown up early.”
“I would, if my mom let me,” Noah said.
“She doesn’t trust you?”
“Nah, she just doesn’t like the house being empty, even though Delilah and the twins have moved back in for college.”
“I've heard empty nest syndrome is worse for Beasts.”
“It can be. But even if it wasn't, getting here earlier means I have less time to spend with my friends.”
Gwen frowned, “I'm your friend.”
“You know what I mean.”
Noah's friend group was small but close-knit, having known each other long before presenting their affinities; which had turned out to all be different, meaning they attended different schools. Meaning Noah’s days fell into boring comfort without them around to drag him into hijinks. Which was both a positive and a negative.
That wasn't to say Noah never saw his friends during the school year. But for the most part, it was just him and Gwen— who was currently interrupting his peace and quiet.
“Alright, out of my room,” Noah stepped away from his desk to drag Gwen off his bed. “I need to get ready for tonight.”
“And by ‘get ready,’ you mean pass out until I have to come get you?”
“Goodbye, Gwen!”
She snickered, but left without complaint. “See you later.”
Alone once again, Noah considered unpacking. He decided against it in favor of curling up by his dorm’s window. The glass was cold, and beyond it lay a pitch-dark forest. Above it was a brilliant sky— the sight mesmerising despite how many times Noah had seen it. The same could be said about the full moon. Gleaming with the most sincere ‘welcome back’ ever uttered.
Gwen had only been half right. Noah did end up passing out a few moments after she'd left, but he managed to wake up in time to get changed before she returned to knock on his door.
Noah would never become accustomed to the school uniforms— spending every day in a suit wasn’t exactly his thing, and the ribbon tied around his neck didn’t add much to his non-existent charm; much less the broach pinned to it, bearing the lunar emblem. He spent a solid minute just looking at himself in the mirror, pitying the sight, before venturing out to the main building with Gwen.
The campus paths were illuminated by the trees; barren of leaves but full of small specks of light. There were a couple of first-years gathered by them to marvel at the sight that Noah and Gwen walked right past.
The foyer was a lot calmer than it had been earlier, now that everyone had settled in. They were about to continue forward to the dining hall when a familiar voice called out for them.
“Amigos!”
Noah turned his head, and there he was: Alejandro, making their school uniforms look like high-end fashion as he walked over to them. The student council badge adorning his chest glimmered much like his smile.
“It's great to see you!”
“Good to see you, too,” Gwen said.
“Say, how was winter break?”
“No more exciting than last year.”
“Really? Not even during the solstice?”
As Gwen and Alejandro fell into easy conversation, Noah remained a quiet observer. And when Alejandro’s gaze snuck its way to him, he treated him with a quick glare to convey just how little they had to say to each other. Alejandro retained his amicable demeanor as he turned back to Gwen, but with the flicker of light behind his eyes, it was apparent that Noah’s reaction irked him.
Alejandro had transferred at the beginning of the school year and was already incredibly well-liked among staff and most students. While they’d had a good start with an academic rivalry and a possible friendship, Noah had quickly discovered how draining it was to be with someone like Alejandro. To be with someone who acted like he shone brighter than the sun itself, but was in actuality— and for whatever reason— dismally dull. Even when he flickered.
Noah used to wonder about it; both how someone’s light could be so dull, and what exactly compelled Alejandro to pretend it wasn’t. He still kind of did, just simply didn't have the time or energy to call him out. Unlike some people.
After what felt like an hour, Gwen finally said goodbye to Alejandro. Noah offered only a quick wave— earning him a weird look from Gwen as they continued their walk.
“Tired,” was his only explanation.
“Of course,” she said.
The dining hall was, as per tradition, decorated to the extreme for the night; furniture having been rearranged to mimic the auditorium. Noah would’ve assumed a gala was about to take place if he hadn’t known better. But he did, and the fancy decor was way too much for what was essentially a normal dinner.
Noah and Gwen went straight for one of the tables near the back. They sat down, and Gwen immediately pulled out her sketchbook. Noah was about to resign himself to mindlessly observing the building crowd when his phone buzzed to life. He got it out from his pocket and was greeted by a text from Owen.
Tyler almost knocked over the pit trying to fly over it.
Attached was a picture of Owen and Tyler, as well as some other people from their school, surrounding a fire pit over which meats and vegetables were being grilled.
