Raven's eyes narrowed against the soft, golden light filtering through sheer curtains draped over a nearby tall window. She instinctively lifted a hand to shield her eyes as she blinked against the unfamiliar brightness. The air was infused with a sweet, floral scent, as if the woods she had wandered through the night before had found its way inside.
"Huh?" she mumbled, still groggy, her voice barely a whisper. Her gaze drifted across the room, taking in her surroundings. She instinctively ran her fingers over the fabric of the bed, feeling the cool, smooth texture beneath her fingertips. The silk sheets were soft, impossibly luxurious, their richness a stark contrast to anything she had ever felt before.
She shifted slightly, and her hand brushed against the edge of the canopy overhead. The bed was draped in delicate gauze, the canopy's soft, translucent fabric pooling in gentle waves around her. Vines of silver and muted blue adorned the posts, winding upward like something alive, enchanted.
She jolted upright, her breath catching in her throat. Across from her, a large mirror framed in twisting vines stood tall against the wall, reflecting her startled, wide-eyed expression. Her own gaze stared back at her, pale and disoriented.
"No…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her heart pounded louder in her ears. "Am I still dreaming?"
Denial flooded her senses. She shook her head, as though the action might somehow shake loose the truth, force her mind to snap back to reality. Her reality.
Maybe..Maybe if I just close my eyes and try hard enough, I'll wake up in my own bed..
She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, willing the absurdity of her situation to disappear, but the moment she opened them again, the room remained unchanged.
Suddenly, the events of the previous night replayed in her mind like a broken record, vivid and haunting—fragments of whispered voices, flickers of dancing light and shadow that clung to her like an unwelcome memory she couldn't escape.
Her heart skipped a beat as the realization hit her.
Everything that happened last night wasn't a dream.
The weight of reality pressed down on her, and with a heavy heart, she exhaled.
"Fuck," she muttered under her breath, feeling a hollow ache settle deep in her chest. She sank back into the pillows, their softness suddenly suffocating.
The beauty of the room—the elegant furniture and delicate details—felt like a cruel joke, mocking her pain. In this enchanted, perfect space that felt too good to be real, Raven couldn't escape the bitter truth: this was indeed her reality now.
As she lay in bed, thinking, Raven suddenly remembered the plan she'd made the previous night. She'd intended to stay awake, to process everything she had learned, but her body had other plans. The overwhelming flood of new information, the crazy magic she'd witnessed, and the staggering realization that she was in another world had knocked her out cold before she could even think straight.
"Fine." Raven exhaled, her voice edged with resignation. "What the hell… since I'm stuck here anyway, might as well get some answers."
Raven had finally come to terms with the unsettling reality that she was stuck in Aria's body—at least until she could figure out how to get back to her own world. But there was one major problem: she had no idea who Aria really was or what her place was in all of this. She glanced around the room, momentarily distracted by its beauty, but shook her head. Now wasn't the time for sightseeing.
Focus, Raven. You need answers.
She searched for anything that could give her a clue, something that would help her blend in and not raise suspicion.
That's when she noticed a thick, ornate box sitting on the desk.
It was stunning, intricately designed with delicate silver roses embossed on the cover. It looked like a cherished keepsake, something personal and possibly important. Curiosity pulled Raven from the bed, and she walked over, picking up the box. Her fingers traced the elegant patterns, and for a brief moment, it felt as though the box was humming with a faint, magical energy.
"Wow..What is this?" She inspected it closely. There was no lock, no obvious way to open it. Frustrated, she started to set it down when her fingers brushed against the silver leaves of the rose.
Suddenly, the box reacted. The leaves shimmered and twisted, like they were alive. The roses on the cover bloomed and shifted in an intricate dance, rearranging themselves as the lid began to glide open—like a puzzle that had just been solved. Raven's eyes widened as the contents were revealed: two notebooks, one a deep blue, the other a soft cream. Both were adorned with delicate flowery patterns that almost seemed too fragile to touch.
She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the delicate notebooks. Should she open them?
