As a kid I used to always smile and laugh at the things people around me used to say. Even the mean comments.

But after mother died, I couldn't bring myself to even glance into a mirror. Every time I tried it felt like someone was literally stabbing me. After a few tries I gave up. Eventually even forgot what I looked like. I would have forgotten my name too, if my father hadn't yelled it as he hit me.

It surprised me when I woke up one morning to see my father sitting on my bed telling me I had school. I had no need for it. I had learned to hate human interaction with my very being. Not that it mattered. My opinion wasn't especially important anyway.

My father shook my shoulder gently mumbling words too quiet for me to hear. Not especially threatening today. This wasn't a good thing. It never was. That too I learned "the hard way".

"Miro you have school. Get up."

I sat up slowly, my breathing shaggy and jagged. Long hair fell into my eyes and down my shoulders. Mother always thought I looked cute with it long, so I never cut it like most of the boys my age. Of course I'd been teased endlessly. Eventually I'd learned to ignore them.

As my dad left my room I slipped out of my bed. The cool floor sent tingles up my feet. I pulled my Snow White hair into a ponytail to see clearly. My room looked clean for a Monday. Normally clothes were covering the floor like a blanket. Now most of them were hung in my closet.

I dressed quickly in a black shirt, grey sweater, and black sweat pants. My usual when I decided to get up.

As I walked out of my room and down the shiny wooden steps I noticed the busy maids around the room. My father must be planning something.

I sighed softly. That never meant anything good for me. Ever.

"Hello master Miro," a voice from beside me called.

I turned. Standing in a butler uniform stood Alister. My mother hired him when I was 3 years old. Ever since then he practically treated me as his own son. He'd been more of a father to me than my actual one. I always wondered if that bothered him but if it did he always made sure never to show it. 

Alister looked much younger than he was. His chocolate brown hair was sleeked back with gel into a stylish sort of way. A moustache covered his top lip into an almost perfect chevron. His dark brown eyes were piercing and laced with a hint of well hidden concern. I knew because I'd seen it in my own eyes as a kid. He looked relieved to see me. Wish I could say the same.

"Hello Alister. How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you for asking Master Miro!"

"Where's Wilbert?" I looked around the busy lobby

Men and women scurried around quickly around the room carrying things, fixing, and cleaning.

"Grand Master Wilbert  is currently eating in the dining hall. Would like to join him?"

I know Alister made it sound like a question, but it I knew it wasn't. So I dragged my feet down the cavernous porcelain corridor and pushed open the heavy dark wood door open to the dinning hall.

Wilbert sat in one of the middle of long marble table. He wore a black suit with a tie spotted with white. He glanced and me and I could practically see the distaste in my fashion choice roll off him.

"Miro come, sit with me."

I took a quick look and noticed a plate of food set across from Wilbert.

When I sat, Wilbert set his silverware down in front of him.

"Son I have enrolled you into a prestigious school in  Tussa Liska. Do you know where that is?"

Of course I did. I was forced to study geography when I was 6. I wasn't allowed to eat till I memorized everything on the map. Everything.

"Yeah,"

"Good. There is a boarding school over there, Consedius Aparel Private School. You will study there for now. Today you will fly there and get comfortable in your temporary home. Alright?"

I knew I was being sent away. It didn't surprise me. I had expected it, yearned for it even for a long time now.

"Yes sir,"