The radiant light of the sun that had only been shining for a few hours entered through the window of my room. Sitting at my desk, playing with a pencil in my mouth, I sighed. I should be sad. Deep down, I was. I could feel a guilt so great that every time I remembered what had happened, I simply held back the urge to cry. Weakness was a part of me that I wanted to hide, but I let it come to light only when I was alone. I knew I was a coward. Anyway, I didn't allow myself to cry, not now. I swallowed the painful lump in my throat and decided to push away these thoughts, as I did every morning. After the need for fresh air, I gathered my long, dark hair into a high ponytail and leaned out on the small balcony to breathe. At this time in the morning, everything was very calm. You could hear birds singing, and the cool breeze carried with it the scent of the forest and nature, so characteristic of my home that it filled me with immense tranquility.

I always loved living in Aracel, the architecture, the quaint and lively atmosphere, nature... but most of all, the people made me fall in love with the capital. Of course, everything was different now. Many people didn't notice it, but I was very clear about it.

My maids hurried in without bothering to knock on the door, a behavior I had grown accustomed to. Privacy was not one of their strong points.

I hated having maids; I preferred to do everything myself, in the tranquility of solitude, without having to pretend serenity in front of strangers. But I admitted that they were people of limited resources, and they needed the work to feed their families at the end of the day. Scolding them for my selfishness would only make me feel like a bad person. What they didn't skimp on was the amount of makeup they applied to me. If it were up to me, I would apply a bit of foundation and be done with it, but in these times, I couldn't be myself.

They took great care to conceal my dark circles, black circles that were all too visible. I admit that, since my parents' disappearance, I had started to suffer from sleep disorders. I could no longer rest peacefully because I always had terrible nightmares. Nightmares that relived moments of horror but also showed me situations that exceeded the limits of what I could bear. My greatest fear was that one of those nightmares would come true. I didn't know if I could live with that.

My parents had disappeared two years ago, and, to the displeasure of the queen, we would have to continue the search, which would be the right thing to do. But that woman's ability to manipulate the minds and critical thinking of the nobles was chilling. There was no way to convince the nobles to invest their resources in the search since, after the queen's impassioned speeches, my parents could no longer be alive, and those resources were needed elsewhere. Of course, I couldn't care less.

The queen did nothing but put on smiles for the people and make them believe that there was no problem at all. A bitter taste formed in my mouth, and anger took over.

When my maids had left, I hurried to put on some loose black pants and a white blouse. I wasn't one to wear dresses. I looked at my reflection in the large full-body mirror next to my desk, and my self-esteem plummeted. I looked like a mess. I used to be a slim person, but with a lot of muscle thanks to the rigorous training my father had given me. He had insisted that his daughter should have the necessary knowledge to survive, if necessary, despite my mother's objections. I used to have a toned and worked body. I also had slight curves that were enough for me, along with large breasts that I never liked because they were a hindrance in everything I did.

But when I snapped out of my memories, my strong arms and legs had turned into a sack of skeletal and flabby bones, along with an abdomen that was still flat but no longer defined. I was too thin. Stress and frustration had caused me to stop exercising and eat very little. Now I was a walking sack of bones. I suppressed the nausea that seeing my horrific reflection caused me and what I had become.

In a foul mood, I went downstairs to have breakfast. One of the reasons I ate so little was because I was obliged to eat with the queen, who only regarded me as ignorant and useless, and her pity for me and feigned condescension made me want to spend as little time as possible with her.

As always, she was sitting with a stiff but not tense posture. She looked splendid in a navy blue dress with white details throughout. I must admit that despite being nearly forty years old, she had a healthy figure and a slim build. The beautiful sleeves of the dress had a hand-embroidered finish, which surely took the seamstresses hours to complete. As I approached cautiously but with confidence, her slow and graceful movements had already annoyed me. How could that woman be so calm?

She took a last bite of the exotic fruits on her plate when she looked me straight in the eyes.

-Dear, it's a pleasure that you honor us with your presence- she said after attempting to smile, forming a twisted grin as a result.

I took a seat next to her, too close for my liking.

-Apologies for being late, Your Highness. - I managed to say through gritted teeth.

My radiant cousin, the queen's daughter, greeted me confidently. She and I always had a friendly relationship, and Lorel was the only one there for me when the tragedy occurred.

