It was supposed to be a bright, beautiful day. Raven had expected to be in class, learning about new things and expanding her knowledge. But instead, she found herself in the imposing office of Headmistress Caldren, sitting across from the stern woman alongside Lumina Aurelis. The atmosphere was tense, and Raven couldn't shake the sense that something was off.
"The two of you must be wondering why I called you here," Headmistress Caldren began, her voice calm but authoritative. "Well, only Raven, considering Lumina already knows about the news."
Raven shifted nervously in her seat, her eyes darting away from the Headmistress. "Am I in some sort of trouble?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, but the question betrayed her unease.
The Headmistress let out a soft laugh, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "No, it's nothing like that," she replied. "Lumina will be replacing Kael Draven in the Enforcement Council."
Raven glanced toward Lumina in the corner of her vision. Lumina gave a small, quiet nod, confirming the news with a serene expression. Raven was still processing the shock of it when the Headmistress continued.
"I see," Raven said slowly, trying to make sense of it. "But what does that have to do with me?"
Headmistress Caldren's lips curled into a subtle smile. "You see, Raven," she began, her eyes twinkling with something almost mischievous, "you will be joining the Enforcement Council as the new seventh member."
Raven's mind buzzed with confusion. "Seventh member?" she repeated, the words not quite registering in her brain. Her heart began to race, and she could feel her throat tightening as the reality of the situation started to sink in.
The Headmistress leaned forward, her gaze locking with Raven's. "That's right. You'll be joining the Enforcement Council, and that also means you'll be working alongside your older sister, Celia."
Raven felt the world around her tilt. The room seemed to close in as the news hit her like a bolt of lightning. The Enforcement Council was one of the most powerful groups in the academy, made up of students with exceptional skills. And now, she was going to be a part of it? Alongside Celia? Her older sister, who had always been the one to lead, to shine—how could Raven, a dark magic user with little more than six months of training, possibly fit in?
"Eh?" Raven stammered, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes wide in disbelief.
"Yes, you heard correctly," the Headmistress said, her tone now warmer, though still firm. "You have shown exceptional potential, Raven. Your abilities with your katana and your affinity for dark magic make you a unique asset. We believe you can bring something truly special to the Enforcement Council, and your presence will be beneficial not only for you but for the academy as a whole."
Raven struggled to find the words. Her mind was racing, every thought crashing together in a whirlwind. This was not the future she had imagined when she first arrived at the academy. She had expected to learn, to grow, but becoming a member of the Enforcement Council—especially one of such high caliber—was far beyond her expectations.
Lumina, sensing Raven's confusion, gave a reassuring smile, though there was a hint of something else in her eyes—curiosity, maybe even respect. "It's a big responsibility," she said softly, her voice gentle. "But I believe you can handle it. We all do."
Raven nodded slowly, still trying to process the overwhelming turn of events. "But… I've only been here for a short time," she said, her voice quieter now. "I'm not sure if I'm ready for something like this."
"Everyone starts somewhere," the Headmistress replied, her voice resolute. "And we believe you're ready. Besides, you won't be alone in this. Your sister will be by your side, and the rest of the Council will support you as well."
Raven's thoughts immediately turned to Celia. Celia had always been the star, the one who everyone admired, the one who was always in control. How could she, the younger sister, possibly keep up with her? Was she even capable of being part of something so prestigious?
A heavy silence filled the room as Raven's mind spun, her emotions all over the place. Her gaze drifted to Lumina, who seemed calm, but there was a small flicker of something in her eyes—something like understanding. She probably knew exactly how Raven felt.
Finally, Raven let out a deep breath, her gaze returning to the Headmistress. "I don't know if I'm ready for all of this," she said, her voice still uncertain. "But… if it means I can make a difference here, then I'll do my best."
With a nod, the Headmistress handed Raven a uniform with the academy's crest emblazoned on the chest. The fabric was finely woven, a rich black with deep crimson accents—symbols of both prestige and responsibility. Raven took the uniform silently, her mind still trying to wrap around the weight of her new role.
As she left the office, Raven could feel the eyes of the academy following her. She donned the uniform with the Enforcement Council's crest, feeling the significance of it pressing down on her shoulders. No longer just a student—she was now one of the seven chosen to uphold the academy's authority.
