CHAPTER 1

The leaves are falling from the trees, a sign that it is the autumn season. I can see our neighbors with their cleaning materials ready to clear the paths of their houses, their gardens, their garages, and the road as well. I looked around my room and stood up to reach for my laptop placed on my study table. A notification appeared from my email, it was from the academy I applied for.

Greeting Ms. Weliche,

            Your application to enter and join Trevioux Academy has been approved this day. Please verify your full identity by signing up on the link below to automatically create your school identity card. Please prepare for the necessary equipment you’ll be bringing with you, which includes the following:

• Your specialized weapon
• Wand
• Potion bag
• Family emblem

Other things will be provided by the academy. We are looking forward to seeing you next month, Apharryll. May the light of the dawn hit your path.

Purr Trian Avalon

    Headmaster

I sighed as I starred at the email. I am not yet ready for this. I have been preparing for this opportunity my whole life, but now that I have finally reached this age, I suddenly felt the longing I have been keeping in my heart ever since I was young. The longing for my parents, for my family, for my friends, for the life that I have always dreamt of having. It always makes me wonder when am I going to have those. Will, I ever experience having a normal life like how these teenagers are doing down there, outside, hanging out with their loved ones?

I slightly jumped off the couch when I heard the sudden sound coming from my door. “Who is it?” I asked.

 “It’s me, Meredith. Aunt Louisa told me to call you, she wants you in her office in five minutes, Avy.” My face twitched from hearing the sound of her voice. Meredith always have this kind of high pitch like the one she is talking to couldn’t hear her two hundred percent of voice volume.

 I stood up and opened the door for her only to see her gone from my vision. I sighed and rolled my eyes, I picked up my sweatshirt and locked my room before marching to Aunt Louisa’s office located at the end of the mansion, on the third floor. I passed by on different doors around me, each room consists of one person, except for this room where I can totally hear two people enjoying each other’s company. He might have forgotten to lock his door totally. I closed the gap between me and his door and locked it myself. He’s doomed if Aunt Louisa were to find this out.

His name totally suits his personality. Havoc. He always brings trouble to himself, thank Gaia for his over-so-gorgeous looks, at least he totally won on that category. Not that I’m impressed, but I couldn’t totally deny as well that he is a pretty man with uhm a yummy body. I rolled my eyes with the thought. Stop it, Apharryll, you can’t get in trouble.

 “Good morning, Avy. Have you had your breakfast?” It was Lorain, the best cook, and student in the Ahvaz, the mansion where we live in.

 “Maybe later. I’m on my way to Aunt Louisa’s office.”

Her eyes widened a bit. “Is there something wrong? Have you gone into trouble? Is there any concern about you?” Here she goes again. “Avy, answer me!”

 “Nothing’s wrong. I don’t know where you got that idea. I also know I haven’t been into trouble. I am totally fine and maybe there is just something she wants to discuss with me. Relax, Lorain.”

“Oh! That’s a relief. I have to go. I am still practicing a new recipe I’ll prepare for the next ball to be held next week. I’m so excited!” I swear it’s not obvious, note the sarcasm.

 “Keep safe, Lorain.” I ended the conversation myself, surely because of her talkative attitude, we’ll be there in the hall the whole day talking about what happened to her in a week. I waved her goodbye before walking away.

When I reach Aunt Louisa’s office, I knocked on her door twice and waited for her signal for me to come in. When the automatic lock of the door turned green, I walked inside and bow and waited for her to let me take my seat.

“Please take a seat, love.”

           

“Thank you, Aunt Louisa. I wonder as to where and what do I owe this sudden meeting?” I asked formally.

“I really love your enthusiasm. Glad you asked, this is about your application for the Trevioux Academy. The admin sent me an email telling me to prepare you for your official membership.” I didn’t move nor said anything. “But my main concern is… are you really going for this, Avy?”

I couldn’t answer her question. Back when I was a kid I used to answer this without hesitation, what has been into you, Apharryll, come on! I sighed, “I have already decided, Aunt Louisa. Besides, even if I back out, would there be any changes? I have been accepted to one of the prestigious academies for mages, I am so lucky to have such an opportunity. I wouldn’t want to miss this out.” Liar.

“Avy, I have watched over you ever since you were just a small pretty baby delivered in front of the mansion. I know you very well, and I can see that you have grown to be such a nice pretty lady with a good heart. You’ve also become a strong lady at your age. But I know deep inside that…” she pointed at my chest then she smiled, “it’s saying that you are not yet ready, my love.”

 “Aunt Louisa, I promised Master Hatsuke that I will enter the academy and be the best student I can ever be. I also promised myself I would put my name inside that book. I will create a name.” This time, determination just successfully entered my sleeping heart once again.

I will be one of the Trevioux mage history makers.