"Well, here goes nothing.." After a moment's pause, she carefully picked up the blue notebook and flipped it open, revealing neat handwriting on the first page.
As she skimmed through, she realized that this is Aria's notebook, and she kept detailed notes on everything. And not just anything—important information.
One section caught her attention immediately: The Elites of Aetherium Academy of Arcane Arts.
Raven sat down and read through the descriptions carefully.
---
The Luminaris
The highest order. The Luminaes represent the pinnacle of magical achievement, an elite order comprised of prodigies destined for greatness. Their members have mastered rare and intricate forms of magic, setting them apart as some of the most powerful figures in the academy and Aetheria. Known for their profound connection to light magic, the Luminaes are revered for their ability to heal, protect, and wield radiant energy with unmatched precision. They are not just healers though—their command of light is both a beacon of hope and a formidable weapon, making them both revered and feared.
---
"Wow, this is so detailed," she said quietly. A wave of gratitude washed over her as she mentally thanked Aria for providing such information. It felt like a lifeline, cutting through the fog of confusion that had enveloped her since she arrived in this strange world.
Eager to know more, she flipped the page.
---
The Ecliptus
The second highest and most revered rank within the academy, reserved only for those who exhibit unparalleled mastery in magic and leadership. Ecliptaes are known for their command over shadow magic, illusions, and stealth, weaving darkness and deception into formidable weapons. Yet, their expertise extends far beyond these arts—they are skilled in a vast array of spells, making them versatile and unpredictable in their power. To achieve this rank is to be recognized not only for magical prowess but for strategic brilliance, with the weight of future leadership resting on their shoulders.
---
"Damn..well, this is interesting," she whispered, feeling a mix of unease and fascination. She thought they were just a group of shady students dabbling in dark magic, but this—this was something else. They weren't just dangerous; they were skilled in nearly every form of magic!
If they were that powerful, blending in here was going to be a lot harder than she thought.
She continued.
---
The Nexus
The Nexis serve as the academy's tacticians and strategists, expertly skilled in battle magic and elemental manipulation. Renowned for their discipline and precision, they excel at harnessing raw power in controlled bursts, transforming chaos into calculated strikes. Their spells are not only aggressive but also remarkably efficient, making them invaluable during combat training sessions. With a keen eye for detail, Nexis are known to analyze their opponents' weaknesses, turning every encounter into an opportunity for strategic advantage.
---
The Mystic Scholars
The Mystics are the brilliant minds of the academy, dedicated to the exploration of ancient runes, spellcraft, and the intricate study of magical theory. As researchers and archivists, they immerse themselves in the hidden knowledge of the world, unveiling secrets that have long been obscured by time. Their strength lies not in sheer force but in their profound understanding of the arcane, allowing them to craft spells that are both intricate and powerful. These scholars are the keepers of wisdom, ensuring that the legacy of magic is preserved for future generations, and their insights often illuminate paths others might overlook.
---
Raven sighed. The significance of these elite groups hit her like a wave. Each one represented a unique blend of power and status within the academy, and Aria had been surrounded by them. It was both amazing and frightening—like standing on the edge of a deep cliff, unsure whether to jump or step back.
Just as she prepared to flip the page, a sudden cramp twisted her stomach, catching her off guard. She grimaced and dropped the notebook on the desk, clutching her stomach. The urge hit her like a freight train.
"Shit!" she hissed, eyes darting around the room in a sudden panic. Where's the bathroom?!
A wave of unease prickled at her skin as she scanned the walls, searching for a door that would lead her to the bathroom, but everything felt...wrong. Her breath quickened. Oh my god, where is the bathroom?
Her stomach churned again, more urgently this time, and Raven cursed under her breath, sweat began to form on her forehead as she tried to recall something she'd never actually known.
Maybe the bathroom's outside? she thought desperately, eyes darting toward the door. She rushed over, but as her hand touched the handle, a deep sense of hesitation gripped her. What if she opened it and was met with the same eerie darkness from the night before? The memory of those dimly lit corridors, shrouded in shadows, made her skin crawl.
