บท 1: I didn't want to become a mage
The air in my secret kitchen was thick with the scent of charred herbs and sulfur, a strange but comforting aroma I had grown used to over the years.
The black granite countertops glistened under the dim, enchanted light orbs hovering overhead, casting a warm, golden hue across the room.
Every corner was meticulously organized rows of glass jars filled with rare ingredients, enchanted knives that never dulled, and a cauldron bubbling with a faint green glow.
This was my sanctuary, a place no one dared disturb except for one person: my twin sister, Rowena.
I stirred the thick liquid in my cauldron, a grin tugging at my lips. Today, I was working on something thrilling a poison that could actually affect demons.
It was a ridiculous challenge since most poisons barely gave us more than a bout of indigestion or, at worst, diarrhea.
But the idea of outsmarting our biology was too enticing to resist. The mixture swirled as I added a pinch of powdered moonstone, its silvery dust sparkling like tiny stars. Almost there.
The heavy oak door creaked open behind me, and I didn't need to turn to know who it was. Only Rowena would dare barge in without knocking.
"Rhiannon," she said, her tone exasperated. "Are you seriously still in here? Graduation is in thirty minutes."
I turned, leaning casually against the counter. There she was, my twin, the complete opposite of me in almost every way.
Rowena's short, fiery red hair glinted in the soft light, her brown streaks catching the gold like polished copper.
Her crimson eyes burned with their usual mix of mischief and annoyance, a stark contrast to my calmer, more focused demeanor. Her athletic build and confident posture screamed that she could take on the world and probably flirt with it too.
And then there was me: long, wavy brown hair with red streaks framing my face, the little horns on my forehead less prominent than hers.
While Rowena carried herself like a warrior, I was more at home here, in this kitchen, my red eyes glowing not with fire but with curiosity.
"We're twins, but sometimes I swear you were born just to test my patience," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Mom's going to blow a gasket if we're late."
I smirked and gestured to the cauldron. "I'm on the verge of a breakthrough, Row. Give me five minutes."
"Breakthrough? You mean in making demons vomit?" She wrinkled her nose, glancing at the bubbling mixture. "That's disgusting, even for you."
"Disgusting? It's revolutionary," I shot back, though I couldn't help but laugh. "Besides, who else is going to figure out demon biology's weak points? Certainly not you."
"Touché," she said, rolling her eyes. "But seriously, graduation, Rhiannon. Graduation. You can't keep Mom waiting."
Before I could argue, a familiar voice cut through the room like a whip.
"Rhiannon Ashbourne!" My mother, Riley, stood in the doorway, her green eyes blazing with irritation.
Her long brown hair, identical in color to mine, swayed as she stepped inside, hands on her hips. "What are you doing in here? You should be getting ready."
"Experimenting?" I offered with an innocent grin.
"Upstairs. Now."
I didn't need to be told twice. Mom's temper was not something to trifle with, and I wasn't in the mood to test how far her patience stretched today.
I dashed past her and Rowena, escaping to the safety of my room.
After a quick shower, I slipped into one of my favorite dresses a flowing, deep crimson number that complemented my red eyes and hinted at my demon heritage.
The soft fabric hugged my figure just enough to look elegant without feeling restrictive. I dried my hair, letting it cascade over my shoulders, the red streaks catching the light like flames.
Glancing at the clock on my phone, I grimaced. Five minutes late. Not too bad.
When I emerged, my family was waiting in the grand entryway of our castle. Rowena looked effortlessly dashing in a tailored black suit, her horns polished to perfection.
Riley stood beside her, arms crossed, her face a mix of pride and annoyance. And then there was Seraphine, towering in a regal black suit adorned with shimmering red accents.
Her purple and red eyes sparkled with joy as she took in the sight of her daughters.
"Finally," Riley muttered, still glaring at me as we piled into the enchanted black limousine waiting outside.
The car ride was tense at first, with Riley's anger hanging over us like a storm cloud. But Seraphine's excitement quickly dissolved the tension.
"My girls," she beamed, her voice rich and commanding. "Graduating at the top of your class! I couldn't be prouder."
"Well, one of us graduated first," Rowena teased, nudging me with her elbow. "But hey, second place isn't too bad, Rhiannon."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. Rowena's playful jabs were nothing new. "Thanks for the reminder, Row. Truly humbling."
Seraphine chuckled, her eyes flicking between us. "Both of you have achieved so much. Today is a celebration of your hard work and potential."
I bit my lip, glancing out the window as the towering spires of our magical academy came into view. The school was a marvel of architecture, its grand stone walls etched with glowing runes that pulsed with ancient magic.
The central tower reached into the heavens, its peak disappearing into the clouds, while sprawling courtyards filled with lush gardens and shimmering fountains stretched out below.
Students in flowing robes milled about, their chatter blending with the hum of magic in the air.
But as we pulled up to the grand entrance, my stomach churned. Today wasn't just about celebrating. It was about the future a future I hadn't confessed to my mothers yet.
I didn't want to become a mage.
As the car came to a halt, I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Here we go.
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