A video was sent next; featuring Owen and some blonde girl— Birdgette, if Noah remembered correctly— using their magic to create ice sculptures from the snow.
Noah snorted at how scuffed they turned out, and quietly wished he were there instead. Even though it looked hectic, and being outside in the cold for long periods of time wasn’t something he enjoyed, it looked cozy. Certainly better than the Celestial rites.
Speaking of which, the dining hall was now full, with seats hosted by either a student or a staff member. Mindless chattering and the clinking of glass wafted through the air. Drinks had begun being poured, and soon enough, the food would be served. Of course, they weren't allowed to eat just yet, as the Headmaster had a few things he wanted to share first.
It was the same old speech he'd given three years in a row now, and a completely pointless one too— so Noah allowed his attention to wander. Accidentally, of course; why else would he find Heather, seated with her posse of star affinity girls, as quickly as he did?
She seemed just as interested in the headmaster's speech as he was, taking the time to examine her nails instead.
Alejandro was a stark contrast to her. He sat with a few members of the student council closer to the front of the hall, back straight in an exaggeratedly proper posture, and paid full attention to the headmaster's words.
They were like day and night. Which was a fitting description, Noah supposed, as Heather’s affinity lay with the stars and Alejandro’s with the sun. There was poetry to be found there, too, if one cared enough to search for it. Noah did not.
The headmaster finished his speech to a round of applause, and dinner could finally commence. The food was good as always, served on opal-trimmed plates. Noah ate in silence, tuning out the conversations happening around him at the table. They didn't concern him.
Once dinner was over and the students were dismissed, Noah snuck away from the crowd— slipping out into the cold night through one of the academy’s many exits. However much he detested the elitist nature of the academy, there was one place he’d loved since day one: the observatory.
It stood nestled away in the forest at the edge of campus, a ten-minute walk from the main building. And as it had done on his first day at the academy, it welcomed Noah with open arms.
A glass dome acted as its roof, bearing metal markings that mapped out the sky above. The stone floor beneath had similar marks engraved into it. As a few classes took place at the observatory, seats lined the room like a theater to circle the map. Celestial symbols, both the scientifical and the magical, could be found wherever one looked— etched into the walls, carved into the wooden seats, dangling from the ceiling.
No one was supposed to be there at this time, which was why Noah always ended up there. His steps echoed as he walked inside his quiet refuge; where elitist sentiments and forged divinity couldn’t reach him, and proper academia reigned.
Noah stopped in the middle of the room. He craned his neck to look up at the sky, at the full moon shining brightly upon him. He breathed in, feeling the light rejuvenate him; easing his mind and strengthening his magic. His eyes glimmered, waxing and waning— like Morse code for only him and the moon to understand.
“And just what are you doing here?”
Noah startled at the sudden sound and whipped around, finding Heather standing at the other side of the room, her hands akimbo. She fixed him with eyes narrowed to vicious slits, like a predator guarding its territory from an intruder.
“What are you doing here?” Noah questioned.
“I asked you first.”
“Well, I was trying to get away from people, you included. So why the fuck are you here?”
“None of your business.”
“Oh, but I had to-” Noah was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a bright light. He raised his hands to shield his eyes; squinted to try and see who had arrived. Hopefully, it wasn't a professor.
On second thought, a professor might’ve been preferable.
Carrying himself with pompous strides was Alejandro, sunlight at his fingertips.
“Great. It’s you,” Heather folded her arms over her chest.
“The one and only,” Alejandro said smoothly. “And I must remind you two that the observatory is strictly off limits at these hours, no exceptions.” the corners of his mouth crawled into a teasing smirk, “Even for romantic rendezvous.”
Noah’s eyes widened, the implication enough to throw him off. He swiftly pulled himself straight and frowned in repulsion.
Heather scrunched up her nose, similarly affected, though letting it show more potently. “As if.”
“Yeah, because that’s totally what was happening here.”
“Tch, you wish it was.”
“Why would I waste a wish on someone like you?”
They glared at each other, and Noah was once again reminded of how confusing Heather was. So aloof yet so bothered all the damn time.
“I'm only joking, no need to fight,” Alejandro said, trying to defuse the tension with his soothing voice— despite clearly enjoying the emotions he’d stirred. “But, you really shouldn't be out here at this hour. Allow me to-”
“I can walk by myself.” Heather swatted away the hand he offered her.