She swallowed hard and took a slow breath before turning the handle and pulling the door open a crack. She peeked out, and her breath caught in her throat.
Instead of the eerie darkness she expected, the corridor was bathed in warm sunlight, shining through tall, multi-colored glass windows that painted the marbled floors with hues of gold, blue, and red. Raven blinked, stunned by the transformation. The hall that had once seemed so ominous now felt almost...magical.
Girls dressed in what looked like academy uniforms floated by, their laughter and conversations creating a lively hum. The uniforms were all the same cut, but the colors varied. Some hurried past, arms loaded with books and scrolls, while others gathered in small groups, giggling over gossip or whatever drama was currently sweeping through the academy.
Raven stood frozen for a moment, taking it all in. She felt out of place again. But for now, she had bigger problems—like finding a damn bathroom.
"Alright, Raven." she whispered to herself, "just blend in and find it... before you shit yourself."
As she walked down the hall, her eyes darted around, searching for any sign that might point her toward a bathroom. But all she saw were rows of simple yet elegant wooden doors, each one crafted from dark mahogany. The doors were beautiful, their frames adorned with subtle carvings that curled at the edges like vines, delicate but purposeful, a reminder that even the simplest things in this place were touched by magic.
Last night, during their late-night escapade in the woods, she'd overheard the girls referring to this place as the girls' dormitory—not the royal castle she had mistakenly assumed when she first arrived. Thank god I'm not some princess, she thought with relief, silently thanking herself for not voicing that ridiculous assumption last night. Realizing it was just a dorm had been a huge relief.
Reaching the end of the hall, she paused, glancing left and right. To her right, more identical wooden doors stretched on, seemingly endless. To her left, there were no doors at all—just a long corridor leading to a single ornate door at the far end. Its surface was unlike the others, carved with intricate designs that twisted and wove together like the branches of an ancient tree. The craftsmanship was stunning, as if it held some kind of magic within the wood itself.
With a deep sigh, she turned left. "That looks promising, I guess…" she mumbled. As she approached the ornate door, her stomach churned again, reminding her that she didn't have much time to waste admiring architecture.
"Please let this be it," she whispered, reaching out to push the door open, hoping beyond hope that she'd finally found the bathroom.
The sight that greeted her was beyond anything she had expected. The bathroom was more like a work of art than a place to relieve oneself. Soft, golden light glowed from floating orbs that hovered gently above, casting shadows on walls decorated with delicate, swirling patterns that seemed to shift ever so slightly, as if alive. The faint scent of jasmine filled the air, giving the space an almost magical serenity. This was no cold, sterile common bathroom like the ones back at her university. It felt warm, inviting—enchanted.
She barely had time to take it all in before her stomach churned again. Any awe she felt was pushed aside as she bolted toward the stalls, not caring about the few girls who glanced her way. All she needed right now was relief.
Finally, sitting in the stall, Raven let out a long sigh. Even the stall itself was luxurious, far more extravagant than the restrooms in the fancy hotels she remembered from her world. For a moment, a wave of homesickness washed over her, but she quickly shook it off, trying to focus.
After she finished and flushed, she stepped out of the stall, her attention caught by the row of sinks before her. Each one was a masterpiece, made from iridescent stone that shimmered with hues of blue and green, as though the very essence of water had been woven into their creation. The basins were surrounded by intricate carvings of flowers and vines, so finely detailed they seemed to shift and flow like living things as she neared. The whole space exuded an otherworldly beauty, almost too mesmerizing for something as simple as a bathroom.
Raven moved closer, mesmerized, and washed her hands before splashing some cool water on her face. The chill was refreshing, a welcome contrast to the strange new world she was navigating. She stared at her reflection in the ornate mirror above the sink. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her eyes looked more tired and haunted than she'd like to admit.
With a half-hearted smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, Raven tried to reassure herself. "You've got this," she whispered. She smoothed her hair and adjusted her clothes, doing her best to look put together before stepping away from the mirror. With one last glance at the room, she took a deep breath and walked out, heading back to her room.