-Today the weather is spectacular. Would you like to go to the lake in the afternoon after classes?- she asked with enthusiasm. She loved the water and enjoyed making plans with me.

The queen looked at her with severity, a cold and chilling look, something no one would think she would use against her daughter.

-You know well that Aurelia is not allowed to leave the castle after classes, Lorel. It's non-negotiable,- she said, disregarding her response and that of anyone else. Then she gestured to the servants, who quickly cleared the table while she rose from her seat and disappeared through the enormous wooden door, leaving Lorel with a sad expression.

-Someday, I'll disfigure her face,- I whispered to myself as a promise, and Lorel couldn't help but laugh, although her sad expression remained. -Come on, Lorel, it's getting late, and lose that sad look. I'll see how I can lie to her, and we'll meet at the lake later. Shall we meet at 5?-

Lorel nodded as we headed to the main door, where a black carriage awaited us along with Ronald, our driver. The trip wasn't long, and as the carriage made its way through the narrow streets of Aracel, Loren didn't stop chattering about a new guy she was getting to know. It took us about fifteen minutes to reach the prestigious school in the capital of the southern kingdom, known as the "Southern School" (the Southerners weren't very original), where every witch trained.

As I got off the luxurious and very expensive carriage, Ronald signaled for me to come closer. As I approached, he tensed up and handed me an envelope with a grave expression. He said it was of utmost importance that it reached my hands and my hands only, almost in a whisper.

-Why didn't you give it to a messenger?- was the first thought that crossed my mind.

-He's sure those messages pass through the Queen, and she knows everything- he said, -He didn't think it was safe. We've been friends for years, and he entrusted me to deliver it.- Faced with this, I couldn't help but wonder what was so important in that piece of parchment. -I ask that you don't mention this to anyone and have a good day, my lady.-

He then settled back into his seat, signaling that it was time for me to leave if I didn't want to raise suspicions.

The fresh air hit me all at once, relieving me from the stuffy atmosphere of the carriage. I took a moment to examine the school closely as I carefully tucked the peculiar letter into my back pocket. It hadn't changed at all. It was still as immense and spectacular as I remembered, with its towering walls that ended in turrets, where security kept watch 24 hours a day. The ivy that covered much of it, in a wild yet elegant way, dazzled anyone.

I hurried to enter through the enormous metal door in the shape of a rectangle with a circular curve at the top, crowded with nervous students, all of them girls. The first day of each semester, witches were divided into groups and given an itinerary based on their age and, of course, their power group. All the witches were gathered in the Great Hall, where all the important meetings took place. Upon entering, a dense aroma of cleanliness and wildflowers filled the entire place. It was a huge hall, almost as large as the royal hall. It was adorned with beautiful ivy that gave it a beautiful natural touch. There were seats decorated with flowers, and most of them were already occupied. I found my place next to Lorel, who had saved me a seat.

-The professors get more nervous every year. I think they're aware of something we're not.- she whispered in my ear as we both looked at the long row of different professors sitting on a higher platform, where we could see them better.

It was true that these witches were somewhat ignorant, but last year, Lorel and I had sneaked into the professors' room, and we had heard a very suspicious conversation among some of them. They had advanced the start of the semester, and the classes had become much more demanding. It was as if they were preparing us for something important.

Without further ado, our director, Mr. Lucas Montelo, stood up and raised his voice to get everyone's attention. 

-Good morning, students. Today we are here for a new year of learning and discipline. As you all know, it is a pride to train you, and we hope that many of you will discover more about yourselves this year,- he spoke, this bald man who was about sixty years old but in good shape. He was tall and slender, radiating self-confidence. We all felt we were in good hands with him. -We hope that you will all do your best and give your all.-

After his brief speech, as with every year, he moved on to the more interesting part, which had all of us excited. -Well, before we send you your itineraries, we have something important to tell you,- he said, and silence fell. After a brief pause, he continued. -The wizarding school will now study and train with us. We have decided to bring them all here because we believe you can learn from them and vice versa,- a murmur of excitement and nervous laughter spread through the rows of students. The truth was that it surprised me. We had always been separated from the wizards because they were usually very different from us, and the teachers could lose control. Witches with the right wizard could triple their strength, but that was not something they wanted in a small area for so many people. I hadn't had much contact with wizards because I had only known one when I was little, but our contact had faded away.

