NIGHT WATCH

*Chapter 15: Cloaks and Whispers*

Life at Jade Spirit Academy returned to normal on the surface—classes, club meetings, and laughter in sunlit courtyards—but for Li Wei and his friends, each day buzzed with secret urgency. Only Headmistress Zhou knew their true role as the chosen protectors, and she'd just received a sealed letter with stern instructions: *Their destiny must remain hidden. No one must suspect.*

So the five kept up appearances. Jin Ming competed in noodle-eating contests. Bao Yu quietly tended the enchanted greenhouse. Chen Xiulan tutored younger students in ancient runes, and Mei Fen led prank wars with a smile. But beneath it all, the friends met at midnight in the old library's forgotten alcove—planning, watching, waiting.

They started small. Mei Fen's illusions kept lookouts on every rooftop. Bao Yu charmed seedlings to monitor the school's boundaries. Rui and his squirrel zipped between towers, delivering messages and searching for any sign of dark magic. Jin Ming "accidentally" wandered into places where shadows clustered, all the while acting like he was just lost or hungry.

Clues appeared: a broken ward stone covered in frost, strange muddy footprints at the edge of the deepest garden, whispers about a cloaked figure glimpsed near the well. Li Wei scanned memories and thoughts for evidence, careful never to give away their mission.

The group met with the headmistress under cover of night. Zhou's eyes were grave but proud. "You're doing well. Trust each other—and trust the magic that binds you." She handed them a map showing weak points in the barriers, urging them to remain unseen and report only to her.

Together, the group set out—hidden, loyal, and determined to solve the mystery before the danger could strike. Ordinary by day, invisible heroes by night, their greatest challenge would not just be the secrets lurking in the dark, but staying true to each other when nobody else could know the truth.