Do I like power?
Of course I do. But if that doesn't sit comfortably with you, then turn away. Now. But believe me when I say . . . I never asked for it. I might have accidentally stolen it. And not in the modest way possible . . . like any other thievery. I was thirteen years old when my Grammy Lorace died of old age. She'd have been ninety-four had she kept her eyes open and blabbered away for three more days.I was seven when she started telling tales of her adventures as a Warlock Pilgrim. They were travelers who wanted no part in politics, wars and worldly movement. They were Free-Folk, traveling through unclaimed lands and continents, capturing beasts, and crossing multiple worlds, for starters. For forty-nine years, she had been a Warlock Pilgrim, amassing vast knowledge of the world. She had wandered through dangerous realms and met people of diverse bloodlines and magical abilities. She was a living encyclopedia. Just imagine all the knowledge in the world, stored within her mind.I wasn't hoping to take all the world's knowledge from her on her deathbed at midnight in mid-May. What I really wanted were her Pilgrim Stories about the Magic Folks she'd met during her travels. There are a hundred and thirty-eight characters all in all, but the old crone never bothered to document them for any of her descendants to inherit. Instead, each great-grandchild, starting seven, had to sit through storytelling sessions with her on weekends. The older cousins were forbidden from spoiling the tales for the younger ones, so asking them was pointless. The issue was that I, as the 14th great-grandchild, never reached the end of the Magic Folk Tales. I was obsessed—I had to uncover the rest.My name is Legacie Volguardsen.I'm seventeen, with just ten weeks left until I turn eighteen—the official age of adulthood everywhere. And, I can't shake this ominous feeling, like something heavy is on the horizon, and somehow, I'll be at the center of it all.At the heart of Arckwar lies Arckwar Academy, a boarding school exclusively for the Primera Forza—the four clans: Warlocks, Werewolves, Gifteds, and Vampires. Situated centrally on the continent, its location is unmistakable. I know this well; every administration building features a ceiling dome adorned with a painted map of the entire continent. The academy is a vast circular structure encircled by Arckwar Forest on all sides. Between each of the four main buildings are wooded areas officially designated as Hunting Woods. Guardians and mysterious entities watch over these borders diligently. No student dares to cross them without permission. Arckwar runs a tight ship. The Pillars here take their authority and rules very seriously, though no one has ever been expelled or exiled.I may not seem like it, but I actually take pride in being one of Arckwar's students. It's a boarding school with deep roots in militia traditions, founded by four formidable individuals. It's widely regarded as the best school in all of Astranea. But I'm pretty sure Arckwar doesn't share the same pride in me. In fact, I may have inadvertently fueled its hostility towards me.The Warlock Campus stands proud to the north, the Werewolf Campus lurks to the east, the Vampire Campus looms to the west, and the Gifted Campus shines to the south. Each campus building is uniquely designed to match their distinct aesthetics, which adds to the charm of this eclectic school.It's high noon, and I decided to have my lunch outdoors. The Circle, a vibrant grassy terrace, centrally located among the four campus buildings, with a wide-ranging field nestled within it, is the spot where students gather to hang out. It's no wonder that the enduring peace at Arckwar led to friendships among students of the four clans. On the field, a spirited game organized by the Gifteds was in full swing—what they called football, or in my book, kickball. Three teams were competing, but the Warlock students weren't involved; they've long been accused of cheating due to their innate magical abilities. Warlocks weren't particularly bothered by this; after all, physical prowess wasn't our strongest suit. We're more adept at casting spells and trading curses than handling sports. I mean, the werewolves can transform into towering six to seven foot beasts at most, vampires possess superhuman physical and sensory skills, not to mention enchanted talismans protecting them from the sun. Gifteds are similar to vampires but without the fangs, sunlight sensitivity, and thirst for blood which makes them more lethal. Warlocks wield powers and weapons, but we aren't trained in Arckwar as fighting knights like the other three. There are other schools