Every weekend, Josephine would sit quietly outside, waiting for Ceillie. She always hoped Ceillie would arrive with a smile and an embrace. But each weekend passed the same—Ceillie never showed. Each time, Josephine's heart broke a little more, her tears wetting her lap as she sat in silence, longing for family love she was always denied.
King Hendrick saw this pain. One morning, he made the decision to enroll Josephine in Mythralis Aetherion Academy, one of the most prestigious schools in the realm. The tuition fee was enormous—200,000 golden coins—but Hendrick paid it without hesitation.
Josephine trembled when she heard the news. The thought of going to school among so many powerful beings frightened her.
"Don't worry," King Hendrick said gently. "I told them to keep you in a separate class, only you. You'll be safe."
At the same time, Tess, Callum, and Pierre also secured places in the academy. They had saved up money for their education, but it wasn't enough. Hendrick added the missing amount himself, ensuring they could all attend together.
Later, Hendrick pulled Theodore aside. His tone shifted to the weight of a father's command.
"I know you don't like Jojo," he began firmly. "But as your king and your father, I plead with you—don't hurt her. Don't let anyone, and I mean anyone, harm your sister. She is just a child who wants family love. Don't be like your mother. Who knows, maybe her true identity will awaken soon. Understood?"
Theodore hesitated, but nodded. His eyes followed Josephine, who sat trembling, her small hands shaking as Tess carefully braided her hair.
"All done," Tess said with a smile.
Hendrick's expression softened as Josephine turned to him, her eyes filled with innocence. He handed her a pouch of 700,000 golden coins.
"Thank you, Papa," Josephine said with her hands, smiling. Hendrick smiled back, pride shining in his face.
Arrival at Mythralis Aetherion Academy
The academy gates loomed like a fortress of magic and knowledge. As they entered, Josephine's wide eyes took in the sight—witches, demons, angels, fairies, elves, vampires, mermaids, sirens, werewolves, and even dragons. The world of the academy was alive, filled with every mystical being she had only heard about in whispers.
"Woah…" Tess, Callum, and Pierre muttered together, in awe of the diversity.
"Ah, Princess Josephine," a warm voice called. The principal, Ruby, walked forward gracefully. She was a tall, striking woman of about 35 years, her aura a strange blend of power—half vampire, half witch.
"Hello and welcome to Mythralis Aetherion Academy," Ruby said. "Miss Hia will show your friends to their classes later. But Josephine, come with me."
Ruby guided Josephine into an empty classroom. She placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Your father told me you cannot speak. I'm sorry, dear. He also said you have no powers yet and that your species remains unknown. But in time… everyone will know."
Josephine nodded silently, then made a small hand sign: "Thank you."
Ruby smiled warmly. "Welcome, dear." And with that, she left Josephine alone.
First Lessons
The first teacher walked in, books floating behind him.
"Hello. Shall we begin?" he asked.
Josephine nodded quickly.
He began teaching history, moving swiftly through theories and complex timelines. The lessons were difficult, but Josephine worked hard—taking notes, writing fast, and breaking down each idea with her sharp mind.
Three hours and four teachers later, the bell rang. The hallways filled with rushing students.
Josephine sat quietly by the window as whispers spread:
"Isn't that King Hendrick's last born?"
"Yeah, that's her…"
"She looks so… ordinary."
The murmurs stung, but before they could go further, a commanding voice cut through.
"All of you, get going!" Oliver barked. The students scattered immediately.
Oliver stepped inside, followed by five of his friends:
Tyson (Dragon)
Deus (Snake)
Nymeria (Elf)
Corvin (Siren)
Ren (Phoenix)
"Hi, Jojo!" Oliver grinned.
Josephine turned, and the boys froze in place. Her beauty stunned them—the braids in her hair, the softness of her gaze.
"This is my little sister, Josephine," Oliver announced proudly.
"Hi, Josephine!" they chorused. She waved shyly at them.
Moments later, Anastasia entered with her own group of five:
Cedric (Witch)
Nevin (Vampire)
Daven (Mermaid)
Cyrus (Gorgon)
Kaeo (Demon)
Then Tess, Callum, and Pierre also appeared.