---
"Aria.. Aria..." a familiar voice whispered.
Raven opened her eyes groggily and found Lyra standing next to her bed, looking both concerned and anxious.
Shit. I fell asleep again.
Raven remembered going back to her room, planning to read through Aria's notebooks again. She was eager to figure out everything, but there was so much to learn, and so many things still didn't make sense that before she knew it, her tiredness took over again, and she drifted off to sleep, her mind too worn out to focus on anything.
"What... what time is it?" Raven mumbled, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
"It's almost 3 in the afternoon!" Lyra said, her voice quiet but urgent. "You didn't show up to any of your classes today. Some of your classmates came looking for you—they said it's weird for you to miss class, especially spell lessons. I... I thought something was wrong, so I came to check on you."
Raven's stomach dropped. Classes? Oh no. She had completely forgotten that Aria had a whole life and schedule to maintain. Of course, missing classes would raise suspicion. She cursed herself for being so careless.
"I... I wasn't feeling well," Raven lied quickly, trying to sound casual. "Guess I overslept."
Lyra's expression softened. "Why? What's wrong? Do you have a fever?"
Raven faked a small smile, trying to brush it off. "I'm not sure… maybe.."
Lyra sat down beside her on the bed, pouting dramatically. "So you're not going to the ball later? That's a bummer. I was hoping I could convince you."
The mention of the ball made Raven's stomach turn. Another ball? She nearly cringed. Hell no. I've had enough of those this week. The word alone felt like it was haunting her now.
"Uh, no thanks," she said, pulling the covers up. "I just want to sleep. Have fun for me."
She turned away, hoping to end the conversation, but Lyra wasn't having it.
"Aria… Aria, pleeease," Lyra whined, shaking Raven's leg with exaggerated drama, pretending to cry.
"I told you, I don't feel well," Raven groaned. "Go with those girls from last night or something."
Lyra finally stopped her antics and sighed, clearly not giving up. "You're no fun. Fine, don't come to the ball. But at least come with me to Artiste! I still don't have anything to wear."
Artiste? Great, another name I don't know. Raven felt like slamming her head into a wall, faking amnesia, and starting from scratch. Wouldn't that be easier than pretending to be Aria?
Lyra tugged at her arm persistently. "Come on, get up! You've got to get out of this room!"
"I don't wanna," Raven muttered, burrowing deeper into the blankets.
Lyra wasn't backing down. "You need to move more, Aria! You're probably sick because you spend all your time in this room!" She tugged again, more forcefully this time. "I'm not leaving without you. I've let you do your own thing, but today, you're coming with me—whether you like it or not."
Raven sighed heavily, clutching the blanket tighter. "I really don't feel like going anywhere, Lyra."
"Well, tough luck! I'm not taking no for an answer," Lyra shot back, standing firm as she yanked at Raven's arm again.
Raven groaned, trying to resist. "I just want to lie here and forget this world exists…"
"And I just want to drag you out of bed!" Lyra's determination was relentless. "So let's go!"
After another round of protests, Raven finally gave in. She threw her hands up in defeat. "Fine! I'll go. But only because you're annoying me into it."
Lyra grinned, victorious. "See? I knew I could get you up!"
With a reluctant groan, Raven swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. She walked over to the closet, searching for something to wear, but her thoughts began to drift. She grabbed the first dress her fingers touched and made her way to the folding screen at the far end of the room to change.
Peeking through a small gap in the screen, Raven caught a glimpse of Lyra, who was now lounging comfortably on her bed. I need help, someone to guide me through this world, but... how can I tell her the truth? What if she doesn't believe me? What if she turns on me?
Fear gripped her as a dozen terrible scenarios flashed through her mind. Lyra has magic, she reminded herself, her imagination painting gruesome images of what might happen if she reacted poorly.
What if she thinks I'm some demonic shit? What if she reports me to someone who can make me disappear? Oh god.. I don't even know what kind of powers she has!
The terrifying possibilities gnawed at her, each more unsettling than the last. She sighed heavily, lost in her thoughts, until Lyra's voice cut through the silence. "Need help with your dress?"
