Chapter 4: New Beginnings
Mrs. Emits' warm smile reassured me as we stepped into Arcane Academy's grand foyer. The sprawling mansion loomed above us, its stone walls adorned with intricate carvings.
"Welcome to your new home, Tyler," Mrs. Emits said.
Emily squeezed my hand, offering silent support.
As we entered, a chorus of curious glances greeted us. Students of varying ages and abilities milled about, their auras radiating unique energies.
Mrs. Emits led us to the headmaster's office. Mr. Shawn, a stately man with piercing blue eyes, greeted us warmly.
"Ah, Tyler and Emily. I've heard a great deal about you both." His gaze lingered on me, searching. "I trust Mrs. Emits has briefed you on our academy's purpose?"
I nodded, still wary.
"Excellent. You'll begin classes immediately. Billy, Amanda, and Josh will show you around."
Our guides awaited us outside the office. Billy, a lanky boy with messy brown hair, grinned. "Hey, I'm Billy. This is Amanda and Josh."
Amanda's piercing green eyes sparkled. "Welcome to the madhouse."
Josh, a quiet, brooding figure with jet-black hair, merely nodded.
As we toured the academy, Emily effortlessly charmed our new classmates. I, however, struggled.
In our first class, Magical Theory, I inadvertently set the desk ablaze.
Gasps echoed through the room.
"Chaos magic?" the instructor whispered, eyes wide.
I felt Emily's warning glance.
"No, no, just...clumsy," I stammered.
Billy chuckled. "Don't worry, Tyler. We've all had mishaps."
But Amanda's gaze lingered, suspicious.
At lunch, Josh sat beside me, his expression unreadable. "You're not like the others."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Josh leaned in. "You've got...power. Unstable, but powerful."
I exchanged a nervous glance with Emily.
As the day drew to a close, Emily found me in the library.
"How was your day?" she asked.
I sighed. "Disastrous."
Emily's smile soothed my frazzled nerves. "Tomorrow will be better."
But as I gazed out the window, a shiver ran down my spine.
The Dark Six was still out there.
Waiting.
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