“Oh, I was only trying to be polite.”
“Yeah, right. Just like how you’re polite with everyone else and totally not a sleezy scumbag.”
“Sleezy scumbag?” Alejandro echoed in disbelief. “How could you think such a thing of me?”
“Please, have you even seen your light?”
“And that's my cue to leave,” Noah said and pushed past the other two. He did not need to hear Mr.Dull and Ms.Artificial argue whose light was the better one.
He trudged back to the dorm buildings, his mood worse than it had been all night. And of course, it was at the hands of Heather and Alejandro.
They were, for better or for worse, a match made in the void— both perfect fits for being Celestials as kids of rich and influential people, while also being prolific at using magic. Two sides of the same coin, comfortably high in the ranks of social status.
They would've been a lethal duo; if they ever were to grow up and quit denying the obvious. Which was somehow only obvious to Noah. To everyone else, it was a stupid rumor that had started last semester during the peak of Heather antagonizing Alejandro; mostly just to tease her, and in some cases, flat out humiliate her.
Whatever. If people wanted to be childish about it, then Noah wasn't going to stop them.
Finally back in his dorm room, Noah quickly changed from his uniform to something more comfortable. He curled up on his bed with one of the books he'd brought from home. To his frustration, he found himself unable to focus on the words— thoughts constantly drifting back to the observatory, no matter how much he chided them.
Why had Heather been there? Had Alejandro followed either of them out there?
Noah had never seen either of them at the observatory past hours; and hopefully, he never would again, and his sanctuary would remain his sanctuary.
***
No matter where in the world, third-year Celestials began learning about prophecy— the art where the three Celestial affinities united to unveil past, present, and future. During the fall semester, the class was purely theoretical, moving into practical exercises and exams for spring. It was in this class that Noah found himself on Friday afternoon, slouched in his chair and ready to breeze through the next two hours of his life.
“I hope you all had a wonderful break and are ready to get to prophesying!” their professor, Blaineley O’Halloran, greeted them all with an obnoxious preppiness that Noah knew full well was exaggerated— if not flat out fake.
“As you might already know, the practical parts of this class will be done in groups of three, which have already been decided.”
Several complaints sounded through the room. Blaineley waved her hands in soothing gestures, “I know, I know. That’s just the way it is. However, since we’re just getting started today, groups won’t be necessary. So you’ll learn who you’ll be working with at the end of the class.”
Noah snickered, thinking of the poor losers who'd end up having to work with Alejandro and Heather. If he cared enough to nestle out the unlucky few, he'd be sure to wish them good luck. If he cared— which he didn't.
“For this first class,” Blaineley continued, “You’re going to get familiar with light different from your own, which is vital for when you later are to unify them.” she scanned the class, calling out a student of each affinity to come up to the board. “And for sun, let’s do… Alejandro!”
The boy rose from his seat, feigning humility even though everyone knew he was one of the best Sun Celestials at the academy, so of course he'd be asked to assist.
Just as obvious was Heather glaring after him as he walked to the front of the classroom.
‘Make it so obvious you're obsessed with the guy.’ Noah thought and rolled his eyes. Because there really wasn't any better way to describe it— why else had she spent the better part of the fall semester trying to convince everyone that Alejandro was bad news?
Now, Noah would never admit it aloud, but she had a point. Anyone who acted like they shone more than they do was shady at best. And kind of pathetic. Of course, that didn’t seem to be of concern to Heather. She was more focused on how he disrupted the hierarchy she’d been constructing; how he threatened to take her self-appointed spot at the top. Noah wondered if she was focusing on the superficial on purpose to avoid thinking too deeply about it.
A rival is just a crush you’re mad about having, and all that.
Maybe if she’d been more focused and her methods weren’t as flimsy, then Noah might’ve considered backing her. But alas, there was no way he’d align himself with Heather— or get tangled up in her love life— despite what Gwen feared when she’d asked him about his sudden aversion to Alejandro. Noah had told her the abridged truth; that his opinions were entirely his own, and that it was a matter no deeper than the two of them simply not working out.
The three chosen students lined up by the blackboard. They were made to summon their respective light, which they then were to pass on to someone of a different affinity, doing so carefully as per Blaineley’s instructions.
“The technique is no different than passing your own light, but it’s going to feel different, especially in the beginning.”
