My name is Seraphina Clarke, the first daughter and youngest child of Duke Richard Clarke. My father wields the power of dark magic, which he passed down to my two older brothers—Samuel, whom I call "Sammy," and Albert. I've always been the youngest, the one who stayed in the shadows, yet somehow, I was the one born under the weight of fate. My mother passed away in childbirth, leaving behind only an empty cradle and the lingering scent of roses she had planted throughout our estate. It's a strange thing, growing up knowing you were the reason someone had to leave, but I've never once felt resentment from my family.
I've always felt their love, especially from Sammy and Albert, who I cherish more than anything. But that doesn't change the fact that I've been confined. The day my magic first manifested was the day my world shrank to the four walls of this mansion. I was young, barely old enough to understand what was happening, when the first tendrils of dark magic slipped from my fingertips like an unwelcome shadow. It was then that my father created the barrier—a magical device that locked me inside, suppressed my abilities, and kept the servants from ever seeing my true self.
Naturally, I was born with long, raven-black hair that cascades like midnight silk down my back, and eyes like molten gold—too bright, too strange. I've been able to hide the golden glow of my eyes, due to my father's device that creates an illusion of me having green eyes like non-ability users
I never understood why, but it always felt like my father saw me as an anomaly, a curse. My brothers were the rightful heirs, strong and capable, while I—an accidental female with magic—was nothing more than a danger to be controlled. Because of this, my father forbade me from attending the Magic Academy. A place where only males, only those destined for greatness, could study the arts of magic and combat.
But there was a deal. A promise made when I was young—finish my education, master the domestic arts, and I would be allowed to go to the Academy. I spent eight long years under the watchful eyes of tutors, perfecting everything from history and literature to cooking, cleaning, and etiquette. The work was exhausting, but I endured it. All for this moment. Today.
My heart pounds in my chest as I rush through the mansion's grand halls, brushing past servants, my footsteps echoing off the cold marble floors. I've worked so hard. I can't let this slip away now. Today, my future begins.
I reach my father's study, the door standing like an imposing barrier between me and my dream. My breath catches in my throat. I knock twice—soft, but with purpose.
"Father, it's Seraphina. May I enter?" My voice trembles with excitement, a flutter of nerves I can't quite shake.
"Enter," comes his deep, gravelly voice from within.
I open the door, stepping into the dimly lit study. The familiar scent of parchment and ink fills the air, a smell that has both comforted and confined me for years. My father sits at his desk, the quill in his hand poised over a page of paperwork. He looks up at me, his cold, dark eyes studying me as he sets the quill down.
I don't hesitate. "Father, I've completed my education, and I've excelled in the homemaking arts as promised. Now it's time for you to keep your word."
I take a step toward his desk, my pulse racing. "I want to go to the Magic Academy."
His gaze hardens, his lips thinning into a tight line. "Seraphina…" His voice falters for a moment, then regains its usual authority. "I'm not so sure that going to the Magic Academy is a good idea."
I freeze. My heart sinks. "And why not? Is it because I'm a girl?"
"Precisely," he replies, his voice firm but not unkind. "I am not trying to put you down, dear. But you are… an anomaly. Never once in history has there been a female ability user. If anyone were to discover the truth about you, the consequences would be dire. You could be executed."
"But father…" I feel the sting of betrayal in my chest. "You promised me."
He stands slowly, his movements deliberate, his face unreadable. "What I promised was that you could attend the Academy once you fulfilled your duties. But you are no longer a child, Seraphina. It's time you learned your place."
A dark anger coils in my gut. "My place?" I repeat, barely able to keep the tremor out of my voice. "You're asking me to give up everything I've worked for. You promised, Father!"
His voice softens, but it only sharpens the sting. "You should focus on finding a husband. Your future lies there, not at the Academy."
"You lied to me!" My voice cracks, tears springing to my eyes before I can stop them. "You promised! You swore on Mother's memory…"
He steps toward me, his arms outstretched, but I take a step back, shaking my head. "No! You can't keep me locked in here forever! I will go to the Academy—if it's the last thing I do!"
I turn and run. My feet pound against the marble floors, echoing through the halls. I can't breathe, can't think, just feel the raw ache of betrayal burning in my chest. I burst out into the rose garden, the place that has always been my refuge.
