Chapter 3: The First Day
The next morning, Sera woke up early. The sky outside her window was light pink. Birds flew across the sky, making soft sounds. Sera stood at the window and smiled. She was really here—at Nytherra Academy. It still felt like a dream.
Lira, her fairy roommate, was already awake. She floated in the air and brushed her long shiny hair.
"Good morning, Sera!" Lira said. "Get ready. Today is our first class. We don't want to be late."
Sera quickly got dressed. She wore her new school uniform. It was dark blue with a silver symbol on the front. She took her small bag and followed Lira out of the room.
The school was big and full of students. Some looked like normal people. Others had wings, glowing eyes, or tails. Sera felt a little nervous. Everything was so new. But she was happy Lira was with her.
Lira smiled. "You'll make friends soon," she said. "But be careful. Not everyone here is nice."
They walked into a large round room. The ceiling was high, and lights floated in the air. A teacher stood in the center. He wore a long brown coat and small glasses.
"Welcome, first-year students," he said. "I'm Professor Elric. Today, we learn how to control magic."
He lifted his hand. A small ball of light appeared in his palm.
"Magic is not only power," he said. "It is about control. Each of you has a gift. Some of you are strong. Some of you are quiet. But all of you must learn how to use your power the right way."
The students watched in silence. Some looked scared. Others looked excited.
Sera stood in the back. She saw a girl make her hands turn to ice. A boy created fire in the air. Another flew above the ground with dark wings.
Then, Professor Elric looked at Sera.
"Miss Ashgrave," he said. "Would you like to show us your magic?"
Sera felt nervous. Everyone turned to look at her.
"I'm not sure I can," she said softly.
"That's alright," the professor said kindly. "You can try when you're ready."
But someone behind her whispered, "Maybe she has no magic."
Sera turned and saw a girl with golden eyes and a mean smile. Her name was Velina. She stood with other rich-looking students. They laughed at Sera.
"Stop it," Lira said. "She just got here."
Velina smiled in a cruel way. "If she belongs here, she should prove it."
Sera felt angry. Her hands started to feel warm. Her heart beat fast.
"I'll try," she said.
Sera closed her eyes. She thought about her home. She remembered her aunt's magic. She remembered the wind and her mother's voice.
A soft blue light formed in her hand. It grew brighter. Then, it turned into a small glowing butterfly. The butterfly flew around the room, leaving sparkles in the air.
Everyone stared in surprise.
Even Velina was quiet.
Professor Elric smiled. "Well done, Miss Ashgrave. Your magic is soft and beautiful. Very good control."
The butterfly landed on Lira's shoulder, then disappeared.
Lira smiled. "See? You're amazing."
After class, Sera walked outside. The school grounds were huge. There were gardens, lakes, and training fields. Some students were practicing magic. Others were riding strange animals or reading under trees.
Sera walked toward the library. It was a tall building with glass on top. She wanted to learn more about this school.
As she walked, someone spoke behind her.
"You surprised everyone today."
She turned. It was Kael, the boy with wild hair and golden eyes.
"Thanks," Sera said quietly.
Kael looked at her closely. "You have strong magic. But you're hiding it."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I can feel it," he said. "You're stronger than you know."
Then he walked away, leaving Sera standing there.
That evening, Sera and Lira sat together in their room. They drank tea and ate sweet bread.
"There's a welcome party next week," Lira said. "Everyone dresses up and dances."
"I've never been to a party like that," Sera said.
"You'll love it," Lira said with a big smile. "We'll find you a beautiful dress."
They both laughed. But suddenly, a cold wind came through the room. The lights flickered.
Lira flew up. "That's not normal."
A voice whispered in the room.
"Watch her. She does not belong here."
Then everything went quiet again.
Lira flew to the window. "No one's outside. But that was dark magic."
Sera sat on her bed, scared. "Who said that?"
Lira looked serious. "Someone dangerous. Someone who doesn't want you here."
Far below the school, in a dark place, a shadow moved. Two red eyes opened.
"She has come," the shadow said. "The girl from the Ashgrave family."
A tall man in a black cloak stepped forward. "Should I stop her?"
"Not yet," the shadow said. "Watch her. She must not learn the truth too soon."
Back in her room, Sera hugged her knees. The school was magical. It was exciting. But now, she knew it could be dangerous too.
Someone in this school already wanted her gone.