Peter and Laura had said nothing when I came into the house, choosing only to stare at me or rather to peruse my entire self as if looking for hurt on my body. Their eyes had been like lasers, scrutinizing every inch of me as if they could see through my skin to the very core of my being. I had offered them a tentative greeting and shifted uneasily on my feet, feeling like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Finally, Laura had broken the silence. “Go and freshen up, and take dinner. We can talk later.”Relief had flooded through me, though I knew it was only temporary. I had taken my time in the bath, letting the hot water soothe my nerves and wash away the grime and stress of the day. Each minute spent under the warm spray was another minute delaying the inevitable scolding. I had lingered even longer at dinner, chewing each bite slowly and deliberately, trying to stretch the meal as far as I could. But eventually, the plate was empty, and I could no longer delay.N
At my question about the Queen’s vigilante beasts, Laura jerked and glanced at Peter, who in turn looked at Diana before finally landing his gaze on me. “How do you know about the beasts?”He asked, his tone taking a stern quality.I knew that it was on the tip of his tongue to ask if I had seen them, but then that was impossible, so he didn’t. Yet, it showed that Peter assumed anything was possible when it came to me, showed that I had a penchant for being at places or doing things quite spectacular. I could read that at least in his eyes.“Levina told me all about it when we had left the school’s premises. According to her, the beasts are being deployed as vigilantes in the community. Have any of you seen them?”Laura shook her head. “Levina must have told you that already. So, I don’t know why you would ask that…” She paused, probably seeing the slanting of my mouth in a smirk. “Quench that curiosity, Maya. Nothing good will come out of it this time around. The beasts aren’t Pro
I was dreaming.I found myself in a dense forest, the trees towering above me, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The air was thick with mist, curling around my ankles and making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. Shadows moved just beyond my sight, elusive and fleeting. The soft rustling of leaves accompanied by the distant call of an owl filled the air, creating an eerie symphony that sent chills down my spine.As I walked deeper into the woods, a strange feeling washed over me. It was as if I was being watched, a presence both comforting and unsettling, like an old friend you hadn’t seen in years. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of fear and curiosity driving me forward.Suddenly, the trees parted, and I was face to face with a beast. Its eyes glowed with an eerie light, and its body seemed to be made of shadows and mist, shifting and swirling as if it were barely contained. It stood on four legs, each one ending in claws that dug into the earth, ye
I waited for ten minutes; I waited till I was sure that Sinclair wouldn’t be coming. Then, I went into the library, having been amazed by the sculptured cat just by the entrance. As I stood amidst the hushed aisles of the library, the scent of aged paper and leather bindings enveloped me like a familiar embrace. It was strangely comforting, this sanctuary of knowledge, amidst the chaos in the hallways. With a faint smile, I decided to explore the shelves, my curiosity piqued by the prospect of uncovering hidden secrets within the pages of dusty tomes.My first class teacher would have to forgive me.Approaching the front desk, I greeted the librarian, a stern-looking woman peering at me over the rim of her glasses. "Excuse me, do you have any books on magic beasts?" I inquired, trying to sound nonchalant despite the excitement bubbling within me.The librarian's expression softened slightly, her curiosity evident as she regarded me. "Magic beasts, you say?" She murmured, her gaz
When I got to the shop, the first thing I noticed was that it was too crowded. When Peter and I had come here for the first time, when he had introduced the first shopkeeper whom I believed to be higher than the other one, it had been in the evening. There hadn’t been many people buying and selling in the big store then. Yet I had thought them many, I had thought I would be able to cope, having made the calculations in my head. I scoffed at myself now, at my mundane brain. Would I survive here? I found myself asking, taking in the bustling and shuffling of plenty of feet. “Dora! Over here!” I sharply turned toward the caller, relief tampering my nerves when I saw that it had been the first shopkeeper who was jovial, who Peter had introduced me to. Mr. Francis. “Good afternoon, Mr. Francis.” I greeted, when I got to him. “Good afternoon, Dora. How was school today?” He asked with a small smile on his face. Was he ever not smiling? Just throw a container of milk on the floor