Word of her appointment spread quickly through the academy like wildfire. As she walked down the corridors, whispers followed her.
"She's beautiful... I would love to date her, but her affinity is dark magic."
"I know right... if only her affinity wasn't dark magic. I could already see my future with her."
Raven ignored the whispers, keeping her gaze forward. It wasn't the first time she'd heard such things, and she doubted it would be the last. But the comments weren't what she was concerned about right now.
She reached instinctively for her katana, her hand brushing the empty air at her side.
"Right... no weapons allowed on campus," she muttered to herself. Her katana had been left in her dorm, as the academy strictly prohibited students from carrying weapons. In place of weapons, members of the Enforcement Council were given the privilege of using their mana to subdue troublemakers or handle dangerous situations. Though, Raven doubted she would need to use her magic here—this was supposed to be a place of learning and safety, not conflict.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
"Hey! You!" a boy shouted from behind.
Raven paused and turned around, a hint of annoyance creeping into her expression. She had a feeling she was about to be bothered by someone. Dark magic always seemed to bring trouble with it, she mused. Maybe it was true—perhaps it really did bring misfortune.
She turned, raising an eyebrow. "Yes? Is there something you need?"
Standing before her was a boy with dark brown hair and matching eyes, his gaze sharp and accusing. Raven didn't recognize him, and based on his attire, he was a first-year student, just like her.
"Aren't you supposed to be a first-year, too? How did you skip a grade and even make it into the Enforcement Council as a seventh member? It doesn't make much sense, even if you're a Vermillion!" he said, his voice filled with frustration.
Raven sighed inwardly, trying to keep her composure. This was exactly the kind of trouble she had been hoping to avoid. Still, she kept her voice calm and collected. "Is that the reason you came up to me? If so, then get lost."
Her indifferent tone only seemed to aggravate him further. His face flushed with anger, and he stepped closer, shaking his head.
"I bet it was the same thing with your sister too! Using the family name and just getting whatever she wants! You both are shameless!" he spat, the venom in his words clear.
Raven's heart tightened. Her sister, Celia—who had always been there for her, making her life better despite their complicated relationship—was now being insulted by this stranger. Raven had always been able to ignore taunts and insults aimed at her, but this? This was different.
Her expression darkened, and her eyes narrowed, the calm facade slipping away as a more dangerous edge took over.
"You dare speak about my sister like that?" Her voice was low and dangerous, barely more than a growl.
The boy faltered for a moment, his bravado faltering as the atmosphere around Raven seemed to shift. Though she hadn't moved, it felt as though the air had thickened, like a predatory presence was closing in on him. His heartbeat quickened, and his instincts screamed at him to step back, to run. But he was frozen in place.
Raven's gaze locked with his, and though no magic had been used, the weight of her glare alone felt like a threat—a shadow lurking just behind him, claws outstretched, ready to strike.
"I-I—" he stammered, his words catching in his throat.
Before he could finish, a voice interrupted, cutting through the tension.
"I'll take care of things from here," a calm, commanding voice said.
Raven turned, her body instinctively relaxing at the familiar sound. It was Aric Caeldren, son of the Headmistress. His presence seemed to immediately diffuse the atmosphere, and the boy—Darien, as Raven had just realized—took a step back, his face still contorted with frustration, but now subdued by Aric's authoritative stance.
"Why don't you continue with your duties, Raven?" Aric continued coolly. "I'll handle this from here."
Raven exhaled slowly, her muscles unwinding as the anger that had simmered beneath the surface faded. She hadn't realized how much tension had built up in her body until now.
"If you say so," she replied quietly, giving Aric a small nod. With one final glance at Darien—who was now looking thoroughly defeated—she turned and began walking away.
As she walked, she could feel Aric's eyes on her, but she didn't look back. She needed time to process what had just happened. Why did people like Darien always feel the need to drag her down? Her magic, her family name—it seemed like nothing could escape judgment.
But as she walked through the halls, her resolve solidified. She didn't need to prove anything to anyone. If her dark magic made her different, then so be it.