Aunt Louisa smiled at me. She then stood from her seat and walked towards me. “Stand up, my love. Give your aunt a big warm hug.” A tear fell down my cheek before I was able to hug her. This doesn’t happen a lot that’s why it is such a comfort receiving this from her or from anyone.

“You’ll always be my little pretty flower blooming in the midst of darkness, Apharryll. I will always be proud of you. Don’t worry, I will guide you on this journey. Starting tomorrow you will train with me once the dawn appears, understood?” I nodded. She squeezed me more into a tight hug before letting me go.

 “I love you, Aunt Louisa. I will always be grateful to you for raising me like your own. I will never regret being a part of this family. I promise I—” she put her index finger on top of my lips to shut me up. I can still even smell her newly painted nails with ocean blue colors.

“Do me a favor, Avy. Stop promising for other people’s sake. Stop promising and doing things for other people. Do things for yourself, for your sake, for your own life. You don’t live for other people, my love. You are alive because you are born to be yourself and to live for the sake of achieving your own life and freedom.”

That conversation ended with me having a good start to the day. Aunt Louisa’s words struck not just my heart but my whole system.

Later that day, I decided to go out and jog around the compound. Many people greeted me as usual an I just smiled back at them. I’m not really that good with socializing, I was raised with me only being able to socialize with my friends inside the mansion. I graduated with my first level four-year classes and second level three-year classes with me having my teachers teaching me inside the mansion. Unlike other kids and teens growing with classmates and friends outside, I grew up getting to socialize with people inside the mansion and my teachers only.

 Except of course every special occasion like gala, ball, mansion events, compound celebrations, and other parties where I get to have the chance to socialize and meet other people outside the walls of the mansion. However, I only got to be friends with some of them.

“Good day, Ryll. Temperature’s too hot for jogging right now, missy. Couldn’t wait for four pm?” I ignored him. His arrogant face is showing and it is annoying. He even slowed his car speed to be able to keep up with me. “You shouldn’t really ignore a pretty face like this, Ryll. Other girls were begging me to notice them but here you are receiving it and my heart for free!”

 “Hop down, Vane,” I told him. He smiled mischievously and parked the car on the side of the road. He then followed my instruction and walked towards me with an excited look on his face.

“Wow, this is new! You really noticed me, woman! After a thousand years of tailing and seeking for your attention and love, you finally decided to accept that I am your prince.” My lips twitched, I wonder if his face can be so much thicker than this.

“Tore daggieo.” A dagger appeared in my hand and he was shocked to see it. He stepped back a bit and raised his arms.

 “Ryll, I know you know I love you with all my heart but I can’t just die yet. Even if it is from your loving and precious hands, I can’t die yet, baby.” I rolled my eyes and handed him the dagger, he’s now much confused.

“You said you are giving me your heart for free. Prove it, Vane. Give me your heart.” His mouth fell down by my command. I tried to keep my pace but damn, his facial expression is so much fun, I can’t miss it. Seeing that he lost his composure and arrogant pace made me laugh.

I controlled my dagger and made it fly towards his chest. His eyes widened when the dagger hit the part where his heart is located. I know he was so afraid that he couldn’t move after realizing that it was all just an illusion. I can hear his heartbeat even if we are a meter apart from each other and I know different emotions were stuck in his system right now.

 “Apharryll Weliche!” He stomped his foot in frustration and messed his hair as if he just realized he was just played by me and he was gullible for believing I could really kill him. Well, I can if I’d like to.

I laughed, “Are you okay, Vane? You look sick, why not go back to your house and rest?” I pressed my lips together to stop myself from making him madder at me. After all, he’s my best friend’s twin.

He sighed and put his hands on his waist, I composed myself and crossed my arms. Who’s scared here? No one.

“I’ll let this one pass although this is the 40^th time you did this, my love. This one somehow went overboard but I love you more than this incident. Still, I’m mad so I’ll go see you tomorrow instead.” And he walked away. I couldn’t help but look at him and his car as it started to drive away from my sight.

Love?

I do believe in love but I haven’t really seen romantic love existing in young adults. Those romances existing between two lovers, hugging each other, kissing, doing romantic things like dating. I don’t even know how that works. Will someone just go and tell the girl he loves her and then they will be together for the rest of their lives? How can Vane determine his feelings as love? Does he really love me? What kind of love though?

Those questions lingered in my mind and what is insane is that I cannot totally get it off my mind! I decided to go to the park and relax. I sat on one of the available swings and watched the people around, there are kids walking around with their parents or siblings while holding the leash that keeps their dogs from running away from them.

Poor little dogs, I know the feeling of having no enough freedom.    

 My gaze turned into two old persons holding each other’s hands. I know there is love between them, according to the books I read, love is having the feeling of comfort, contentment, and unexplainable feeling of wanting them by your side. No wonder I do not know how to recognize some love stuff. It is indeed unexplainable.