Finally. I mused, looking at the time. It was half past six. I yawned, feeling hunger yanking my intestines and stretching. The sumptuous food that the matrons had filled up my plate with at the cafeteria seemed to have evaporated. I knew that the principal had been behind it, the food I mean. I had expected the matrons to hiss and maybe spit in my food, but there had been a relief look and somewhat happiness shining in their eyes as I had kept passing my tray from one matron to the other. It was then I had understood that they had wanted to report the bullying scenario, but had been afraid for their lives, and for their families. I was not sure what Rachel had used as a threat over them, but it had been enough to keep their mouths shut, and I wouldn’t understand that if I wasn’t in their position. It was probably the only reason why I had given a short smile to Sinclair when our eyes had met in the hallway after school had dismissed. He had stumbled in his steps, but I was al
Minions of Rachel? Interesting. I thought, taking another bite of the chocolate bar, the last one actually. My stomach grumbled when I was done, but I ignored it and stood up from the chair. I was done hearing them speak. I walked to the dustbin that was just next to the door, and dropped the wrap inside. “But to be honest, she might not go with the idea. As a matter of fact, she hasn’t responded to any of my texts since yesterday, or is it only me?” I paused, wanting to hear this. “Not at all. I think the queen might have confiscated her phone, or she just doesn’t want to talk.” “Well, I don’t blame her. She had been humiliated in front of the whole school. If you remembered, she hadn’t said a word after the cafeteria incident. Reasoning it now, I don’t think her mother had seized her phone. She just doesn’t want to talk with us. Perhaps, taking the days to process what exactly had happened. I’m still not sure why she didn't fight back.” “Yes, me too. Now that I think of it,
“Oh…that? I haven’t met her particularly since she was born. I can’t bother myself with something of no value. That family grates on my nerves for some reason. I would go as far as saying that I hate them. I share my parents’ feelings about them.”I balked, stepping away from the door. Partly because of the hate I heard in Chyra’s voice, and partly because my mind had told me to. But I didn’t consider my mind’s individuality at the moment, rather on Chyra’s hate. Diana was six years old, or perhaps seven. And she didn’t know the girl that was my closest ally? At least you should know the names of your enemies. I thought, sinking my fingers into my hair, ruffling them out of anger and mild frustration. “You know, Nina. I don’t know which family we should be afraid of the most. Chyra’s or Rachel’s?” Nina. The name of the third person. I listened keenly to get her own voice. “I think we should fear Rachel’s the more. At least Chyra’s parents don’t have blood on their hands yet.”
I can't believe myself. I can't believe what I had done, when I had opened my eyes and saw the classroom free of smoke, free from the flames I had conjured mere minutes ago. I had jumped on Raul. It was supposed to be a thank you hug, you know, coming from a place of excitement, of happiness that I had finally mastered how to control my magic to some extent, but the hug ended up being the ones couple shared after being apart for probably a year. I had hugged him quite alright, but my legs had moved, of their accord. They had jumped and plastered themselves around his waist. They were still there. Around his waist. My mind was in shambles, especially since Raul had managed to catch me with all precision, still held me now, and showed no signs of letting go. Don't I weigh anything? I retrieved my head from the crook of his neck which scented of masculinity. This contact needed to end now. "Ehmm.." I muttered now, looking into his face, which although wasn't red as mine, showed the
Raul and I stayed cocooned in a comfortable silence for a long while, a privy truce already happening between us. I didn’t see him as the enemy anymore. However, I was still working on separating him from the Queen in my equation of retribution. “How long are we going to stay here? Aren’t we returning to class?” I asked after sometime, my back already yelling in pain for reclining against the hard wall for a long period of time. Raul shrugged his shoulders at my question. “It’s not like there will be any class going on. Do you see any professor around? I bet the students are huddled in their classes, wondering what next would go wrong with..” “With me, you mean….” Raul gave me an apologetic look, but it was all right. It was understandable. Since we have been here, no students have come close, no teachers too. The fire was still burning. I was sure it had ventured into the other classes. Weren’t they coming to stop it? “You know you are the only one that can quench that fire….”
