Illyria walked shyly into the office.
She was tall, her hair was twirling into long black curls, her skin was pale, and her eyes glimmered in emerald green. She was still ever so thin, Mother thought to herself, reminding herself that the girl needed more time to recover.
As tall as she was, her movements were feebler as if she were a doe ready to hide at the sight of danger. She was so wary, ready to run at the slightest bit of insecurity.
Mother smiled and pointed at the chair on the other side of the desk. Illyria obediently sat down, her head bent low as if she expected scolding.
"What did you learn today?" The Mother asked curiously.
"I've learnt of the Ginkgo nuts."
"And what do you know about Ginkgo nuts?"
"They can be used for cough, fever, diarrhoea, toothaches, and even gonorrhoea. They must be used in moderation otherwise they might worsen the initial condition."
"Good." Mother nodded. "I'm glad that you're learning. I'm also pleased to know that you're keen to learn and that you're a very bright girl. Serena did praise you aplenty."
"Thank you, Mother."
"How are you feeling?"
"I am well, Mother, thank you ever so much for your care."
"That's good. Keep eating well." Mother nodded. "You've been here a couple of weeks now. How do you find the coven?"
"I have been welcomed by everyone so warmly. I cannot express all my gratitude to everyone here."
"That's good. I want you to think of this coven as your home. Each and every witch here will help you if you need it. In return, I hope that you will keep learning and help us when needed."
"Of course, Mother."
"It is important to me that you learn of our values and that you will follow them as if they were law. You will have many freedoms, but the discipline that our values and morals will dictate will allow you to build control over your emotions and in return, control over your powers."
"I understand, Mother." Girl nodded.
"I understand that the Witches' Code is not something you're accustomed to, but it is necessary to ensure your use of powers is rightful." Mother sighed. "I hope that learning spells will allow you to expand your potential further. I will get Agatha to start teaching you spells, too. Herbology and botany seem to be going well enough."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Do you have any questions?"
"No, Mother."
"I will check on you regularly. For now, keep going as you are."
"Of course, Mother."
"Goodnight." Mother waved her goodbye and a girl soon disappeared into the darkness of the corridor.
Evangeline ignored Thalia's advice and she started to teach Illyria about their ways. Illyria started to grow in confidence too, integrating into the coven and now even partaking in their mealtimes, sitting with young witches as if she was one of them. Yet, she wasn't.
One night, Evangeline came across the passage in the oldest script the coven possessed when she realised what Illyria might have been. Thalia was right, Illyria wasn't a witch. Witches used spells and potions and other aids to be able to draw energies and use magic. Illyria didn't know of a single spell or potion before coming to the coven. Her magic wasn't crafted as that of a witch. Her magic was raw and hence destructive. The passage mentioned a creature of fate, born as a human who could see the world differently, who could use its very raw energies that surround us every day to change them into something else. But, they weren't exactly human. Indeed, they were mortal and would die of old age, but also their magic made them something else. The script called them Myriads. The rarest magical creature there was. The most powerful and scariest one too. They were often killed during childhood and there was no record of a Myriad ever reaching adulthood. If they weren't killed, their unconfined powers would kill them instead.
Evangeline managed to find out that Illyria was just turning eighteen in weeks to come. It was beyond miraculous for her to be alive. But also, since she came to the coven, she didn't show any of her magic. She must've been able to control it much better than most Myriads in the past.
Evangeline wished she didn't know. She wished that Illyria could live as a human instead. The war was a great risk to Illyria's life as a human, but as a Myriad, she would be in danger at all times. Her power could be used in wars and battles. But also, people would fear her and want to destroy her.
The only way to protect her was to teach her about her powers, and the ways to control them. Evangeline hence decided to teach her witches' ways, including their code.
Illyria was outstanding in her lessons. She was diligent and smart. Her herbology and botany were exceptional. She recognised plants after only reading about them. She also was able to grow the most challenging ones, as if she could tell exactly what they needed. She was gentle and skilled at selector he best leaves. Her supervising witches always noted that potions made from plants cared for by Illyria seemed to be much more potent.
It filled Evangeline with pride but yet, she couldn't show it. As much as she cared for Illyria, she couldn't show favouritism, or show how much she truly valued that girl in fear that she will be found as her weakness and used against her.