for that, but not Arckwar. Summer's about to kick in. The area is surrounded by trees adorned with various pastel blossoms, though mostly pink and orange. The breeze is refreshing and cool, but the humidity is undeniably hovering somewhere. The grass I sat on isn't as scorching as I expected, not even warm. I'm completely clueless about the rules of the game—like I said, I'm a warlock and sports aren't my thing. I don't even run. So, if danger comes at me, you can bet I'd drop dead on the spot—sports-wise, at least. As for why I come out here where I'm exposed to everyone's scrutiny is not because the canteen is congested with obnoxious high-grade warlocks. It's because Raiver Thormortigan, an alpha scion from Were-Campus is a key player of this friendly kickball game, always this time of day and the morrow . . . for the past three years.And if I hadn't made it clear, I do have a stupidly huge crush on a Were-Alphablood. Raiver Thormortigan, 21 years old, effortlessly keeps turning heads with his striking charm. Standing tall at 1.89 meters with a lean and athletic build, his physique is a testament to his active lifestyle as a devoted fighter and Knight-To-Be at Arckwar. His sun-kissed skin hinted at hours spent training outdoors, adding to his rugged appeal. His face was a striking blend of rugged charm and boyish allure, with prominent, angular features. His deep-set, golden amber eyes often conveyed a sense of mystery and deep emotion. Expressive and well-defined eyebrows added to the intensity of his gaze. A straight and proportionate nose enhanced the symmetry of his face, while his full lips often curved into a subtle, charismatic smile. With an oval face, strong jawline, and chiseled cheekbones, Raiver's presence was undeniably charismatic and handsome in every way possible. I knew these details not because I had met him in person. I haven't, ever. It's all posted, photos of him, of his face on the school's social forum, which can be easily accessed or logged into via phone. His medium length, tousled swept-back midnight hair stayed surprisingly neat as he dashed across the field. The strands, glossy and styled from sweat, framed his handsome face, making him look effortlessly cool as he maneuvered the ball with precision. I know I didn't have to go full blast with the details, but I can't help it.Sun finally casted a warmer glow over the field, Raiver darted across the grass, his shirtless, defined chest glistened with sweat under the clear sky. With each graceful movement, his lean muscles flexed and relaxed, guiding the ball to victory."CICI!" I flinched, quickly averting my gaze from Raiver to Jolene, a dark-haired warlock fast approaching—with a striking, wide-set, monolid sapphire gaze, sharp cheekbones, and an overall fearsome visage— who looked like she was about to conjure chaos upon me. —oh, and she also happened to be my childhood best friend."Where have you been?" she demanded. She stood at a distance, her tall, slender figure barely shading me from the sun. Her hand rested firmly on her hip, head tilted, like a domineering mother, while the other dangled, gripping my burgundy leather satchel.I paused for effect. "Right here," I replied nonchalantly, earning a tired sigh from her."Legacie!" came the frantic cry of another friend, Blanche, who dashed past Jolene, her bright auburn head of curls and full bangs bouncing with each step. "Where—" step down "have—" another step "you—" yet another step "been?!" She finally reached me, out of breath and glaring with her beady hazel-brown eyes. Specks of sweat shimmered on her warm cinnamon-skinned forehead.I hadn't noticed how she sneakily swiped my satchel from Jolene and before I could react, the square leather bag slapped across my face like a giant laundry paddle. That hurt."Professor Darius was looking for you!" she exclaimed. That really hurt. "He saw me, asked for you and then grilled me for twenty minutes like it was my fault you were missing!"No wonder you guys were late for lunch. "Was the violence necessary?" I asked, tossing my bag behind me out of sheer disbelief and checked to make sure my face still had all its parts."Yes, absolutely," she replied proudly, plopping down on the grass to my right, then pulling out a napkin to wipe the sweat off her small face."How very dare you," I muttered, unable to resist a touch of dramatic flair.While Blanche appeared sweaty and flustered, Jolene seemed as if she had just stepped out of a refreshing bath instead of searching for me. Her fair, porcelain skin looked smooth and well-moisturized.Jolene sidled up to my left, casually flipped her long flawlessly straight dark cosmic blue hair, and