-Ladies, please, calm down. They will come tomorrow and settle in the north area. We will keep a close eye on all of you. At the slightest touch, the smallest fight, there will be serious consequences, I assure you,- he warned with a cold expression.

After this revelation, the hall emptied. We went to the central park, where the rest of the girls from my generation were. They were my group of 'friends.' The truth was, I didn't have friends, but I managed to get into their little group so as not to look bad.

They all looked spectacular, with flowery and colorful dresses, while others wore leather jackets.

The six girls, cheerful and very smiling, directed Lorel and me to a table in the huge and ancient garden that this school possessed, to catch us up on our lives and tell us silly teenage gossip. I just nodded and let out a half-fake giggle so as not to look bad.

The garden was absolutely beautiful. In the center, there was a huge water fountain, depicting one of our gods squatting, holding a sword while gracefully throwing water from his other hand that fell delicately into a large fountain. It was amazing, and it was certain that this sculpture was at least half a century old. Of course, it was well-preserved and cared for with magic. There were tables around it where we usually had lunch. The grass was a very lively green color and was always well-tended. Going out there to breathe was a salvation and relief for many students in moments of stress.

While having lunch, we all received our itineraries via email. Anxiously, I grabbed my phone and examined it carefully.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays:

7:30 to 8:30: Enchantments

8:40 to 9:40: Elemental Magic

9:50 to 11:30: Combat with Magic (Advanced Level)

Showers

12:00 to 13:00: Lunch

13:10 to 14:30: Specialized Powers

14:40 to 15:40: History of Witchcraft

Tuesdays and Thursdays:

8:00 to 9:00: Elemental Magic

9:10 to 10:10: Contact Combat (Advanced Level)

Showers

10:40 to 11:40: Bestiary

11:50 to 13:30: Specialized Powers

13:40 to 14:40: Lunch

14:50 to 15:50: Magical Theory

16:00 to 17:00: Enchantments

I was so excited to start. I was really tired of spending all day locked up in the castle.

Hours later, the classes for the day had finished, and Lorel had invited the other girls to join us at the lake. I didn't really like the idea; I wanted to spend time alone with her, but I decided not to cause any harm.

-Did you see what Railen was wearing today?- Leila asked with a hint of suspicion in her voice while swimming peacefully in that beautiful lake of crystal-clear water. -Honestly, I don't know who she thinks she is. Does she believe she can disregard the dress code and get away with it?- She said indignantly, and to be honest, I understood her. Railen had worn extremely short shorts today, leaving little to the imagination, along with a neon orange top that ended a few inches above her belly button. It was really inappropriate.

-You know she's been doing this for a while, and I can't imagine what she'll wear now that the school will be filled with hot wizards - her sister Vera insinuated with laughter.

I rolled my eyes while they all burst into laughter. But the truth was, it was accurate. The school would be filled with wizards who would turn everything upside down.

An hour later, the girls had grown tired of playing in the water, and we all headed back to our respective homes. Once in the carriage, Lorel asked me what excuse I would give to the queen for our little lake escapade. I would tell her that I went to the library, one of the few places she allowed me to go, and hopefully, she would believe me.

After escaping the queen's accusatory glances and convincing her that I had been in the library, I decided to take a long, soothing bath. When I was dressed and groomed, I sat at my spacious desk to read what had been causing me so much anxiety.

With excited fingers, I unfolded the parchment.

Dear Aurelia,

I'm afraid I've had to leave for Micconis due to personal matters, but I wanted to let you know that I asked my second to allow you into the library whenever you wish and to let you take any books you desire. I would like you to visit section A-33, where there is a lot of history that will help you in this course. The golden books are always the most interesting, especially when it comes to witches.

I'm very proud of you, and I know that your light will shine fully someday, and you will deliver us all. I hope to see you again soon.

Sincerely, Clay.

I stared at the parchment and the delicately written black ink. It was beautiful calligraphy; one I knew well. I ran a finger over the letters, lost in thought. Clay and I had always been friends. When I was a child, he would let me into the library whenever I wanted and allowed me to take up to five books, although that was the maximum. He had always been a clever and intelligent person with a curious spirit, and I had always admired that about him. His leaving without a personal farewell made me suspicious. I had a feeling that something was amiss. He cared for me too much to leave without prior notice.

That night, I couldn't sleep well. Despite the nightmares, Clay's letter lingered in my mind, and my anxiety about rushing to the library and examining those books consumed me until I finally fell asleep.