บท 2: Chapter 1
I woke up, soaked in sweat again. The nightmares have been nonstop since the Navarro war started, and I'm not even sure what's worse—dreaming or being awake. I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashed some cold water on my face, but it didn't help. Nothing does. I checked the time. Five a.m. Great, another hour to kill before the day starts. Not like it matters anymore.
I walked out of the bathroom and collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. I was definitely going to miss it. My gaze drifted to my stuffed animals, lined up on the shelf.
"I'm gonna miss you so much, my lovely Ruskin," I whispered to my stuffed bunny, my voice shaking. "Too bad I can't bring you with me…" The lump in my throat tightened as my words trailed off.
I got Ruskin during my fifth birthday trip to Scotland. I still remember the rain tapping on the windows and the smell of wet dirt. We were in a bunny-themed café, and I'd begged my mom for the carrot cake with a white chocolate bunny on top. She said no, of course, but my brother Zayan surprised me with it later when we got home.
I loved him so much. He was the kind of brother every little girl dreams of having.
Sighing, I got up and headed to the shower. I took my time, doing an "everything" shower, hoping it would clear my head. After, I started my skincare routine. That's when my mom walked in.
"Oh, you're already awake, sweetie…" she said, before breaking into a violent cough. She'd been battling pertussis for weeks now and always had to wear a mask.
"Yeah, I am, but you shouldn't be in here. You're still sick." I turned to face her, concern heavy in my voice. "You need to rest. I'll make breakfast and—"
She cut me off, like she always did.
"No, I'm fine. Don't worry about me, sweetie," my mom said, her voice trembling. "It's the last time I'll see you…"
"It's only for a year, Mom. It's nothing," I said, forcing a smile, trying to keep my tone light. "I'll be back just in time for next year's Christmas!" I hated seeing her like this. Ever since she was diagnosed with depression when I was twelve, Zayan and I had done everything we could to bring back her smile.
She gave me a weak smile. "Okay, but promise me you'll come back in good shape."
"I promise!" I said, grinning as angelically as I could.
Once she left, I sat on the bed, the smile fading. I didn't know if I'd actually be back next year. And even if I was, would they still be here? Alive?
I wanted to stay positive. I really did. But in a world like mine, where war never ends, it's hard to believe in anything good. Trying to think positively feels impossible when everything around me is falling apart.
I headed downstairs, lugging my cute, vintage Miffy suitcase that I'd thrifted, packed with all my things. The smell of breakfast hit me as soon as I reached the kitchen, and I knew I was really going to miss mornings like this.
"Hey, kinder, sleep well?" my dad called out, laughing softly. He loved calling me kinder, even though I'd grown out of the nickname ages ago.
"Hmm, breakfast looks amazing! My mouth's already watering," I said, smiling at him as I was about to sit down next to him. But he stopped me.
"Hold on. First, take this tray up to your mother. Make sure she takes her vitamins and medicine, okay?"
"Sure, but don't start without me!"
"Don't worry, I'll wait," he said, giving me a gentle smile before turning back to the dishes.
I carefully carried the tray upstairs, balancing the plate of toast, salad, an omelet, and two strips of bacon, along with her meds. I knocked softly on her door.
"Come in…" Her voice was weak and raspy, the sound of someone worn down by sickness. I could feel the exhaustion through her words.
I gently opened the door, carefully balancing the tray as I walked in and placed the food on the desk. "Here you go, Mom. Don't forget to take your meds," I reminded her, then paused. "Oh, wait…" I moved to the windows, pulling them open to let in some fresh air. "I opened the windows so you don't have to get up," I said, smiling softly.
"Thank you, sweetie," she replied, her voice still weak. "Have a great time at the nursery school, okay?"
"I will, Mom. But don't worry about me—just focus on getting better, alright?" I gave her my gentlest smile before heading downstairs to join my dad for breakfast.
We finished eating in a rush, knowing we were running late. My dad helped me load my suitcase into the car, and I hopped into the back seat. I put on my headphones, letting the music drown out my thoughts, and opened a two-hundred-year-old book about a queen who married her butler to save her kingdom. It wasn't the most exciting story, but I needed something to distract myself.
