Chapter 3: The Shadow in the Night

The grand hall, once filled with laughter and warmth, was now abuzz with concern and worry. The sudden explosion had sent a ripple of fear through the crowd, and everyone was on edge. Professor Palladium quickly stood up, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for something or someone. "Please, everyone, remain calm," he said, his voice firm and reassuring. "The Trix are notorious for their dramatic entrances, but we will not let them disrupt our welcome ceremony." The Winx, who had been chatting and laughing just moments before, now exchanged worried glances. Bloom stepped forward, her eyes locked on Professor Palladium. "What can we do to help, Professor?" she asked. Professor Palladium nodded, his expression serious. "I need some of you to check on the students and make sure they are safe. The rest of us will go and investigate the source of the explosion." Kagome, feeling a surge of adrenaline, stood up, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. She was determined to prove herself and make a difference in this new world. "I'm coming with you," she said, her voice firm. Professor Palladium raised an eyebrow, but he didn't argue. "Very well," he said. "Let's go." The group, consisting of Professor Palladium, Kagome, and the Winx, made their way out of the grand hall and into the night. The air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke, and the sound of distant shouting and screams. As they walked, the darkness seemed to grow thicker, like a living entity that was wrapping itself around them. Kagome could feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end, and she knew that they were getting close to the source of the explosion. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. He was tall and lean, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into Kagome's soul. His black and purple robes billowed behind him like a dark cloud. "Ah, Professor Palladium," the figure said, his voice dripping with malice. "I see you're still coddling your little protégée. How quaint." Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the speaker. It was one of the Trix, a group of powerful and evil fairies who were notorious for their cruelty and cunning. " Valtor," Professor Palladium said, his voice cold and deadly. "What are you doing here?" Valtor sneered, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm here to send a message," he said. "A message to you, Professor Palladium, and to the students of Alfea. You may think you are safe here, but you are not. The Trix will always find a way to infiltrate and destroy." Kagome felt a shiver run down her spine as Valtor raised his hand, and a dark energy began to build up around him. She knew that they had to act fast, or risk being caught in the crossfire.