let out a dramatic sigh, "I completely forgot that your crush plays kickball on Thursdays and Fridays." she whispered, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.I gasped and turned to face her, "Shhhh, not so loud. Remember his ultra-heightened werewolf senses?""Pffft. He won't hear us," Blanche declared confidently. "With a hundred students around, he's got bigger things to worry about than our gossip.""And I didn't even mention his name," Jolene said."What did Professor Darius want?" I asked, changing the subject."Oh, he wants his Book on Liquid Spells back," she replied, hinting that I should hand it over.I frowned. "I don't have it," I admitted honestly.Blanche nodded nonchalantly. "I know. Because I have it."I stumbled for words. "Then . . . what was the point?" I pressed.She shrugged. "It's easier to say you have the book. That way, he knows it's a lost cause bothering you," she pointed out with a smirk."Hey," I protested defensively. I turned to Jolene, hoping for support, but she just grinned blankly. "She's not wrong," she chimed in."Where do you need the book for?" Jolene asked.Blanche blinked. "My research paper.""You haven't turned it in? Deadline's today." Jolene reminded her."I did! And this time I didn't even submit it late. It was my top priority, and I turned it in before anyone else," she explained enthusiastically."And then what?" Jolene asked eagerly."So, I gave it to Professor Darius, he took one look at it and decided it wasn't good enough. He asked me to rewrite the entire thing!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with each sentence. "For the entire summer! Five hundred pages!" She threw her hands up in despair.I glanced around, relieved to see that none of the other students or clans were paying much attention to our conversation. Makes me question, with a mix of unease and curiosity, if being stressed and frantic at Arckwar is quite the norm. And also internally hoping that Professor Darius doesn't suddenly magically materialize anywhere near us.I glanced over at Raiver and the ongoing game and saw them huddled together? I'm missing Raiver's game for this?—Oh wait, I think they're taking a break."Five hundred?" I asked, my eyes briefly flicking to Blanche then back to Raiver."Uhuh!""Did he mention anything else?" Jolene queried.Blanche slumped and shook her head."That's completely unfair," Jolene seethed. "Should we bring this to Principal Caster?" She leaned in front of me, catching my attention.I grimaced and asked, "Are you asking me?" My confusion was evident. "We all know Principal Caster has a deep-seated dislike for me," I reminded them, just in case they'd forgotten. Their frowns turned into a look of enlightened understanding.Blanche shrugged, uncertainty creasing her brow. "I guess I don't really have a choice, do I?"Once again, I followed Raiver's movements with my eyes as he grinned and bantered with his friends on the field. My heart fluttered."She's lost in Raiver-land again," Blanche muttered."Oh, for heaven's sake, snap out of it, Cici," Jolene exclaimed, shaking me lightly.I let out a dramatic groan. "Okay, fine. You really want my two cents?" I asked, eyeing them both seriously. They nodded eagerly, waiting for my input. "Here's the deal—just accept that you're in for a summer of rewriting that paper. Done," I advised, nodding decisively.They exchanged deadpan looks, then turned back to me. Uh-oh, trouble. They grabbed their thick binders and playfully whacked my arms and legs repeatedly with it."No fair! Two against one!" I protested, laughing as they soon joined in. They dropped their binders and settled down.Blanche gave in with a dramatic sigh. "Okay, fine, you're right. But that was a low blow!"Jolene chuckled. "We'll help you, if you want?" she offered Blanche, and pinched my side playfully.I jumped at the contact, "Count me in too?" I offered cautiously.Blanche gave me a look that suggested she thought it was a terrible idea for me to help. I shot her a look of disbelief in return."Fine. Two heads are better than one," she conceded.I scoffed, "Well, you could have just not handed it in," I suggested, hoping that it might have been a valid option.They both turned sharply to look at me, their expressions horrified as if I'd committed a heinous offense."You . . . didn't hand in your research paper?" Blanche asked, her eyes wide with shock.Wasn't really my fault if I'm being honest."Ci, you and Blanche are already skating on thin ice, academically. Every slip-up counts," Jolene warned sternly.Blanche looked utterly stunned. "You really didn't turn it in?" she pressed again, as if hoping for a different answer this time.I couldn't