Eventually, I got tired of the book and set it down. Instead, I leaned back, letting the countryside blur past the windows as I listened to the steady rhythm of classical opera. The road ahead stretched on, the endless fields and hills blending into each other.
It was an unbearably hot day, the kind that made time crawl. After what felt like twenty-four hours, though it had only been two, we finally pulled up to the nursery school. My stomach churned. I'm definitely not ready for this. I'd heard rumors that this place was strict—really strict—and I wasn't sure how I'd handle it.
"Miss Desmond?" a tall, elderly man addressed me in a posh, elegant voice that felt straight out of the Victorian era.
"Y-yes… that's me," I replied uncertainly, glancing at my dad for reassurance. He smiled and nodded encouragingly.
"I am Mr. Edwin, the school's butler. Please follow me to the assembly; everyone is waiting for you. I must inform you that you are quite late, and we were just about to close the doors."
"Ah… I apologize for that, sir—"
"Pardon my interruption, Miss Desmond," he interjected smoothly, "but it would be more appropriate to call me Mr. Edwin." I nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion as I retrieved my suitcase from the car. I waved goodbye to my dad and followed Mr. Edwin, who effortlessly lifted my suitcase.
The nursery school stood in the shadow of a massive, old castle, draped in long vines and adorned with large, ornate windows. But something felt off; it seemed deserted. The walls were crumbling, many windows were shattered, and the grass lay unkempt, giving the place an eerie, abandoned feel. I glanced around and noticed the other children standing in straight lines, their expressions a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
I took my place in the girls' row, glancing around at my surroundings. Mr. Edwin returned with a few others, their attire bizarre and almost theatrical. They wore long black capes and muddy, old boots that looked like they had seen better days.
"I didn't realize this was a themed party. Oh my God," a girl behind me said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Curious, I turned to look at her and was taken aback by how tall she was. At 5'10", I usually felt tall, but I had to crane my neck to meet her gaze. She must have been at least a few inches taller than me, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and insecurity.
She is a striking girl with a tall, graceful build that gives her an air of quiet confidence. Her almond-shaped, dark green eyes, flecked with hints of gold, are her most captivating feature, often reflecting her thoughtful and curious nature. Long, dark brown hair cascades down her back in soft, natural waves, contrasting beautifully with her tanned skin, which has a warm, sun-kissed glow. Her overall appearance suggests both strength and elegance, with a subtle vibrancy that draws attention without trying.
"May I help you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and giving me a playful smirk.
"Oh, excuse me! I didn't realize I was staring," I laughed awkwardly, struggling to maintain eye contact with her.
"Honestly, it's a little weird to just stare at people like that. But I'll forgive you—I know I'm so charming that you can't help it." She struck a pose, as if she were a supermodel on a runway.
"You aren't that charming…" a random guy from the boys' row chimed in, his tone dismissive.
I shot him a look, puzzled by how he could fail to see how stunning she was.
"Don't listen to him; he's just blind to your beauty," I reassured her, trying to deflect the negativity.
"I couldn't care less about him," she said, pausing to glance back at the boy. "You're the ugly one, Xenos."
Despite the banter, neither of them was ugly. They were both incredibly gorgeous, the kind of beauty that made it hard to even meet their gaze.
Xenos had long, flowing black wavy hair that cascades down his shoulders, giving him an air of mystique. His thick, expressive brows frame dark black eyes that seem to hold secrets and depth, drawing you in with their intensity. His pale skin contrasts sharply with his hair and eyes, adding to his striking appearance. He carries an aura of confidence and intrigue, as if he's seen the world and has stories to tell. His features are sharp and defined, giving him a somewhat brooding yet captivating presence.
"You three back there, stop the chit-chat and be quiet!" Mr. Edwin called out, his voice cutting through the chatter.
Xenos rolled his eyes dramatically, his exasperation palpable. A heavy sigh escaped him, radiating annoyance like a dark cloud. Just then, I felt a warm, soft hand settle on my shoulder.
