It was a stormy night, the rain pouring down in torrents, blurring the world around her. Suddenly, a blinding light pierced through the downpour, coming straight at her. Before she could react, the impact was swift and unforgiving.
"Where am I?" Iris murmured as she slowly opened her eyes.
The sterile scent of antiseptic filled her nostrils as a nurse appeared, carrying a tray of fruit. "Are you feeling better now? You should be more careful, dear," the nurse said kindly.
Iris blinked, trying to piece together what had happened. "Yes, it was my fault," she replied nervously, her voice trembling.
Iris had beautiful white hair like a glowing moon and her eyes like sapphires with a golden glow. She was a beauty.
Iris came from a wealthy family. Her father, Robert Agrest, was a prominent businessman, known for his shrewd dealings and vast empire. She had two older brothers, the wins Dain and Noah, who were 2 years older than her and both being groomed to take over the family business.
However, Iris was not treated as well as her brothers. She was adopted. Her adoptive mother, Mrs. Amelia Agrest, had longed for a daughter. Despite her joy at Iris's arrival, Mrs Agrest's health had been failing. She was gravely ill and tragically passed away just a week after Iris came into their home.
Dain was a tall boy with black hair and black eyes with a tall figure. Noah had red hair and deep black eyes. They looked the same except for their hair colour. They both were also enrolled in the academy.
The household had never been warm to Iris. With Mrs. Agrest gone, Robert's grief turned to indifference, and her brothers' acceptance never came. She was seen as an outsider, a symbol of the mother they had lost too soon. The staff treated her with a distant politeness, but the warmth of a family was something she had never truly felt.
Living in the grand Agrest mansion, with its cold marble floors and echoing hallways, Iris often felt more like a guest than a member of the family. Her presence was a constant reminder of the loss, and she bore the brunt of their silent blame. Her days were filled with solitude, her nights with dreams of a different life where she belonged, where she was loved.
The nurse adjusted the blankets around Iris, giving her a sympathetic smile. "You've had quite the scare, but you'll be fine with some rest. Would you like to call anyone?" she asked.
Iris shook her head, the motion causing a dull ache to throb at her temples. "No, there's no one to call," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She stared at the tray of fruit, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
As the nurse left, Iris closed her eyes, willing herself to remember what had led her to this point. She had been walking back from the library, lost in thoughts. The day after tomorrow is the first day of the Aden. Academy and a ceremony was held. The rain had started suddenly, and she had hurried her steps, eager to get back to the dorms.
Then came the blinding light, the impact, and now this unfamiliar room.
She sighed, feeling the weight of her loneliness pressing down on her. The Agrest mansion and its inhabitants seemed a world away, yet the emotional distance had always been far greater than any physical separation. Her father would probably send a driver to fetch her, not out of concern but to maintain appearances.
Iris's gaze remained fixed on the tray of fruit, the apples and oranges glistening under the hospital lights, but her thoughts were far from the mundane. The sterile whiteness of the room seemed to stretch endlessly, a metaphor for her feelings of isolation. Despite the medical team's efforts, her heart felt heavy with the burden of a life where she felt so out of place.
The hours ticked by slowly, marked only by the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor and the occasional rustle of footsteps in the hallway. The loneliness was almost tangible, a constant reminder of her estrangement. She had never really formed close bonds with anyone, not at the Agrest mansion nor at the school she had attended before the incident. Her shy, reserved nature made it difficult to break through the invisible barriers she erected around herself. She was used to being a silent observer rather than an active participant in the lives of those around her.
The thought of Aden Academy brought a pang of anxiety. It was supposed to be a fresh start, an opportunity to prove herself beyond the confines of her adoptive family's expectations. But now, lying in this hospital bed, she felt her future slipping further away. She was worried about falling behind and missing the ceremony that was meant to mark her new beginning.
As she lay there, a flurry of memories washed over her. The few moments of solace she had found in books, the fleeting comfort of solitary walks in the gardens of the mansion, and the rare but cherished moments of quiet reflection. Those were her only companions, her only sources of solace in a world that seemed indifferent to her presence.
The door creaked open, and a doctor entered, breaking her reverie. He was a tall man with kind eyes, his expression softening as he took in Iris's dishevelled state.
"Good evening, Miss Agrest," he said gently. "I just wanted to check on you. How are you feeling?"
Iris managed a weak smile. "A little disoriented, but I'll be fine."
The doctor nodded, glancing at her medical chart. "Your scans look good. It seems you had a concussion from the impact, but there's no serious damage. We'll keep you here for a day or two for observation, and then you should be able to go home."
"Home," Iris repeated, a shadow crossing her face. The word held little warmth for her. "Thank you, Doctor."
As the doctor left, Iris's thoughts returned to the impending start of the academy. She wondered if she would have the chance to forge new connections, to finally feel like she belonged somewhere. The prospect seemed distant, but it was a glimmer of hope in her otherwise bleak world.
Just then, the door opened again, and a young woman with bright, hopeful eyes entered. She was dressed casually, and her presence was a stark contrast to the sterile environment of the hospital room. The woman introduced herself as Emma, a representative from the academy.
"We heard about the accident and came to see how you're doing," Emma said with a genuine smile. "I know it's not the best way to start, but we wanted to assure you that you're not alone."
