The drive from Elairon Capital to Valemere was supposed to take two hours. But with Mum behind the wheel, it stretched into three. She drove like she lived—precise, cautious, in absolute control.
By the time we finally stopped, my back ached and my nerves buzzed. I blinked at the window, frowning. There was nothing here. Just trees. Endless, shadowy trees swallowing the road on both sides.
"Mum?" I asked quietly, scanning the empty stretch of forest. "Where's the school?"
She didn't answer. She just killed the engine, stepped out, and said, "Elara, come."
Of course. No explanation, just commands. That was her way.
I climbed out, clutching my bag to my chest as the sound of the car door echoed into silence. The air smelled of pine and damp earth. Mist crawled low across the ground, curling around my shoes like smoke.
I hesitated. "Mum, are you sure we're—"
"Elara, what did I tell you about questions?" she cut in, her tone clipped.
I lowered my head and said softly, "Every question is a second wasted."
"Good. Now, follow me." She ordered.
I did, without speaking up again.
We walked down a narrow path cutting through the woods, my shoes crunching against wood and leaves. The deeper we went, the heavier the air felt — thick with energy, like the forest itself was watching. I could almost feel the hum of magic beneath my skin, crawling up my spine.
Mum stopped suddenly between two enormous trees whose trunks twisted together like lovers. She closed her eyes, lifting a hand into the air. The wind stilled. For a second, nothing happened... and then light burst from the space between the trees, swirling into a circle of white-gold energy. A portal.
I blinked against the glow, raising an arm to shield my eyes.
"Come," Mum said simply, and stepped through the light.
My stomach flipped. Every logical part of me wanted to hesitate, but there was no hesitation in her voice, no room for doubt.
'You can do this, Elara,' I told myself, breathing deep. 'You've trained for this your whole life. You belong here.'
I stepped through.
Warm energy brushed my skin like silk, and then I was through the other side—into a world that stole my breath.
Before me stood enormous wrought-iron gates, black and gleaming, their tips carved into curling shapes of dragons and moons. Across the archway, in shimmering silver letters, were the words:
AURELIA ACADEMY.
My pulse quickened.
Two towering trolls flanked the gate, their eyes like glowing amber coals. When they spoke, their deep voices rumbled like thunder through the ground.
"Seraphine Moonveil," one intoned.
"Welcome," said the other.
My mother inclined her head, regal as ever. The gates groaned, creaking open.
I stared, rooted to the spot, heart hammering.
"Elara." Mum's voice snapped me back. "Move."
I swallowed hard and stepped forward.
The moment I crossed the threshold, the air shifted — thick with magic, alive with whispers and power. In front of us stretched a long cobblestone path lined with silverleaf trees, their leaves glinting like stars in daylight. At the center of the courtyard was a vast marble fountain, the water glittering as it danced in the air. Beyond that rose the academy — a sprawling castle of ancient stone, its towers piercing the mist, its windows glowing faintly like living eyes.
My breath caught. "Whoa! It's… beautiful," I whispered before I could stop myself.
Mum didn't answer. She was already walking ahead.
Students in matching uniforms filled the courtyard — laughing, talking, practicing small spells that fizzled and shimmered in the air. I caught glimpses of fire dancing between fingers, petals blooming midair, and little whirlwinds spiraling through the path. It was chaos and beauty all at once.
For the first time, I felt a flicker of excitement. This was it. I was finally here.
We made our way through the halls until we reached her office. It smelled faintly of parchment and sage. Mum handed me my schedule and a small enchanted pouch with a few essentials.
Before I could thank her, a lady entered — tall, elegant, with sleek brown hair in a bun and impossibly high heels that clicked with every step. She clutched a large book to her chest.
"Headmistress Seraphine," she greeted, bowing slightly. "You sent for me."
"Yes." Mum's tone was clipped. "This is my daughter, Elara. Please take her to her dorm."
The woman nodded, gesturing for me to follow. "This way, Miss Elara."
I turned to leave, but my mother's voice stopped me.
"Elara."
I froze and looked back. "Yes, Mum?"
Her gaze met mine — cold, steady, unyielding. "Don't mess this up."
My throat tightened. I nodded and said slowly, "I won't."