help but smile, then laugh. It was contagious; soon they were both grinning uncontrollably. Shaking my head, I started to explain what had really transpired. I leaned closely, "No. I didn't. I never had the chance. Professor Darius basically threw in the towel from the start. He showed me the format, I didn't grasp it right away. I asked a legitimate academic question about it, and he just . . . gave up. Told me not to bother with it.""So . . . what comes next?" Jolene inquired."He said to hang tight for his instructions. Apparently, he's cooking up a different project for me, one that doesn't involve strenuous writing and spellcasting and more on my type of magic. Probably something practical or hands-on but still following Grade A2 Grimoire protocols," I explained.They both nodded in understanding. "That sounds fair," Blanche said, giving me a reassuring pat on the back. "But good luck with that. He's going to put you through the wringer," she added with a mischievous grin."I know," I replied, smiling wryly, fully aware of the trials awaiting me.Blanche gasped dramatically, smacking my arm as if a lightbulb had just gone off. "Will you ask Kaede for me?"I paused, took a dramatic sniff of the air, then replied with mock seriousness, "Alright . . . How's Kaede treating you these days?" I joked, earning a giggle from Jolene.That earned me another playful slap from Blanche. "I'm serious! Ask him if we can borrow his notes on Liquid Spells. He aced it last year! He's a senior now, so he might be okay with lending them," she rattled on eagerly."We both know he won't lend them to me," I said. "Do you realize he uses high-quality parchment paper and materials for his notebooks and binders? He doesn't trust anyone with his notes. To him, we're all incapable of handling fragile paper. He can't stand fingerprints on the covers, hates when the pages get worn and curled edges on every page turn.""Then I'll ask him myself," Blanche declared bravely."He wouldn't even spare you a glance," Jolene interjected. "Let alone lend you his notes.""Oh, right," Blanche sighed in resignation. "I forgot how standoffish and cold he can be sometimes. Does he even know we're friends with Legacie?" she wondered aloud.The kickball game resumed on the field, and Raiver returned to show off his athletic prowess effortlessly."Are you kidding? We're practically invisible to him, even when Cici's standing right next to us," Jolene added."Yeah, saying 'hi' in the hallway is like trying to wave at a statue," Blanche muttered. "I feel like he'd ignore me."Suddenly, I sensed Kaede's presence nearby. With two others tagging alongside him."Seriously, I bet if I waved, he'd swat my hand away," Blanche joked nervously."Are you guys gossiping about me?" Kaede chimed in, catching my friends off guard.My friends flinched and turned slowly to face Kaede, sporting apologetic smiles. Next to him stood Maxima, my younger cousin, and Claude, another childhood friend and classmate who often pesters her."Uh, no. Definitely not," Blanche stammered. "We were . . . just . . .""They were discussing your many . . . admirable qualities," I quickly interjected.Blanche shot me a playful glare, pretending to hiss like a Fang, then turned to Kaede with a sweet smile. Jolene on the other hand slapped my arm playfully.Kaede shrugged. "I don't care." He strolled past us, plopped down on the grass up front, and pulled out his snack box from his black leather case. The gentle sunlight kissed his face, causing his fair complexion to blush softly in response.Blanche leaned in, fumbling with her words. "We're not... We were just..." She sighed nervously."I said it's fine. I don't care," Kaede replied, munching away.Without warning, Maxima bolted over and tackled me to the ground with an enthusiastic hug. "I missed youuu!" Her bright sandy blonde hair whipped across my face temporarily blinding me. She pulled back right away and helped me sit up. She settled between Blanche and I, leaning lightly against my side. She tilted her head and grinned at me, her prominent cheekbones popping in a way I know all too well.My face twisted in confusion. "We live in the same dorm building and see each other every waking morning and night . . . what do you need?" I asked, sensing where her immediate sweetness was coming from.Maxima leaned closer, her deep electric blue-violet eyes locking onto mine with a pleading look. "Can I borrow your matching Starlight accessory, please?" she asked in an adorably high-pitched voice.I glanced around. Where did Claude go?"What for?" Kaede asked suspiciously. His stormy grey eyes briefly glanced at our direction.Maxima frowned and glared at