School finally started. The medicine Elise gave to me worked perfectly; it felt like nothing happened by the time I woke up. The pain was gone, and I had enough energy to get ready for class. It became my go-to remedy for cramps.
My life in Galliel started, and it was nice. I enjoyed every class I went to from the first day till now. Just as I was warned, things became hectic, especially after I entered my second year. I decided to take extra classes so that I could graduate early, and it was tough.
I experienced everything I was told that I would: sleep deprivation, headaches, nosebleeds from stress—the list goes on. But I was content because my research was the reason for all that stress. I focused on understanding all the ingredients used in making the Large Worms vaccine and other plants with similar attributes to see if there was a way to cure it when it had formed in a person.
At first, my research was slow and lacked promise, but with time, I started working on a thesis based on my experience from when I had Large Worms. Experiencing it firsthand gave me an edge to know where other researchers missed.
My thesis was completed before I knew it, but I had to review it and confirm its validity. I wasn't working to become a professor but a medical practitioner, but things took a different turn when I pitched the project to the board. I was nominated to be awarded as a professor.
I rubbed my hands together as I looked out through the curtains that blocked the view of the audience.
"To think I'd be sharing my special day with my student," someone said, and I turned. Elise stood there, smiling at me. Her words did not match the proud look on her face. "How are you feeling?" she asked.
"I... I'm fine," I said, but it didn't sound convincing.
"Don't be nervous; you earned this," she said, and I nodded.
I turned sixteen a few months ago. I spoke to Mother every end of the week since the day I came here. I haven't seen past the walls of the academy since I came here, and I don't really have complaints, but that means I haven't seen Mother either.
Since the night of the freshmen party, I haven't spoken to Teon. I saw him a few times, but since I started working on my thesis fully when I turned fourteen, I haven't seen him. The other three come to check on me in secret a few times when they are allowed to, but past that, I don't speak to them.
Sienna graduated when I became a second year, but she stayed one more year before joining a knight order in the north, where she's from. I received a letter from her when she was getting married, but past that, I haven't spoken to her. I was surprised when she told me who she got married to, but it made sense in the end.
I haven't spoken to the other members of the dorm except Wolfe, and Clove, once in a while when she visits. I am not close to the new members because I'm always busy, but I like their playful energy.
It surprised me that all the special grades always get along, but the regular students are proud and competitive. I expected it to be the other way around.
I am about to conquer sixteen, and I'm glad. The Large Worms started showing me signs around the time I turned sixteen, but it wasn't as bad as before.
"Let's present the candidates," I heard, and I turned to look at Elise nervously.
"Don't worry; it's an invite-only event. Only a few people are out there," she said, and I nodded, but I was still nervous.
"Elise Bradwitt," she was called, and she smiled, wearing the hat that all those being awarded the position had to wear.
"Wish me luck," she said and walked out smiling. The cheers were louder than they were for the others.
"Oh, this is nice. I want to thank the Principal for forcing me to finish my project and my lovely student for starting a project which pushed me to work on mine," she said, turning to look in my direction. I hid behind the curtain quickly. "I will make sure I make Galliel proud," she said and stepped down, waving the scroll and badge in the air.
"And finally, the fifth person being awarded this year, Faina Alden," I was called. My legs stopped working; I couldn't move, I was too scared to.
"Faina," I heard an unexpected voice. I turned and saw Mother standing there. Am I dreaming? She was supposed to be in the north with Sienna. She pulled me into a hug, which I accepted happily.
"You're here," I said as tears threatened to flow out of my eyes.
"I won't be here for long, but I came to say congratulations. You did well, Livi. I'm proud of you," she said, and I nodded.
"Faina Alden," I was called again.
"Faina, don't keep everyone waiting," Elise said, and I nodded, turning to walk out. I took a deep breath and turned to look at the two ladies who made it possible for me to be where I am.
I walked out and made my way to the stage. The cheers were really encouraging, and it also meant people were watching me. I received the scroll and badge and was led to make a speech.
I looked through the crowd. My eyes landed on Teon, Alia, Elwin, and Landen. They were together. Teon nodded the moment our eyes met, and I nodded back.
"I would like to..." I started, but my entire body froze when I saw my so-called older brother and his family, his sister and brother. I gulped and gripped the badge tightly. I tried focusing on Teon, but it was hard. "Thank you," I said and turned to leave.
"Faina, what's wrong?" Elise asked as I walked back.
"It's nothing, I'm fine," I lied, and she looked at me but didn't pry.
I walked out of there back to my dorm. I was scared, so scared. The one face I hoped I'd never see again was right there, staring at me. I walked inside and made my way up the stairs quietly with full intentions of sleeping.
"Ty," I called the moment I walked in, but he was nowhere to be seen. I walked to my room and looked around but couldn't find him. I went to the study, but he wasn't there either.
There was a letter on the desk. It read:
"Come to the dining room. Tyler is with us."
Probably my juniors. What do they want? I walked out and made my way downstairs. It was very late, and I needed sleep. There was meant to be a celebratory party after the induction, but I can't go there knowing the Rosens are there.
I opened the door to the dining room and jumped in shock when I heard explosions.
"Congratulations, Faina," they chorused. I smiled weakly as I walked in. How thoughtful of them. I wasn't expecting this, especially since I'm not close to them.
"Thank you," I said shyly.
"It's nothing. Chef helped us," the eldest said. I don't know who is who, so I refer to them based on their ages, in my head.
"Chef?" I asked, sitting down.
"He just listened and walked away. We got here today and saw it was fixed," the second eldest said.
"Oh," I said, nodding.
"Does that mean you'll be leaving the dorm?" the fifth asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"Too bad. Even if we don't see you often, you're still very nice," she said. That was very nice to hear. I didn't know that's how they saw me.
"We'll miss Tyler too," the youngest girl said, hugging Tyler. If I left her, she'd fall asleep.
"Are you hungry?" Famished. "Here," the eldest said, serving me before I could answer. I really like them. Whenever we see each other, they are always nice.
After dinner, I forced myself to move and walked back to my room. As I approached my door, I saw a figure there.
"Hey," Phoenix said, stepping out of the shadows. I was startled.
"Phoenix?" I said, surprised.
"How have you been?" he asked, putting his hands in his pockets casually.
"Fine, it's been a while," I replied. Two years. What is he doing here?
"I heard you were being inducted today," he said. Oh!
"Yes," I replied.
"Congratulations," he said, bringing out a gift box. For me? "It's just a small gift," he said, and I nodded.
"Thank you," I said, receiving it.
"Oh, and here," he said, giving me a few envelopes. "I was sent as the messenger," he said, as I collected them.
"Thank you," I said.
"Well, I'll be on my way, little Alden," he said, and I nodded. "Be safe," he said and was gone before I could say a word.
I walked inside my room quietly and fell on the bed. I was exhausted. I just wanted to sleep for a really long time.