I opened my hands and watched as a blue little fire almost occurred. I almost forgot I could not use magic in public areas. These normal people, what would they feel once they found out they are living with humans with extraordinary powers? I wonder if they will panic. I would like to see their reactions but I will be going against the rule of the other world if I will do that. The number one rule of the magical world is to maintain the balance between the human world and the world of mist. Anyone who would dare go against the rules will be sent to the underworld to suffer.

My phone vibrated, I pulled it out from my pocket and checked the notification. It was from my best friend. I already have an idea though as for what her message is all about.

“You little dummy! What did you do to my brother, again?” I smiled sheepishly and started typing a reply.

 “It’s so sad that you have no idea. You should ask him, it’s much thrilling.” Seconds later, my phone rang and I immediately pressed the answer button.

 “Yes, Val?”

She greeted me with a shrieking voice, “Damn you! For sure, you did some extraordinary prank again! His face is priceless when he got home. He’s holding his chest like he just died and couldn’t believe it.” Her laugh was so intense that I do not know if she’s still breathing.

“Will you please breathe first?” I asked. She has to stop laughing or else I’ll be laughing with her and surely, I wouldn’t be able to tell the story, we’ll end up laughing together.

“Okay, okay. Just a minute.” I chuckled as I can still hear a bit of sound coming from her laugh that she’s trying to suppress. A minute ended and she is still laughing.

“You know what, I’ll just tell the story and silence my phone so I wouldn’t hear your laugh. Your laugh is airborne and phoneburne.” I began telling her the story starting from where he slowed down his car just to annoy me, and this girl still couldn’t keep her composure, she began laughing more.

“I knew it! Good job, sissy. That asshole twin of mine deserves a lesson. You’re such a good teacher. You should build your own academy.” That made me stop laughing. Shoot, I still haven’t shared with her the news of me leaving in the following month. How can I tell her though? How am I able to deliver the message?

The voice from the line silenced so I checked if she is still there. “Hello, Val?”

“Why did you suddenly become serious, Avy? Is there something wrong?” My mouth fell open. What to respond?

“I’m fine, Val. I just saw two people fighting and it’s kind of annoying to watch.” I lied. I lied to my best friend. Well, she knows that I applied for that academy. I have been applying ever since I turned sixteen, and three years later, I am finally accepted. Finally accepted, I should be happy, right.

 “Oh, please. The last time you saw people fighting, you did some lesson teaching. Behave, Avy. I don’t want you in trouble if someone finds out about you.” Her voice becomes so serious.

“You know what? You’re right. I should build an academy where I am the teacher and you are the supervisor always announcing and nagging students.” I laughed. For sure, she’s now pouting. She sounds like a mother again! It’s funny.

“I love you, sissy. Please let me pull your hair and bury you alive. I’ll just revive you after two days.”

“I love you, too. Anyway, I have to go. I still have to do some training back in the mansion. I’ll visit you tomorrow to send you the invitations for the ball next week. Take care, Valerie.”

“You too, Avy.” She ended the call and I stoop up from the swing. However, just when I’m about to leave, I literally saw two people fighting. I just told Val about this as an excuse but here I am experiencing a déjà vu.

“You want me to stay? Tina, I’m tired! So what if I cheated? Does that hurt you? Have you ever felt that before you also decided to break my heart by ignoring me for days?”  Oh, dramatic. What a petty reason. If this is love then I’d rather be single forever.

“Cav, I told you I was busy with work! I’m working for my future, yet you went out and looked for someone else as your future wife! Do you know how badly that hurts? Nevertheless, I’m still willing to accept you, Cav! Please just stay.”

My lips twitched. How stupid of that? Are you really going to keep a man who cheated on you and continue as if nothing happened? For sure, he’ll cheat next time. Damn it, relax, Apharryll, they are none of your business.

I am on my way out when I heard a falling sound. Did he…did he just hit her? I turned my head and saw the girl crying on the ground with her things messed around her. Her phone also fell and the glass broke into pieces. People are starting to take videos and surround them.

Ha! These people, really. Can’t they just help her instead of watching and taking videos? Good thing I’m not just a mere human. I cast a spell in my mind and move my hands to control the guy’s action. I waited for him to walk away before I made him do something. Seconds later, he tripped and got his face glued to the ground. I turned my back, for sure, it was sudden enough that he’ll surely break his nose.  Serves him right.

I heard different screams and panic as they witnessed what happened to the guy, but moreover, I can hear amusement and chuckles from people who think he actually deserves it.

“Avy, your designer will visit tomorrow for the fitting of your gowns. Wake up early, okay?” Irina said. Irina plays the role of being our eldest sister. We may not share the same blood but she acts as a truly responsible older sister for all of us. I even wonder how she could handle the trouble we give her every day.

“Sure. And oh, Irina, your zipper is open.” Her eyes widened as she checks her high-waist pants. She calmed herself before doing what she usually does.

             

“Alexa!” and she stormed off. Alexa just doesn’t know when to stop with her pranks.