Chapter 8

"The odds weren't in your favor"

Thankfully, they found Bloom in one piece, which was surprising since she was surrounded by gigantic blocks of ice.

"What happened?" Professor Darkell walking next to Flora was the first to start interrogating the young fairy..

"The Trix. They took Stella's ring. I tried to stop them. I'm sorry." Her face only showed sadness and regret.

"Oh Bloom are you okay? Are you hurt? How did you escape without a scratch?!" Stella was quick to check on her friend. Immediately, Bloom cheered up and beamed when informing everyone that she had grown wings. But her high spirits quickly disappeared at the memories of her failed attempt at stopping the witches.

"I still couldn't win and stop them…" She muttered looking down.

Musa approached her friend and put a hand on her red headed friend's shoulder. But surprisingly the next comforting words did not come out of her mouth.

"It's not your fault. Three experienced witches against a first-year fairy. Let us just say the odds weren't in your favor." The young man stated in a matter-of-fact tone and his words were immediately followed by the reassurance of a smiling Flora.

"Don't worry Bloom. The Trix haven't got the ring. Remember the spell I did?"

"Yeah, you never told me what it was for." So Flora and Musa proudly explained the little prank they had pulled on the witches. Dimitri had to admit that he was quite impressed. No wonder Professor Palladium and Wizgiz praised so much the flower fairy at yesterday's dinner.

"Well girls, I think it's time for you to go and join the others." And that's what they did. But just before entering the building Flora turned around to smile at him. Which could easily be translated as a "good bye" and "thanks". He answered her smile with a nod.

He too entered the building but instead of heading to the ballroom he went down another corridor and knocked on the enormous oak door located at the end.

"Come in" said a voice on the other side of the wall. He entered the room and sat in a chair in front of a huge desk. And sitting behind it was the Headmistress.

"Professor Darkell. How may I help you?"

"Actually, I'm here with news."

After Bloom's late and grand entrance, the Winx had a great time. They all danced, talked with their guest. Stella, Tecna and Bloom were even able to dance with three really handsome boys from Red Fountain. And if Flora wasn't mistaking, their names were Sky, Brandon and Timmy. Time passed quickly and it was time to say good bye and go back to their bedrooms.

Bloom and Flora were preparing for bed. Bloom was already tucked in while Flora was doing last minute checks on her plants. "Flora you know… the girls told me about you and Professor Darkell dancing together. And I was wondering…"

"Yes?"

"Are you and Professor Darkell in a relationship?" Bloom finally blurted out. Flora almost lost the grip on the watering can she was holding. She had not expected her friend to be so… blunt.

"No, Bloom we're not" She calmly answered her friend.

"You would tell me if there was something between you two, right?"

"Don't worry, if he and I had romantic feelings for each other you would be the first to know."

She smiled at her flower lover friend.

"Good night Flora."

"Good night Bloom."