Noah was handed sunlight first, and he refused to dignify Alejandro’s stupid face with anything more than indifference.
Unsurprisingly, sunlight was warmer than moonlight; Noah could feel his hands start to become clammy after only a few seconds. Starlight was heavier, and Noah almost dropped it when it was handed to him.
And so the class continued— monotonous exercises with brief recaps of the theoretical here and there. Before long, the class was almost over, and Blaineley made them all return to their seats so she could pass out the sheets of class information— including the group assignments.
Noah skimmed his copy once it had been handed to him, lazily looking over the class structure and tracking down his name in the group list.
When he found it, his whole body tensed.
Group 5.
Heather Jīn.
Alejandro Burromuerto.
Noah Mudaliar.
No.
Heavens no.
Noah’s eyes flickered involuntarily to his supposed prophecy partners. Alejandro seemed pleased with the arrangement, although he likely would have been no matter who he ended up with. Heather, meanwhile, looked seconds away from going supernova.
Blaineley seemed ignorant of their reactions, and as she brought the class to an end, Noah wondered just what he had done to upset the cosmic forces enough for this punishment to be warranted.
When everyone else had left once the class was over, he marched up to the professor. “I need to change prophecy partners,” he said bluntly, not one to bother with small talk.
Blaineley arched a brow at him, “And why is that?”
“I won’t be able to work with the ones you assigned. Sorry.”
“You don't know that.”
“Except I do.”
Blaineley pursed her lips doubtfully. She glanced over to the door, likely to assure they were alone, before she lowered her voice— and farce. “Between you and me, figuring out these groups was a pain. I'd much prefer it if I didn't have to do it again.”
“Can’t you just swap me and some other Moon Celestial?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because if I do and it gets out, then everybody will want to switch groups. Also, in order for this class to go smoothly, students must be grouped with those of equal skill. You three are, magic-wise, top of the class and will thus work together. Got it?” Blaineley aimed a tense smile at him, one that was clearly trying to threaten him into compliance.
Noah stood his ground, narrowing his eyes. They stared at each other for a few minutes before Blaineley hissed through her clenched teeth, “It's one semester. You'll. Manage.”
When intense light flashed in her eyes, Noah knew he didn’t stand a chance in trying to argue.
“Ugh! Fine. Whatever.”
Blaineley perked back up into her preppy persona and clapped her hands together. “Wonderful!” she shoved Noah out of the classroom, “See you next week!”
Noah frowned at the door that had been slammed shut in his face. He was determined to remain bitter about his partners, enough so for it to be impossible for Blaineley to ignore it. Maybe he could wrangle her patience enough so that she'd have no other choice but to pass him to another group.
Noah grumbled quietly under his breath and walked away down the hall. However, he came to a stop as he rounded the corner, spotting Alejandro and Heather further up ahead— engaged in another of their typical squabbles.
“Admit it!” Heather sneered, “You convinced her to put us in the same group just to mess with me!”
“I have done no such thing,” Alejandro said, and the lacing of saccharine mockery in his words was done far too prettily to be true deceit. No, he was being honest and simply toying with Heather to spite her.
“Do you seriously think I’m going to believe that?”
“I’d hope so, seeing as it is the truth. Say, serpentina,” Alejandro leaned in closer, “What is it you have against working with me?”
Heather jerked back with a scowl. After a few failed attempts to find something to say, she let out a loud “Ugh!” before storming off— her face red with embarrassment. Too preoccupied with Alejandro, she didn’t notice their one-man audience until she bumped into him. Her face didn’t change at the sight of Noah.
He spared her an indifferent glance before turning back, unfortunately in time to catch Alejandro’s eyes.
Alejandro smiled and sauntered over to him. “I suppose it’ll be easier for us two, cerebrito.”
Noah fixed him with a raised eyebrow, “What makes you think that?”
“If we’re working together, we won’t be competing for the top score.”
“That’s true.” Noah hummed, “Guess that means I’ll just have to drag us both to the bottom.”
Alejandro's suave demeanor faltered— one of his eyes twitching in annoyance. Noah continued his own walk before he could say anything else.
He didn't feel any satisfaction at having gotten under Alejandro’s skin. That little joy was stolen by the fact that he was being forced to spend more time with both him and Heather than he'd ever want to.
Noah braced himself— it was going to be a long semester.