10 years later....
New York City...
Ning's alarm blared to life, piercing through the silence of her university dorm room. She groggily opened her eyes, staring at the annoying device before slamming her hand down on it. The sudden silence was a relief, but her reprieve was short-lived.
Less than five minutes later, Xinan burst into the room, looking every bit the concerned older sibling. "Ning, wake up! You can't oversleep, not today!"
Ning rubbed her eyes, her gaze drifting to Xinan's stern expression. "What's the big deal? I'm not exactly thrilled about meeting with lecturers this early."
Xinan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Your Highness, you can't afford to be late. You're the course representative, remember?"
Ning sat up, her expression turning wry. "Don't call me that, Xinan. We're in the States now. No more 'Your Highness' nonsense."
Xinan chuckled, her eyes rolling good-naturedly. "Old habits die hard, Ning. Besides, someone has to keep you grounded."
Ning threw a pillow at Xinan, laughing. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Xinan grinned, dodging the pillow. "Maybe a little. Now, get up! We have a busy day ahead."
As Ning swung her legs over the side of the bed, Xinan handed her a steaming cup of coffee. "Thanks, Xinan," Ning said, taking a sip.
Xinan smiled, her expression softening. "Anytime, Ning. Now, let's get moving. We don't want to keep those lecturers waiting."
With a sigh, Ning stood up, shaking off the remnants of sleep. Time to face the day, and her responsibilities as a course representative.
The morning unfolded as usual. Ning sipped her coffee, courtesy of Xinan, and enjoyed the breakfast Xinan had prepared. Afterwards, she took her bath, styled herself, and emerged looking polished.
Ning's style was laid-back, more buddy-like than girly. Xinan appreciated her unique taste, never questioning her fashion choices.
As they prepared to leave, Xinan and Ning had a brief argument, but soon they were heading out the door. Outside, they found Sarah, or Ra as Ning affectionately called her, waiting in her car.
"Hey, Ra!" Ning exclaimed, opening the passenger door.
Sarah rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Only you calls me that, Ning."
Xinan chuckled. "Good morning, Sarah."
"Morning, Xinan," Sarah replied, smiling. "Ready for another day of classes?"
Ning nodded, settling into the passenger seat. "Let's get this day started!"
With Sarah driving, the trio set off towards campus, chatting about their day ahead.
As they drove to campus, Sarah mentioned, "Hey, have you heard? All second-year Business Administration students are going on a retreat."
Ning's eyes widened. "What? A retreat? How come I don't know?"
Sarah teased, "Well, a nerd like you wouldn't think about that."
Ning playfully defended herself, "Hey, I'm the course representative! I should know!"
Sarah chuckled. "I'm the assistant course representative, and I planned it. I was going to tell you, but you were busy."
Xinan laughed, amused by Ning's defensiveness. "What do you expect from a nerd?"
Sarah agreed, smiling. "True."
Ning pouted, jokingly hurt. "You guys are not on my side. I'm sad."
Xinan ruffled Ning's hair, reassuring her. "It's okay, things will be okay."
Ning smiled, letting go of her mock offense. "Alright, let's get to school."
Upon arrival, Ning and Sarah headed to their shared classes, while Xinan went to her medical school studies. As a fifth-year medical student, her coursework was demanding, but she was determined to succeed.
As they walked to class, Sarah mentioned, "Hey, holidays are coming up. My parents would love to meet you."
Ning hesitated, her mind racing with memories of Xuanlong and the dangers that lurked within. She couldn't reveal her true identity or the reasons behind her reluctance.
"I don't know, Sarah," Ning said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'm not really into traveling."
Sarah's curiosity piqued, "Why not? You're Chinese, aren't you? I've known you for so long and you really always avoid going to China."
Ning's thoughts drifted to her ancestral home, the weight of her royal heritage settling heavy on her shoulders. She couldn't risk exposing her true self, not even to her closest friend.
"Yeah, but...I'll think about it," Ning said, attempting to deflect.
Sarah persisted, "My family's in Shanghai. They'd love to meet you."
Ning's resolve wavered, her desire for normalcy and friendship clashing with the need for secrecy. She glanced at Sarah, whose enthusiasm was infectious.
"Okay, I'll come," Ning said finally, "but I'm not sure about Xinan."
Sarah squealed, hugging Ning tightly. "Yes! Let's go to class!"
As they walked, Ning's thoughts turned to Xinan, her loyal companion and protector. What would she say about this trip? Would she approve?
Ning laughed, trying to shake off her concerns. "Being course rep is stressful."
Sarah laughed at Ning's complaining. "I don't think it's stressing for you."
"How, though?" The latter asked.
Sarah teased, "You're crazy, Ning. That's why everyone's scared of you."
Ning feigned offense, "What? No, I'm not crazy!"
But Sarah's words struck a chord. Ning recalled the rumors, the whispers about her supposed connection to the weather. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present.
As they approached the Business Administration building, Ning's anxiety resurfaced. What would the lecturer meeting entail? She always gets this anxious.
"Let's focus on class," Ning said, trying to sound confident.
Sarah chuckled, "You deal with the lecturers, I'll handle the students. We'll swap info later."
Ning nodded, taking a deep breath as they entered the building. She could do this. She had to.
***
Ning left the lecturer's meeting, armed with files, books, and instructions. As she entered her class, she noticed the lecturers hadn't arrived yet. With a deep breath, she began to address the students, relaying the information about the upcoming projects.
