((Somewhere in the cosmos, a planet called earth))....
The golden light of the morning sun filtered
through the curtains of Rachel Ardent's room, painting her spacious bedroom in hues of amber and warmth. Her eyes fluttered open, greeted by the serene quietness of the apartment that she called home. The room, adorned with elegant furniture and delicate ornaments, spoke volumes of her family's wealth and status. A polished wooden dresser stood against one wall, its surface pristine except for a few neatly arranged books and a small portrait of her father—a man whose legacy resonated deeply within her heart.
Rachel sat up in her queen-sized bed, the silken sheets sliding off her shoulders. Her white hair, flowing like moonlight, cascaded over her shoulders as she brushed it back with delicate fingers. Her ocean-blue eyes lingered momentarily on the portrait. 'Father… today's the day. The day I find out if I have what it takes to follow the path you once walked.' A faint smile curved her lips, though her expression remained slightly cold, as it always did.
Her father, the late Cedric Ardent, had been a man of great renown. He had sacrificed his life for the greater good, earning a title of unparalleled honor among awakeners—a deed that elevated the Ardent family name to heights of reverence. Despite his absence, his legacy remained a source of pride for Rachel, though it also carried the weight of expectation.
She rose from her bed, stretching briefly before heading toward the en-suite bathroom. The soft patter of water filled the room as she showered, her mind racing with thoughts of the day ahead. Today was no ordinary day—it was her last day of school and the day she would undergo her awakening. The fate of her future hinged on the outcome. Would she have the talent to join the prestigious Awakeners Academy, or would she remain an ordinary person? The uncertainty gnawed at her, though she refused to let it show.
Dressed in a crisp white blouse and a navy skirt that matched her school's uniform, Rachel stood before the mirror, brushing her long white hair until it gleamed. She fastened a delicate silver brooch—a family heirloom—onto her collar, the symbol of the Ardent family crest etched into it. With a final glance at her reflection, she straightened her posture and turned to leave.
The apartment she lived in was not just any residence—it was one of many properties owned by the Ardent family. The luxurious building towered over the bustling city below, its design a blend of modern architecture and timeless elegance. Rachel stepped into the hallway, her polished shoes clicking softly against the marble floors as she descended the grand staircase.
Outside, the city was already alive with the hum of activity. Cars sped by on the wide streets, and pedestrians moved briskly along the sidewalks. Down at the entrance, a sleek black car waited, its polished surface reflecting the morning sun. By the car stood an elderly man in a tailored suit, his demeanor poised and professional. It was Alfred, the family's butler and a figure Rachel had known for as long as she could remember.
"Good morning, Lady Rachel," Alfred greeted her with a slight bow as she approached.
"Morning, Alfred," Rachel replied with a nod, her tone polite but distant.
As she waited, she heard the faint creak of a door opening behind her. Turning slightly, she saw a familiar figure step out of the apartment building—a girl with chestnut-brown hair tied in a loose ponytail, her cheerful expression lighting up the otherwise calm atmosphere.
"About time, Elena," Rachel said, her tone laced with mock impatience.
Elena, her childhood friend, rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Rachel. You know I'm not a morning person. It's a miracle I'm even awake this early."
Rachel allowed a small smirk to tug at the corner of her lips. "Miracle or not, you're late."
Elena laughed, shrugging as she adjusted her schoolbag. "It's not like the ceremony will start without us. Besides, today's a big day for you too. Aren't you nervous?"
Rachel's gaze turned ahead, her expression unreadable. "Nervous? Maybe. But I don't intend to let it show."
Elena studied her friend for a moment before nodding. "Of course you wouldn't. That's so you."
Their brief exchange ended as Alfred opened the car door for them. The interior of the vehicle was as luxurious as one would expect, with leather seats and a smooth finish that spoke of refinement.
As the car pulled away, the city unfolded before them. The streets were alive with motion—cars, buses, and even the occasional hover vehicle zipped through the lanes. Skyscrapers rose high into the sky, their glass facades reflecting the sunlight. Amid the urban sprawl, a massive portal stood in the heart of the city, its swirling energy casting a faint glow over the surroundings. These portals, gateways to distant locations, were marvels of modern technology and magic.
Rachel glanced at the portal as they passed it. "Convenient as they are, I've always found portals unsettling," she remarked.
Elena nodded. "Same. Besides, it's not like we'd use one for such a short trip. The school's close enough."
The car continued its journey, weaving through the bustling cityscape. As they neared their destination, the towering structure of the school came into view. It was an impressive sight—a sprawling campus with modern buildings, lush greenery, and banners fluttering in the breeze, all proudly displaying the emblem of the academy.
Today, the school grounds were even more vibrant than usual. Students dressed in their finest uniforms milled about, their excitement palpable. Families and dignitaries had gathered to witness the grand ceremony of awakening—a day that marked a turning point in the lives of every 16-year-old.
As the car came to a halt, Alfred stepped out to open the door for them. Rachel stepped out first, her elegant posture drawing the attention of many onlookers. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, particularly among the male students.
"Wow, it's Rachel Ardent…"
"She looks even more stunning today."
"I bet she'll awaken something amazing. I mean, look at her—she's perfect."
Rachel's ocean-blue eyes scanned the crowd, her expression remaining stoic despite the attention. She could feel their stares, their admiration thinly veiled beneath their words. It wasn't new; she had endured it for as long as she could remember. But instead of pride, she felt an underlying irritation.
They always look at the surface. To them, I'm just a pretty face, a symbol of wealth, or Cedric Ardent's daughter. No one cares about who I really am. Do I even know who I am?
Elena, stepping out behind her, noticed the attention and leaned close. "Looks like you're the star of the day, as usual," she teased, grinning.
Rachel sighed softly, masking her thoughts with a faint smirk. "Let them stare. It doesn't matter."
The two girls walked toward the entrance, side by side, as the whispers trailed behind them. Rachel's cold exterior remained unbroken, but her thoughts continued to race. Today isn't about them. It's about me and what comes next. Let's see if their expectations even matter after this.