"Ugh, how do you guys deal with these long classes?" Tess groaned, collapsing against Josephine. Jojo patted her head gently, smiling.
They all had lunch together. Josephine, however, spent most of it staring at the mountains beyond the academy walls.
The Masked Teacher
"Is everybody done with lunch? Get to class," a deep male voice ordered.
Josephine looked up. A tall man stood there—masked, with a scar over his left eye, long black hair tied back. His presence was cold yet commanding.
"Yes, sir," the students answered quickly.
Tess kissed Josephine's forehead before leaving with the others.
Josephine remained, gazing out at the mountains.
"Shall we begin…?" the masked man asked, then froze when he truly saw her. Her braided hair, her flowing gown that nearly swallowed her small frame, her bare feet on the floor—her beauty struck him like lightning.
What a gorgeous girl… he thought, almost against his will.
Josephine snapped her fingers, pulling him back from his daze.
"So, what is your name?" he asked, sitting.
She scribbled on paper: Josephina.
"You can't speak?" he asked, thinking she was joking.
She opened her mouth, but no sound came. She nodded sadly.
"Oh… my bad," he said, his cold voice softening.
For two hours, he taught her. Her sharpness impressed him—her ability to solve difficult theories with speed and precision.
"You solved it…" he muttered, his tone betraying surprise.
Josephine smiled warmly at him.
"Your Majesty, it's time to leave," a guard said from the door.
"Two more minutes," the man replied.
Josephine looked at him curiously, then used her hands to sign: You are King?
He leaned closer. "Yes, I am. But don't tell anyone. It's our secret, okay?"
She nodded with a small smile.
He patted her head gently before leaving. As he climbed into his carriage, he removed his mask.
"How was work?" a woman's voice asked.
"She is… a nice girl," he murmured, still thinking of her.
The Awakening
Back at the castle, Josephine bowed her head respectfully before Hendrick, Sophia, and Noah.
"How was school?" Hendrick asked kindly.
Josephine smiled.
Sophia scoffed. "I'm sure no one even spoke to you. You're not even a true being."
Josephine's heart shattered. She stepped back, silent, her chest tight with grief. She turned and walked outside, her thoughts spiraling.
Why does everyone hate me? Why can't she love me? Why did Nana let me go? Why isn't she here with me? WHY!
She stomped her feet in rage.
The ground trembled.
The mountains beyond began to shake.
Theodore, watching from a distance, froze in shock. Josephine raised her hands, her fury spilling out. Her feet slammed down again, and the second tallest mountain collapsed into rubble.
"What the actual fuck…" Theodore whispered, eyes wide.
Josephine didn't even glance back. Her hazel eyes glowed as her fury radiated outward.
Theodore ran to Tess, Callum, and Pierre. "Something's wrong with Josephine! She's angry—she just shattered a mountain with her feet!"
They all rushed to the window. Josephine was stomping forward, her glowing feet blazing with power.
"Oh no, not again!" Tess gasped. In a blur of vampire speed, she appeared beside Josephine.
"Jojo, come on—let's go bake a lemon cake, hm?" Tess coaxed.
Josephine's hazel eyes flickered toward her, but the anger did not fade.
Tess gently scooped her up and carried her back inside at lightning speed.
"Now!" she ordered.
Callum cast an illusion spell—nothing worked.
"What does she like?" Noah demanded.
"Food, drawing, lots of things," Pierre answered quickly.
Anastasia acted fast, conjuring a warm cookie. She shoved it into Josephine's mouth.
Josephine chewed slowly. Her glowing eyes dimmed. Then she clapped her hands happily, her childlike joy returning as though nothing had happened.
Everyone collapsed with relief.
"What the hell was that?!" Theron shouted.
Oliver's gaze hardened. "You all have a lot of explaining to do."
"Even we don't fully know," Callum admitted. "Nana was the one who understood her. She only told us to keep Jojo calm and never let her get hurt or angry."
Theodore shook his head, still stunned. "I guess I misunderstood her. She's… something. But what?"
"We'll all have to find out," Noah said gravely.
The others nodded.
And Josephine, sitting cross-legged on the floor happily nibbling her cookie, clapped her hands and smiled—her true power still a mystery, waiting to awaken.