"My name is Alohi, by the way," she whispered in my ear, her voice gentle and melodic, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.
After what felt like an eternity draped in oppressive silence, we finally began to move, our footsteps echoing against the cold stone as we approached the looming structure. The castle stood like a specter, its jagged towers clawing at the bruised sky. Each step felt heavy, as if the very ground beneath us whispered secrets meant to be buried.
The air thickened with unease, a chill creeping into our bones as we neared the weathered entrance. Shadows danced in the corners of our vision, and the once-familiar path transformed into an unwelcoming threshold. What awaited us inside felt both beckoning and foreboding, like a hidden truth lurking just beyond the threshold, waiting for us to cross into the unknown.
As we entered, we arrived in a dimly lit corridor filled with benches. Mr. Edwin gestured for us to wait there. I found myself sandwiched between Alohi and Xenos, not entirely sure why they chose to sit next to me. The other students cast me nasty looks that made my skin crawl. I hated the scrutiny, and I knew I had to stand up for myself.
"Am I some kind of art you're all admiring? Why is everyone so judgy? Do I owe you something?" I snapped, irritation seeping into my voice.
The girls merely rolled their eyes, unimpressed. But then a nerdy-looking boy turned to me, his gaze curious. "So, you're the chosen one?"
I blinked, confusion washing over me. A chuckle slipped out before I could contain it. "What are you talking about? Is this some kind of fantasy?"
From behind me came a low rumble of laughter, and I turned to find Xenos, a smirk on his face. "It's fantasy for normal humans, but for us—and you included—it's life…"
Before I could respond, Alohi playfully smacked him on the arm. My bewilderment only deepened, and I couldn't help but laugh along, the absurdity of the moment breaking through the tension that filled the air.
Mr. Edwin returned, a cardboard box in his arms, filled with small cages. He set it down with a thud, and the sound echoed in the silence.
"Ladies and lads," he announced, his voice booming with authority, "you will each be given a creature that will follow you throughout your school year. Each creature has been chosen based on the strength and nature of your powers…"
As he spoke, my confusion deepened. What Xenos had said earlier, combined with this bizarre revelation, left my mind racing.
Mr. Edwin pulled out the first cage, and I squinted to see inside. There was... a small creature, but I couldn't quite grasp what it was. My thoughts tangled together; this was all so far from ordinary.
"Most of you kids will receive goblins as companions," Mr. Edwin continued, "except for Alohi, Xenos, and Sage…"
Did I just hear my name? "Sorry, Mr. Edwin, but you must be mistaken! I don't have any powers, and how in the—"
He cut me off sharply, raising a hand. "I see your parents didn't tell you anything. What can I expect from your mother…"
Confusion washed over me. What did my mom have to do with any of this? I felt as if I were trapped in one of my lucid dreams, desperate to wake up from this surreal reality.
Mr. Edwin continued distributing the companions. Alohi received a stunning green python, its iridescent scales shimmering mesmerizingly. Xenos, on the other hand, was given a black dragon, regal and imposing—perfectly matching his presence. And then it was my turn. I hesitated as he handed me a small cage, and inside was… a fairy.
I stared at the tiny fairy flitting around the cage, its delicate wings shimmering like glass in the dim light. "A fairy?" I whispered, disbelief lacing my words. Was this some kind of joke? I glanced around at Alohi and Xenos, their expressions a mixture of awe and pride as they admired their formidable companions.
Feeling out of place, I gently opened the cage, and the fairy flew out, hovering in front of my face. "Hey there, little one," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. The fairy's eyes sparkled with mischief, and it danced in the air, its laughter tinkling like wind chimes. I couldn't help but smile despite the confusion swirling in my mind.
"Welcome to the team," I said, unsure of what to do next. As I glanced back at Mr. Edwin, his gaze was fixed on me, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Remember, Sage," he said, "your true power lies within you. Trust in it."
The weight of his words settled in my chest, intertwining with the fluttering of the fairy in front of me. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead. This year was going to be anything but ordinary, and I was determined to figure out what it all meant.
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