**Chapter 62 – The Journey to the Academy (Part 4: Day 5 – Arrival at the Capital and Reunion)**
The fifth day began with the sun rising strong, dispelling the last shadows of the forest. The road grew wider and better maintained, the scent of pines giving way to sweet spices, fresh bread, magical flowers, and forged metal drifting from the approaching capital. The carriage sped up, the magical horses gleaming brighter, as if sensing the destination was near. Lysithea held the younger children's hands: "We're almost there." Joker and Harley, sitting in the front, exchanged complicit glances, whispering things only they understood, mischievous smiles on their faces.
The capital rose on the horizon like a waking dream: white stone walls shining in the sun, towers reaching the clouds, crowded markets filled with voices in every language, the smell of street food mixed with magic in the air. People of every race walked the streets—elegant elves in long cloaks, tall orcs carrying heavy weapons, beastkins with swaying tails, ordinary humans in simple clothes. The Eternal Academy dominated the center, a fortress of golden towers surrounded by living magical gardens, flowers glowing in impossible colors, water fountains singing soft melodies that echoed like distant whispers.
Elara waited at the main gate, arms open, a huge smile on her face. Behind her, Mirella and Graciela waved, their new academy uniforms shining in the sun—Mirella with a new bow on her back and a disciplined expression, Graciela in a cook's apron full of pockets and a wide smile. The iron-and-gold gate opened with a deep sound, as if the academy were silently welcoming them.
The reunion was a giant group hug—nine bodies (Lysithea + the eight children) throwing themselves onto the three, loud laughter, happy tears, shouts of "You're here!" and "The circus is complete again!" Elara wrapped them all in strong arms, whispering in Lysithea's ear: "Welcome to the next place." Mirella laughed, ruffling Sylvara and Lirien's hair: "Now let's see what you learn here." Graciela shouted in dwarvish, hugging Astrid and Rina tightly: "And I'm going to fill those bellies with decent food!"
The younger children jumped onto Mirella and Graciela, tails wagging, steam rising, shadows dancing. Joker and Harley threw themselves at Elara, shouting: "Big sis, where's our stage?" Elara laughed, messing up their hair: "I already reserved a spot. You'll see."
Lysithea cried with happiness, hugging the three adults: "My girls… you did it. The circus is whole again." The group stayed at the gate for long minutes, an endless group hug, the scent of magical flowers, fresh bread, and magic in the air. The capital watched curiously—students, teachers, and guards staring at the crazy family arriving laughing and crying at the same time, but no one approached yet.
Finally, Elara took Lysithea's hand: "Come on, let's go in. There's so much to show you." Mirella and Graciela cleared the way, smiling: "Welcome to the Eternal Academy. The place has its secrets… but you'll discover them little by little."
The entire family entered hand in hand, the sun setting behind them, tinting everything pink and gold—as if the world were simply watching, waiting to see what would come next.
(to be continued…)