Raven blinked, jolted from her reverie. "Oh, uh, yes please…" she mumbled awkwardly. "I can't reach the back…"
"Let me," Lyra said, moving to assist her with the laces. As she turned her head to look at her supposed friend, a pang of guilt tugged at her heart.
Lyra deserved to know the truth about her real friend no longer being in this body. She seemed..nice. But now isn't the right time. I need to be sure I can trust her before I say anything.
After slipping into the dress, Lyra turned Raven around, and she gasped. "Oh my…" Lyra exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she guided Raven to the tall, ornate mirror. Raven's breath caught in her throat as her reflection came into view. She let out a soft gasp, barely recognizing herself in the stunning gown. The deep, enchanting teal fabric hugged her curves beautifully, the sweetheart neckline framed by delicate off-the-shoulder straps that curled into a heart-like shape. Intricate silver embroidery adorned the bodice, shimmering as though the threads had been spun from starlight. The bodice fit her perfectly, accentuating her waist before the fabric cascaded down like liquid silk, flowing gracefully with every subtle movement.
Raven gently ran her fingers along the skirt, feeling the smooth texture as it transitioned from the rich teal of the bodice to a soft, icy blue near the hem. The ombré effect was mesmerizing, reminiscent of dusk melting into dawn. Silver embroidery wove intricate patterns of delicate vines and rippling waves, becoming more prominent toward the bottom, catching the faint light and sparkling as if the dress held its own magic.
Draped over her shoulders was a sheer, flowing cape made of the same ethereal fabric as the skirt, its ombré pattern trailing behind her like a whisper. The cape billowed softly with her movements, resembling a mist swirling around her, adding a regal, almost otherworldly touch to her silhouette.
Raven stared at her reflection for a moment, overwhelmed by the breathtaking sight before her. The dress was more magical than anything she had ever worn, making her feel like a character from a fairytale. It felt unreal.
Before she could get lost in the fantasy, Lyra's teasing voice brought her back. "I thought you didn't want to go to the ball, hm?"
Raven rolled her eyes. This dress felt way too fancy for just an afternoon stroll and some dress shopping. She walked back to the closet and changed into something simpler.
After changing, Lyra frowned at her. "You're such a buzzkill."
"Do you still want me to come with you or not?" Raven replied sarcastically.
Lyra pouted. "Tss. Let's go." With that, she walked through the door, leaving Raven shaking her head but unable to hide a small smile.
Raven glanced at the box on her desk. She was thankful for Aria's notes—at least now she had some kind of roadmap. But all that new information was making her head spin, and she knew she needed time to process it all.
After locking the door, she followed Lyra down the busy hallway.
As they walked, Lyra hooked her arm through Raven's. "I'm so excited to buy a new dress! I heard the Artiste just released their new collection," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"Really? That's nice." Raven responded, her voice hesitant. The thought of buying a magical dress with Lyra should've thrilled her, but it didn't.
They stepped out of the academy's grand entrance into the expansive grounds. The academy looked even more magical in the light, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Towering spires stretched into the sky, their tips adorned with floating lanterns that twinkled like stars. The air hummed with an energy she couldn't quite describe. Wisps of soft, glowing light floated around them like fireflies, swirling lazily in the gentle breeze.
Students crowded the grounds, moving in a harmonious bustle. Some hovered midair, using enchanted broomsticks or casting spells that allowed them to float just above the ground. The laughter and chatter created a symphony that blended seamlessly with the magic in the air. As they neared the academy gates, Raven saw carriages lined up—some drawn by ethereal creatures that looked like horses made of mist, their hooves barely touching the ground, while others were pulled by beasts with shimmering wings and gleaming horns.
Raven's heart pounded. She felt the weight of it all—the beauty, the magic, and the secrets she was still keeping. This world was breathtaking, but she couldn't shake the sense of being an outsider. As they continued walking, she glanced at Lyra, whose smile remained bright, and wondered how long she could keep pretending everything was fine.