Kaede. "Tsk. It's Colette's sixteenth birthday party this Saturday, and the theme is starry night. I thought Cici's starlight accessory would be perfect," she paused and leaned closer to me, "And I already bought a dress to match it," she smiled unapologetically.I chuckled, "Ok—" "—Don't do it, Cici," Kaede cautioned, his temples sinking low.Maxima shot Kaede with a disdainful glare. "This doesn't concern you, Kae," she snapped.Kaede turned to Maxima, his expression stern. "Should I inform Jairen or, better yet, Donovan, that instead of making preparations for the finals, their dearest little sister insists on hitting wild rave parties where people go wild with alcohol, drugs, and all sorts of shenanigans?" he threatened. The rest of us held our breaths as Kaede and Maxima locked eyes in a standoff, none of us brave enough to intervene.It was such an ironic facial trait that Kaede with reserved expressions of glee had a smile line creased beneath his sharp, deeply set, jewel-shaped pair of eyes. I also couldn't help but notice that his black, floppy fringe had grown quite a bit since I last saw him two weeks ago. It framed his face, almost brushing his eyes, and nearly touched his nape, curled into soft waves at the ends. Final exams are just around the corner, meaning the school term is nearly over. Normally, spotting Kaede during this time of year is like finding a needle in a haystack. He usually barricades himself in his dorm or the library to cram.With a cautious smile, Blanche inserted herself between them. "C-cut her some slack, Kaede. It's just a birthday party. You're overreacting," she stuttered, her voice tinged with nerves.Ignoring Blanche, Kaede's eyebrows twitched underneath his hair. "Couldn't Colette have picked a post-exam date to celebrate?" he asked, exasperated.With a dismissive wave, Maxima grunted, "Don't be so paranoid. I'm still the ace. No one's stealing my top spot," Maxima declared. "You're such a buttinsky," she teased.Jolene and Blanche snickered.I leaned over to Kaede, pointing at Maxima. "She called you a buttinsky?"He clenched his jaw and through gritted teeth he replied with, "Yes I heard it loud and clear."I grinned, "By the way, where's Claude?" I asked Maxima."I sent him on a mission to get fruit cake," Maxima replied with a boastful nod. She scooted closer to me, pleading once again, "So, can I borrow it? Just for one night?"I grinned. "Sure, but I'll only lend it to you the night of the party. It's this Saturday, right?"She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!" Wrapping me in a tight hug, she exclaimed, "Thank you! I love you!" After her heartfelt display of gratitude, she flopped onto the grass with a dramatic sigh of relief.Blanche swooped closer to me like an overly attached puppy. "Now that that's settled, will you finally talk to Kaede for me?" she asked, and my shoulders drooped. I can't watch Raiver in peace."Fine," I sighed, scooting closer to Kaede who was once again buried in his revisions. "Don't be too tough on Maxi; she's been hitting the books all year," I said, and met his puzzled gaze.Leaning back, I raised an eyebrow. "What?" I asked."You want something from me now?"With a quick flick of my hand, I conjured his favorite fruit candy that was only available overseas. I flashed it at him, and I swear I saw his pupils dilate. "I need to borrow some notes on Liquid Spells," I confessed.He frowned, clearly bewildered. "You're going to stu—" "—No." I cut in quick."For a piece of candy?" he asked.Jolene popped up beside us, materializing out of thin air. "How about two jars?" She held up two glass jars filled with Osmeent Fruit Candies in various flavors, and Kaede's eyes practically sparkled with emotion. He still didn't smile though.In the Eastern provinces where Jolene hailed from, Osmeent Fruit Candies were beloved local treats."We've got every flavor under the sun," Blanche chimed in a melodic tone."But I swear there are more Lime flavors than anything else," Jolene grinned.The group fell into a thoughtful silence, Kaede deep in contemplation. "It's a deal," he finally declared, waving his hands and muttering, "Alica," a spell that summoned his thick, blue leather binder into existence. Just as Blanche was reaching for it, Kaede pulled it back in a swift motion. "Three days. I'm only lending it for three days," he insisted. I glanced at Blanche for confirmation. She nodded reluctantly. "Alright, three days," I agreed, shaking Kaede's hand. He turned away to grab another binder, flipping through its pages. Cheers erupted from the field where the game had just concluded. The boys leaped and celebrated together, tossing towels, playfully splashing