NIGHT WATCH

*Chapter 13: Midnight Markets and Mischief*

Jin Ming's eyes glittered with excitement as he whispered the plan: "We're making the Secret Night Market legendary this year!" By sundown, the group turned their quiet corner of the academy courtyard into a festival of floating lanterns, glowing ribbons, and colorful stalls.

Everyone had something special to trade. Li Wei brought tiny enchanted stones that whispered kind advice when held. Bao Yu supplied flower-shaped candies that shifted flavors. Mei Fen's booth overflowed with illusion puzzles—solving one made a starry butterfly dance across your palm. Jin Ming handled treats and games, challenging anyone brave enough to a spicy dumpling contest (he lost every time, but no one minded). Chen Xiulan displayed handmade charm bracelets woven with threads from her family's collection, promising luck—or at least a memorable story.

The market filled with students and teachers as word spread. Rui and his squirrel played "predict the weather," much to everyone's amusement. A water-mage juggled floating orbs, dazzling a crowd. New friends wandered through laughter and trading, swapping everything from enchanted bookmarks to magical joke scrolls.

As midnight bells echoed, music filled the air. Mei Fen conjured a sky full of shimmering "fireflies," and the whole group lay back on picnic blankets, trading secrets and dreams under the soft, magical glow. For a little while, the world felt limitless—an academy full of friendship, fun, and gentle wonders.

Before dawn, as they cleaned up, Li Wei looked around and realized: this wasn't just a night to remember—it was proof that together, they could make any magic real.