Return to the Realm

"Mira, are you ready? We have to head to the orientation ceremony!" Rhyshe's voice was buoyant, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in my mind.

"Yeah, just a minute!" I called back, my hands trembling slightly as I smoothed the fabric of my uniform—a short frock paired with a sleek leather jacket, adorned with intricate patterns that glimmered under the soft morning light. It felt strange to wear a uniform, but there was something about its elegance that made me feel like I was stepping into a new world, albeit one that felt overwhelming.

As we made our way through the vast, marbled corridors of the academy, I caught glimpses of grand paintings depicting mages in mid-flight, casting spells that seemed to shimmer in the light. Each image was a testament to the magical history of this place, but instead of awe, I felt a tightening knot of anxiety in my stomach.

"Do you think Akira will be at the ceremony?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as if saying her name would summon her presence.

"Akira? Of course! She's basically a celebrity here. Why do you ask?" Rhyshe replied, raising an eyebrow.

"She's my childhood friend. I wanted to talk to her ever since I arrived, but she hasn't reached out at all," I admitted, frustration lacing my words. The weight of her absence felt like a betrayal I couldn't quite articulate.

Celvia, walking alongside us, looked thoughtful. "Did she say anything about magic before you came? Like, did she prepare you for any of this?"

"No, not a word! It's like she's been hiding a whole part of herself from me," I said, my voice thick with hurt. "I feel completely blindsided. How could she not tell me?"

"Mira, for most people, magic is just a story. Besides, students aren't allowed to discuss magic openly. There are serious consequences for that. Maybe that's why she didn't mention anything," Celvia explained, her tone trying to offer comfort but only deepening my frustration.

"Still, she could've reached out to me. Instead, it's like she just vanished," I retorted, bitterness creeping into my voice.

"Hey, don't take it personally. Being the captain of the inner court comes with a lot of responsibilities," Rhyshe interjected, trying to lighten the mood.

"I know, but it doesn't feel good to be ignored. It's like she doesn't care," I said, my heart sinking further.

"Let's focus on the positive! There's a huge dinner party after the orientation ceremony. I can't wait for the food!" Rhyshe exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable.

"Just don't overdo it. I don't want to see you rolling on the floor in pain later!" Celvia joked, nudging Rhyshe playfully.

As we entered the grand hall, my breath caught in my throat. The room was a feast for the eyes: the ceiling towered high above, adorned with intricate chandeliers that sparkled like constellations, casting a warm glow over the gathered students. Golden vines adorned the walls, intertwining with lush green garlands, giving the space an enchanted forest feel. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, but it only amplified my sense of isolation.

Finding our seats amid a sea of unfamiliar faces was overwhelming. The hall was filled with over three hundred first-year students, each radiating confidence and energy that made me feel small and insecure. I turned to Celvia. "What's the strength of our academy?" I asked, my curiosity rising despite the unease settling in my stomach.

"Well, if you count everyone from both courts, it's probably around two to three thousand," she replied, her eyes scanning the crowd.

"Really? Are both of you really first-year students? You seem to know so much!" I pressed, my skepticism growing as I tried to piece together the puzzle of my new surroundings.

"Uh, I read about it in the student manual," Celvia said quickly, but her evasive gaze made my instincts prick. There was something she wasn't telling me.

The orientation ceremony began, but I could barely focus on the speaker. My thoughts kept drifting back to Akira. Where was she? I had imagined reuniting with her would feel like coming home, but instead, I felt abandoned in a sea of strangers.

After the ceremony, the hall emptied out, leaving behind echoes of laughter and chatter that only reminded me of my loneliness. Rhyshe, Celvia, and I walked back to our dorms in silence, and my heart felt heavier with each step. I replayed the night's events in my mind, grappling with the reality of my situation. My life as a mage was meant to be magical, yet it felt like I was teetering on the edge of a chasm filled with unknown dangers.

The following morning, I approached my locker to grab my uniform and books, feeling oddly nostalgic for the simplicity of my old life. I quickly changed and admired the reflection in the mirror: the short frock flowed gracefully, the leather jacket snug and empowering. Despite the beauty of the uniform, a sense of dread hung over me, weighing on my heart.

As I walked with Rhyshe and Celvia to our first magic class, the atmosphere shifted. The classroom buzzed with energy, filled with students from the night before. Some were boasting loudly, their laughter echoing off the walls, while others whispered conspiratorially, casting glances that felt like daggers.

"Mira, stay away from Rose and her gang," Celvia warned in a low voice, her expression serious as we entered.

"Who's Rose?" I asked, glancing at the group of girls huddled together, their expressions haughty and dismissive.

"Rose is the daughter of one of the academy's elders. That's why she acts like she owns the place," Rhyshe explained, her voice laced with disdain.

"She's not even that good at magic; she just enjoys picking on those who don't come from powerful families," Celvia added, her eyes narrowing at the sight of Rose.

"So, she's a bully?" I asked, feeling a surge of indignation.

"Just… don't say that too loud," Celvia warned, glancing around nervously.

"Do you think she heard us?" I whispered, suddenly feeling exposed.

Just then, Rose sauntered over, her smirk widening. "You must be one of those thirteen poor students, right?" she said, her tone dripping with condescension.

"Yeah," I replied, my heart racing as I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.

"Good luck then," she said mockingly, her eyes glinting with malice before she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving me feeling vulnerable and cornered.

"Did she really just say that?" I asked, disbelief washing over me.

"Just ignore her," Celvia urged, trying to mask the discomfort in her voice. But the tension in the air was thick, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just made a powerful enemy.

"Good morning, class!" A woman entered, her presence commanding immediate attention. She exuded an air of authority, her robes flowing elegantly as she scanned the room, ready to begin.

As the lesson unfolded, I struggled to concentrate, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. Where was Akira? Why hadn't she reached out? The betrayal I felt festered within me, a bitter reminder that the world I had stepped into was not the one I had imagined. The magic surrounding me was both enchanting and terrifying, and I knew I had to find my place within it, even if it meant confronting the shadows lurking in the corners of my heart.