drinks and bumping chests, reveling in their shirtless camaraderie. Damn, I missed it. Although it didn't take long for me to realize Raiver's team had emerged victorious. He patted his team on the back with congratulatory greetings, sporting a smile the whole time. His lips moved in sincerity and encouragement to both his team and their opponents alike. Looked like he really had fun. I could sense Maxima's piercing gaze fixed on me. "I keep forgetting he's out on the field these days," she muttered, glancing towards the players. "Snap out of it, cousin." Jolene sighed. "Good luck with that." What did I do? "He's a Werewolf, dear cousin," Kaede chimed in without looking up from his notes. "It's never going to happen." I'm fully aware. But thanks for the support. "Oh, come on, it's just a crush, right? Anyone can have a crush, even from a different clan," Blanche defended."If they weren't from the same clan, it might make sense, but couldn't it be someone your own age?" Kaede asked. I delicately laid my hands on the grass."Can't a girl dream?" Maxima protested.Pressing my palms flat on the grass, it felt rough . . ."Yes, but not to the point of obsession, right?" . . . sandy . . . gritty . . . warm . . . powdery . . . crushing in my palms "Cici wouldn't go that far, Kaede.""We can't be certain.""Kaede, she's not that bad. It's just a harmless crush. Didn't you have one?" . . . dry . . . compressible under my palms . . . deep . . . deeper . . . "She's had a crush on him for three years now.""So?""She should have just asked him out. Right, Ci? What if the other girls beat you to it?""Blanche, don't encourage her. Besides, she's underage.""She's eighteen next month. And like you've never dated before eighteen, Jo.""I said don't encourage her."I felt the earth's pulse finally syncing with mine, feeling the smooth silk of leaves and their sharp, thin edges."She really shouldn't get involved with him."With a mischievous grin and a gentle upward sweep of my hand, blades of razor-sharp grass rose obediently, drawn like magnets to my palms, poke through their clothes with aggressive insistence and pricked their skin. The four of them leaped into action, frantically scratching, smacking, swatting their behinds like a dancing number to rid themselves of the unexpected discomfort."Cici, that itches!" Jolene yelped. I bursted into boisterous laughter."Well it's supposed to itch," I added. I was the only one, of course, unaffected."What did I do? I was defending you," Blanche protested, rubbing her irritated skin. "Seriously! I'm in a summer skirt!" she groaned, adjusting her uniform with annoyance."It's still within twenty degrees, shouldn't you be wearing something warmer?" I shot back."Didn't I just offer you my notes?" Kaede retaliated.I shrugged innocently, "You got candy for it."I turned towards Maxima, anticipating a complaint. Instead, she forced a smile and shook her head, settling back down. Despite her effort, the agony and irritation was palpable on her face."Nah, it's nothing," she said, adjusting her position with a wince. "Quit whining," she retorted to the others still standing. "Just grass," she added with a strained laugh.After some scratching and readjusting, Jolene and Blanche cautiously tested the ground again. Finding it no longer prickly, they sat down a couple of feet away from me. With only fifteen minutes of lunch break left, I observed Raiver lingering on the field with his friends, still shirtless with a towel slung over his shoulder. He was now reenacting movements with his posse from their game early on.Seeing him was enough to make me content. I didn't need anything more than that."You know, Ci," Kaede cautioned in a hushed tone, ensuring only the two of us could hear. "There has never been an intimate bond between a Warlock and a Werewolf. Don't be the first to upset the balance. Their Destinies are intertwined by fate, rarely crossing clan lines.""You speak to me as if I'm illiterate to the traditions and histories of Primera Forza," I started. I felt his gaze cast upon me, but I kept my sights on Raiver, "I'm not. I'm aware of it. I won't do anything to disrupt the balance, if that's what you're concerned about.""I'm only looking out for your well-being. I don't want you to harbor unrealistic expectations about something so . . . potentially destructive." I chuckled softly, "I have no expectations, cousin." My voice faltered. "I don't crave his intimacy or any form of closeness. I'm content admiring him from a distance . . ." My voice dropped to a whisper. "Is that such a crime?" Kaede responded with a heavy sigh, "No. But I trust that you understand the implications.""I do. Always."