Iris was taken aback by the unexpected visit. "Thank you," she said softly. "I didn't expect anyone to come."
Emma's smile widened. "Well, we do care. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. The academy is all about support and community, and we want you to feel welcomed."
Emma's visit brought a small flicker of warmth to Iris's cold, clinical surroundings. After exchanging a few more words of comfort, Emma left with a promise to check in on her later. As Iris tried to process the unexpected kindness, the door opened once more, this time admitting a figure she recognized all too well.
Her father, Robert Agrest, entered the room. His expression was a mixture of impatience and distant concern. He was impeccably dressed, as always, in a dark suit that seemed to add to the formality of the moment.
"Iris," he said curtly, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "How are you feeling?"
Iris met his gaze with a mixture of apprehension and hope. "I'm better, Father. The doctor says I'll be okay with a bit of rest."
Robert nodded, though his attention seemed more focused on the time than on his daughter. "Good to hear. We need to discuss something important."
Iris's heart sank slightly. She could sense that the conversation would be more about duty than concern. "What is it?"
Robert took a seat by her bed, his demeanour businesslike. "The incident has complicated matters with the start of the Aden Academy. You know how crucial this new beginning is for you."
"Yes, I understand," Iris replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I've spoken with the academy. They've agreed to allow you to join after a brief delay in your recovery. However," Robert continued, his tone growing more serious, "this incident has drawn unwanted attention. We need to ensure that this doesn't reflect poorly on the family."
Iris felt a pang of frustration. "I understand the importance of appearances, Father. But I'm not sure what more I can do."
Robert's eyes hardened slightly. "You need to focus on making the most of this opportunity. This accident shouldn't hinder your performance or your future. The family's reputation is at stake, and I expect you to handle this with the utmost professionalism."
Iris nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "I'll do my best, Father."
As Robert stood to leave, Iris felt a wave of isolation wash over her again. The brief interaction with her father had been a stark reminder of her place within the family—a place that was more about duty and less about connection.
"Take care of yourself, Iris," Robert said, his voice losing some of its edge. "We'll arrange for transportation back to the mansion once you're discharged."
Iris watched as her father walked out of the room, leaving behind an emptiness that she had grown accustomed to. She lay back against the pillows, her mind a tumult of thoughts and emotions. The conversation with her father had only reinforced her determination to make the most of her opportunity at Aden Academy.
As the night deepened, the hospital grew quieter. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound that broke the silence. Iris closed her eyes, willing herself to rest, but sleep remained elusive. Her thoughts drifted to the academy, to the possibility of a fresh start and the challenges that lay ahead.
Just as she was about to drift off, the door creaked open once more. Iris's heart pounded as she looked up, half-expecting another stern visit from her father or a nurse checking in. Instead, a figure cloaked in shadows slipped into the room. The figure moved with a quiet grace, almost as if they were floating.
"Iris Agrest?" a soft, almost ethereal voice whispered.
Iris's pulse quickened. "Who are you?"
The figure stepped into the light, revealing a tall woman with raven-black hair and striking green eyes that seemed to glow in the dim room. She wore a long, flowing coat that fluttered around her like smoke.
"My name is Elara," the woman said, her voice carrying a strange, calming warmth. "I came to see you because you have a unique destiny, Iris. One that intertwines with forces far beyond this world."
Iris blinked, confusion and disbelief warring within her. "What are you talking about?"
Elara's eyes softened with empathy. "You have always felt out of place, haven't you? Like you were meant for something more. You are not just an ordinary girl, Iris. Your white hair and glowing eyes are marks of a special heritage, one that connects you to an ancient power."
Iris's mind raced, trying to make sense of Elara's words. "This is crazy. How do you know all this about me?"
Elara took a step closer, her presence radiating a soothing aura. "I have been watching over you, waiting for the right moment to reveal the truth. You are part of a lineage of guardians, protectors of the balance between worlds. Your journey at Aden Academy is only the beginning."
Iris's breath caught in her throat. "Guardians? Balance between worlds? This can't be real."
Elara smiled gently. "I understand it's a lot to take in. But you must trust me. The accident that brought you here was no coincidence. It was a catalyst, a turning point in your life. You have a purpose, Iris, one that you will soon discover."
As Iris grappled with the revelation, a sense of awe and fear mingled within her. She had always felt different, but this was beyond anything she could have imagined.
Elara reached into her coat and pulled out a small, ornate box. She handed it to Iris. "Inside this box is a token of your heritage. Keep it close, and it will guide you when the time is right."
Iris accepted the box with trembling hands. "What do I do now?"
Elara's eyes sparkled with a knowing light. "Rest and recover. When you are ready, you will begin to understand your true potential. And remember, you are not alone. There are others like you, and they will find you when the time comes."
With those cryptic words, Elara turned and walked towards the door. "Be strong, Iris. Your journey is just beginning."
As Elara vanished into the night, Iris stared at the box in her hands, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement. The sterile hospital room seemed to fade away, replaced by the infinite possibilities of a destiny she had never imagined.
The beeping of the heart monitor continued its steady rhythm, a reminder that life, with all its mysteries and challenges, was moving forward. Iris took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the box in her hands. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, her heart filled with a newfound resolve.
Her journey was just beginning, and the future was wide open with promise and uncertainty.