The garden was my mother's love—roses of every color blooming in wild abandon, the soft petals whispering in the wind. It's the only part of her that still remains, the only memory of a woman I never knew but have always longed for. I sink to my knees, tears staining my cheeks, my hands trembling as they brush over the petals. I can't give up. Not now. Not when I'm so close.
A quiet resolve builds within me, something stronger than the sorrow, something that promises victory. "I will go to the Magic Academy," I whisper to the flowers, my voice trembling but full of determination. "If it's the last thing I do."
I close my eyes and let the scent of roses fill my senses. For a moment, I allow myself to mourn. But then, with the rising sun as my witness, I begin to sing to myself.
"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains.You raise me up to walk on stormy seas. I am strong when I am on Your shoulders.You raise me up to more than I-"
I'm jolted by the sound of approaching footsteps and, instinctively, I spin around. Standing before me is a strikingly handsome young man, his features sharp and defined in the dim light. His gaze meets mine, and for a heartbeat, time seems to still. And then I notice it—his eyes, a vivid, unsettling red.
A surge of recognition pulses through me. Red eyes… He carries the mark of fire magic.
For a long moment, neither of us moves or speaks, locked in a silent exchange of wonder and unspoken questions. Then, breaking the stillness, the stranger's voice cuts through the air, rich and low, pulling me from the trance of his gaze.
"You really do have beautiful eyes."
I'm taken aback by that statement.
Oh, he must mean the green eyes that he falsely sees. There's an illusion inside the barrier, he can't possibly be talking about my real eyes.
I don't reply and continue staring at him.
"I beg your pardon for the unexpected intrusion. I am Prince Julian Smith."
A prince?
I curtsy with practiced grace, my voice steady and refined. "I am Lady Seraphina Clarke. It is a great honor to make your acquaintance, Your Grace. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?" I ask, my tone respectful and poised.
"Are you the sister of Samuel and Albert?"
"You know of my brothers?" I respond, a hint of surprise in my voice.
"Indeed. We have been close friends for many years. That is precisely why I am here today... though I must confess, I have never had the pleasure of meeting you until now."
"Nor I," I say, offering a polite smile, my words carefully chosen.
In truth, I have scarcely spoken to anyone outside of my family and the household staff. Yet, there is an unspoken curiosity stirring within me, urging me to continue.
Prince Julian's smile widens, his gaze softening with genuine admiration. "I must admit, Lady Seraphina, you possess a voice most enchanting—one that could soothe even the most troubled heart."
"Thank y-"
"And I've never seen golden eyes before."
My heart skips a beat. "What did you just say?" I ask terrified.
Can he really see me. My black hair, my golden eyes? The things I have hidden my entire life.
I open my mouth to say something-
"Julian! Julian!" Samuel calls, coming over.
Both of us turn towards Samuel, who instantly freezes when he sees Julian and me together. His eyes widen, and his posture stiffens.
"Seraphina, what are you doing here?" His voice trembles slightly, betraying the calm he's trying to maintain.
I don't answer his question.
"Oh, I see you two have already met." Samuel says, but there's a nervous edge to his voice, his hands twitching as he gestures between us.
"Indeed. You never told me you had a sister, Sam," Julian says, a note of suspicion creeping into his tone.
"You never asked," Samuel chuckles, but the sound is too quick, too strained, as if he's trying to cover something. His gaze flickers nervously between Julian and me.
"Sera, go to your room," Samuel says, his words quiet, almost too quiet. His voice tightens, like he's trying to mask his growing discomfort.
"Sammy?" I insist, curious how the prince can see past the illusion.
"Do it now," Samuel snaps, his tone sharper than usual, a hint of panic underlying the command.
I bow, my eyes briefly meeting his, and say, "I shall take my leave now. It's been a pleasure, your highness."
As I walk away, Julian calls out, "I hope to see you soon, Lady Seraphina."
I don't reply, instead I ponder how the prince could see my real appearance when the barrier is in place. Samuel's words echo in my mind, and I can't shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong.
Hours after I retreated to my room, the door flew open with a violent crash. Samuel storms in, his face pale with urgency.
"Seraphina!" His voice cracks, filled with a raw tension. "Father has been summoned by the king."