Chapter 4: Secrets of Nytherra
Sera woke up early the next morning. The sky was still gray with soft light coming through her window. She stretched and looked around her room. Her fairy roommate Lira was already up, fluttering her tiny glowing wings as she prepared for the day.
"Good morning, Sera," Lira said, smiling softly.
"Good morning," Sera replied. She felt excited and nervous. The school felt bigger every day. There were so many students, and everyone seemed to have different kinds of magic. Some could control fire, others could talk to animals, and some could even disappear.
After a quick breakfast in the grand dining hall, Sera went to her first class of the day: History of Magic. The room was full of old books and strange objects that looked like they belonged to another world. The teacher, Miss Thalia, was tall with silver hair that shined like the moon. She spoke with a calm voice that made everyone listen carefully.
"Nytherra Academy is one of the oldest magic schools in the world," Miss Thalia began. "It was built hundreds of years ago by great witches and wizards. They wanted a place where all magical beings could learn and live together safely."
Sera thought about the stories she had heard. She knew her mother was a powerful witch, but no one ever talked much about her past.
Miss Thalia continued, "But this school holds many secrets. There are places that even the students are not allowed to enter. These areas are protected by strong magic because they hide things that are dangerous or very important."
Sera's heart beat faster. She wanted to explore those secret places. She wanted to know everything.
After class, Sera walked alone through the quiet hallways. She admired the old stone walls covered in glowing symbols and paintings of magical battles and creatures. As she turned a corner, she noticed a small door she hadn't seen before. The door was old, made of dark wood, and locked with an ancient-looking seal covered in strange marks.
She reached out to touch it but stopped. The door was locked tight. Sera wondered what was behind it. Then she heard footsteps behind her.
"Looking for secrets?" a voice asked.
Sera turned around quickly. It was Valen, the pale boy with dark eyes. He stood there with a slight smile, calm and mysterious.
"Yes," Sera said quietly. "Do you know what's behind this door?"
Valen nodded slowly. "Not many students know, but it's said to hold the history of the school and some of its greatest mysteries."
Sera's eyes widened. "Really? Have you ever tried to open it?"
Valen shook his head. "No. The magic protecting it is very strong. Only the headmistress and a few teachers have the key. It's not a place for students."
Just then, Kael and Riven appeared. Kael was tall with wild hair and sharp eyes that looked like a wolf's. Riven had red eyes that seemed to burn like fire. They stood quietly behind Valen.
Kael spoke, "The headmistress is very strict about that door. She says some things are too dangerous for students to see."
Riven nodded. "Some secrets are better left alone."
Sera looked at the three boys. She felt like they understood something important. She wanted to ask more questions, but the bell rang, and the hall quickly filled with students hurrying to their next class.
Later that evening, Sera returned to her dorm room. Lira was waiting for her.
"Did you find out anything interesting today?" Lira asked, fluttering her wings.
Sera told her about the locked door and the stories from Miss Thalia.
Lira looked worried. "Be careful, Sera. The school is full of magic, but also danger. There are teachers with powerful magic watching every student."
"I know," Sera said. "But I want to know the truth. About this school and about my family."
Lira nodded. "You have a strong heart. But sometimes, it's better to wait for the right time."
As Sera was about to go to bed, there was a soft knock on the door. She opened it and saw her aunt standing there. Her aunt held a small wooden box wrapped in cloth.
"I have something for you," her aunt said quietly.
Sera took the box carefully and opened it. Inside was a beautiful necklace. It had a black feather charm and a small glowing stone.
"This belonged to your mother," her aunt explained. "She gave it to me before she disappeared. It holds strong magic."
Sera held the necklace and felt warmth from the glowing stone.
"Keep it safe," her aunt said. "One day, it will help you."
Sera felt a mix of emotions. She wanted to ask more about her mother, but her aunt only smiled sadly and left.
That night, Sera lay in bed, thinking. Her mother was a powerful witch. Her father was an ordinary man with no magic. Why had her mother left? What was the secret behind her family?
She looked out the window at the stars shining above the dark forest. She knew her life was changing. Nytherra Academy was only the beginning. There were many secrets to discover—and dangers to face.
Suddenly, a shadow moved outside her window. Sera's heart skipped a beat.
She wasn't alone.
The next few days passed quickly. Sera attended classes, made new friends, and practiced magic with Lira's help. She met students from all kinds of magical families. Some were kind, some were quiet, and others seemed full of power and mystery.
One day, while practicing a simple spell in the courtyard, Sera felt a strange energy around her. The air grew colder, and the sky darkened for a moment.
Valen appeared beside her.
"Do you feel that?" he asked.
Sera nodded. "What is it?"
Valen looked serious. "Something bad is coming to Nytherra. Someone with very strong magic and dark intentions."
Sera felt a chill run down her spine.
"Who is it?" she asked.
Valen shook his head. "No one knows yet. But we have to be ready."
That night, Sera couldn't sleep. She held her mother's necklace tightly and thought about what was happening.
The secrets of Nytherra were deeper than she imagined. And now, danger was closing in.
Sera knew she had to be strong. For herself, for her family, and for everyone at the school.