"Before the holiday in two weeks, we need to complete our projects. Let's review the guidelines..."
As she spoke, Ning's thoughts drifted to the rumors about her connection to the weather. She knew it was true: her emotions influenced the skies. To maintain a sunny disposition, she forced a smile.
After distributing the project details, Ning returned to her seat beside Sarah.
"Ra, any thoughts on the Business Administration get-together?" Ning asked, attempting to shift her focus.
Sarah's eyes sparkled. "I got permission from some lecturers. We're heading to a beach house in Miami!"
Ning's eyes widened. "Miami? Really?"
Sarah nodded, and Ning's excitement grew. "Maybe it's just what I needed – the beach, the sand between my toes..."
Sarah chuckled. "You're so dramatic, Ning."
Their laughter was interrupted by the arrival of Miss Mary, their autistic lecturer. Ning admired her kindness and patience, reminiscent of her mother, Lady Jiang.
As Miss Mary began her lecture, Ning noticed some students snickering at their teacher's unique teaching style. Her anger simmered, threatening to boil over.
Raising her hand, Ning requested permission to speak. "I would appreciate it if you guys would stop teasing Miss Mary and focus on learning."
The room fell silent, with some students exchanging uneasy glances. Ning's gaze lingered, ensuring they understood her message.
Miss Mary, oblivious to the brief interruption, continued her lecture. Ning returned to her seat, struggling to contain her anger.
Sarah's calming touch on her arm helped. "Hey, it's okay. Don't let them get to you."
Ning took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax. She couldn't let her emotions dictate the weather – not here, not now.
Things seemed to be going well until it didn't.
Ning's anger boiled over once again as the students continued to mock Miss Mary. One of their thrown objects hit the lecturer, and Ning's control snapped.
Sarah rushed to Miss Mary's side, helping her gather her belongings. "Let's get you out of here, Miss Mary."
Miss Mary sobbed, her autistic sensitivity overwhelmed by the chaos.
Ning turned to face the misbehaving students, her eyes blazing. "You think I'm a witch, right? That the weather changes with my emotions?"
The students laughed, but Ning's smile was unsettling. "Well, here it is." She pointed outside.
Curious, the students looked out the window. The sky was still calm.
"Nothing's happening," one student sneered.
Ning counted down, her voice steady. "Five, four, three, two, one."
Suddenly, the sky darkened. Raindrops began to fall, slowly at first, then intensifying into a torrent.
The students stared, awestruck.
"Your cars," Ning said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "The doors are open. Go close them."
The students exchanged nervous glances before rushing out into the rain.
As they fled, the other students watched Ning with a mix of fear and awe.
"Whoa...are you a witch?" someone whispered.
Ning gazed out the window, her eyes shining with a newfound acceptance. This strange gift, granted by the heavenly realm, was hers to wield.
She loved it.
Miss Mary, comforted by Sarah, watched Ning with a curious expression. For the first time, she saw Ning's true nature – a complex, powerful individual.
The rain continued to pour down, a symphony of droplets on the roof.
Ning's smile grew, her secrets and strengths intertwined like the rain and her emotions.
A snake-like smile spread across Ning's face as the storm intensified. Her eyes, once warm amber, darkened to an unsettling depth.
Xinan burst into the classroom, drenched and worried. She rushed to Ning's side, grasping her arm.
"Ning, we need to go. Now," Xinan urged, her voice firm.
Sarah and Miss Mary watched, concerned, as Xinan pulled Ning away.
"What's wrong with her?" Sarah asked, but Xinan's response was curt.
"Ning's not okay. We have to go."
As they passed, Sarah noticed Ning's eyes had changed, like the storm outside.
Xinan rushed Ning out, demanding Sarah's keys. "We'll take your car."
Sarah tossed the keys, and Xinan caught them mid-air.
"Let's go," Xinan said, already moving.
She bundled Ning into the car and sped away, leaving the stormy campus behind.
The darkness in Ning's eyes grew, her connection to the storm unclear.
Xinan's grip on the wheel tightened, her focus on saving her friend.
What secrets lay hidden behind Ning's turbulent gaze?
Xinan sped through the stormy streets, her heart racing with concern. She finally reached their house, pulling Ning out of the car and into the warm safety within.
Ning's smile remained, her eyes still shrouded in darkness. She walked stiffly, as if possessed, and sat on the couch.
Xinan knelt before her, her voice gentle. "Your Highness, Princess Liuxian."
Ning's gaze shifted, a hint of recognition sparking.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," Ning whispered, "but I don't think it's time yet. Please...please, Your Highness."
Xinan's hands trembled as she retrieved the powder Lady Jiang had given her. She held it close to Ning's nose.
The storm outside ceased, as if responding to the powder's power. Ning's eyes cleared, returning to their warm amber hue.
Xinan hugged Ning tightly, relief washing over her.
Ning looked up, confusion etched on her face. "What happened?"
Xinan's expression turned grim. "You lost control, Ning. The storm...it was getting out of hand."
Ning's eyes widened, memories flooding back.
And then, just as clarity dawned, Ning's gaze locked onto something behind Xinan.
Her eyes froze, terror creeping in.
"Xinan..." Ning whispered, her voice trembling. "What's that?"
Xinan turned, but saw nothing.
"What is it, Ning?" Xinan asked, alarm rising.
Ning's voice barely registered above a whisper.
"The Shadow...it's coming."