What have I done?Panic swept through the magic room like a tidal wave, mingling with the smell of smoke and the sound of screams.My heart sank as I realized the magnitude of what I had unleashed. I had wanted to prove myself, to show my mastery over the elements, but now, all I felt was guilt and remorse.As chaos erupted around me, I knew that I would carry the weight of this moment with me for quite a long time. For in my quest for power, I had unleashed a force beyond my control, leaving destruction in its wake. And now, I could only watch helplessly as the flames consumed everything in their path.The flames. They held me captive. They had me frozen in the midst of the ensuing chaos. They had my heart sinking into the depths of sorrow. The flames, born of my own magic gone awry, danced voraciously across the classroom. Smoke choked the air, thick and suffocating, as desks and books became engulfed in a raging inferno. The screams of my classmates pierced the cacophony of destru
As I caught sight of Sinclair standing by the door of my classroom, a flutter of nervous anticipation stirred within me. The time for my magic classes had finally come, and despite my excitement, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. The time has come.Mr. Lethon must have sent him. I thought, checking the time on my wrist watch. It was exactly the time for my magic class. Sinclair was quite punctual.Since I had decided to cut him some slack for not doing anything about Levina's bullying, we have exchanged words here and there—greetings especially—but it has not been like the same. Probably, because I have been avoiding him really. I'm not sure why. I think I just didn't want to talk to him, not that freely as before, at least not yet. However, he was here to pick me up.I looked at Professor Bulock talking about some impossible theory of magic, and almost called him to the fact that his time was gone. But that would be falling under his radar again. I was tired of that
As Diana and I walked hand in hand to school, chattering like monkeys, a sense of elation bubbled up inside me, replacing the feeling of shame that had subsided a little after Laura's words of encouragement.The Queen had fulfilled her side of the bargain, as she had promised us. She had moved the children's classes back to the general school, and she hadn't disturbed me since then. And even though the weight of her last words had never left me, I couldn't help but feel relief and gratitude, walking to school like this, hand in hand with Diana. It was pure bliss.As we walked, Diana regaled me with tales of spells and enchantments, her enthusiasm quite infectious. I knew that it was because I had just shown her, though messy, that I was good enough to be filled in with magic spells. We exchanged knowledge eagerly—I told her about the book I had stolen from the library, and what I had learnt from them—each revelation sparking a lively conversation that danced between us like fireflies
Finally, It was Friday. A sense of anticipation coursed through my veins like an electric current as I ruminated on what it entailed for me. Magic classes.Today marked the beginning of my journey, officially, into the world of magic—a world I had longed to explore ever since my encounter with the vision of the community's first queen. For two days, I had immersed myself in the ancient magic books, devouring their contents with an insatiable hunger for knowledge. With each page I turned, I had delved deeper into the mysteries of magic, learning the intricacies of summoning and controlling magical creatures, as well as the secrets of casting spells both simple and complex. Though I had practiced in secret, hidden away from prying eyes, my determination never wavered. And now, as I sat at the breakfast table with my family, my newfound skills lay dormant, waiting to be unleashed."Well, how are you feeling, Maya? Seeing that today would be your first time learning magic?" I shrugged
I suddenly found myself standing in a vast, lush forest bathed in the golden light of a setting sun. Ancient trees towered overhead, their branches adorned with shimmering leaves that seemed to glow with an ethereal energy. Birds chirped melodiously in the canopy above, their songs blending harmoniously with the rustling of leaves.In the distance, I saw figures moving through the forest with purpose. Without much ado, I walked toward them, pausing when I noticed that I was literally gliding on the air. My feet weren’t touching the grassy ground. I opened my mouth to gasp in surprise, but air didn’t ooze out of my mouth, neither did a sound come out.I couldn’t talk here? If that was so, then I hoped that I couldn’t be seen.As I approached the figures, I realized they were villagers clad in simple yet elegant garments, their faces painted with elaborate colorful patterns. They spoke in a language that echoed with ancient wisdom, their voices carrying a solemn reverence.Among them
As the minutes ticked by, as I neared home, my thoughts circled back to the Queen’s cryptic demeanor, to her parting words. Consequences. What plans did she have in motion? How would she retaliate against our interference? The uncertainty gnawed at me, yet I clung to the conviction that our actions had been necessary, a pivotal moment in our struggle for autonomy and justice within the community that was ruled by the Queen.With a deep breath, I gathered my composure and turned aside to gaze at Peter. He too, seemed lost in thoughts. There was a slight frown on his face, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had brought about the frown. The promise of the consequences?I sighed softly, and turned away, resolving to face whatever consequences awaited us with courage and determination, which was fortified by the unwavering bond of family and the conviction that we had taken a stand for what was right."I won't let her hurt my family," I whispered to myself a second later, my voice a quie
As Peter and I entered the Queen's personal office, I was immediately struck by the air of elegance and authority that permeated the room. Whilst on our way here, Peter had clarified that the room where I had once had a personal meeting with the Queen, wasn't actually hers, but Duke's. It all made sense now. The difference was clear.The walls of this office were adorned with rich tapestries depicting scenes of royal lineage, while intricate carvings lined the wooden furniture, each piece a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the community's artisans.At the center of the room stood a grand desk, its polished surface gleaming in the soft light that filtered in through the tall windows. Behind the desk sat the Queen herself, a regal figure dressed in flowing robes of deep crimson. I and Peter bowed, and greeted.Beside her stood her brother, Hendel, his expression stoic yet filled with an undeniable sense of pride.But it was her two children who caught my attention. Duke and Ra