In this world, there are countless creatures that humans have never discovered. Some live deep in forests where no human has ever stepped. Some hide in the shadows of our own cities. And some… exist so secretly that people believe they are nothing more than myths or legends. These creatures are not part of the world we see every day. They are powerful, mysterious, and sometimes even dangerous. But what most people don't know is that there are a few who are aware of their existence—people who quietly protect them from the world. Because if humans ever discovered them… everything would change.
India… a land of colors, chaos, and history. A place where ancient temples touch the skies, bustling cities hum with life, and every corner holds stories that have survived thousands of years. But beyond the cities, beyond the plains, there exists a part of India that even many Indians rarely see—the Northeastern states.
Nestled among hills, rivers, and misty forests lie Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim—lands of breathtaking beauty, hidden valleys, and ancient mysteries. Here, the air smells of damp earth and wild flowers, and the wind carries whispers of stories passed down from village elders. Locals speak in hushed tones of creatures and spirits that have lived here long before humans, beings that are rarely seen but never forgotten. From the forest tricksters of Assam to the snow spirits of Sikkim, each land hides secrets that the outside world could never imagine.
Aira was late. Again.
At 17, full of unstoppable energy and curiosity, she sprinted along the winding path toward Greenhaven College, nestled deep in the hills of Assam. Mist clung to the tall trees, rivers wound like silver ribbons through the forest, and the morning sun painted the leaves in gold. Her backpack bounced wildly against her back, her ponytail whipping like a flag as she dodged low-hanging branches and leapt over fallen roots. Every step made her heart pound, not just from running, but from the thrill of being alive in a world so full of hidden wonders.
Greenhaven was no ordinary college. Brick buildings intertwined with nature, ivy climbing the walls, glass corridors reflecting the sunlight, and flowering trees lining every pathway. The river at the edge of the campus sparkled like scattered gems, and wooden footbridges arched gracefully over tiny streams. To anyone else, it was a perfect, serene campus—but to Aira, it was the arena for her daily sprint to avoid being late.
"Why do classes always start so early?!" she gasped, narrowly avoiding a group of students strolling slowly, their amused glances doing nothing to slow her down.
She peeked through the classroom window and froze. The teacher was already there, sitting at her desk with that sharp, "I can see everything" stare. Taking a deep breath, Aira tried the door quietly, inching it open.
"Stand outside, Aira! Again, late?" the teacher's voice rang out.
"I-I'm sorry, but I was helping… um… a Chhaya in the forest this morning," Aira stammered, hoping the excuse sounded plausible.
The classroom erupted in laughter. "What? Were you reading some sort of manga or webtoon?" one boy snickered.
Red-faced, Aira muttered, "No! I'm serious…" but she was ushered outside nonetheless.
Sitting on the bench, she sighed. Wow… my dreams are getting weirder and weirder lately… she thought, still unsure what she meant by "dreams." Something about last night, something unusual… it lingered in her mind like smoke she couldn't shake.
A few minutes later, the teacher called her back inside. "Aira, this is the fourth time in a row you've been late. Next time, you'll stand for two whole periods if you're late again," the teacher said sternly.
"Okay," Aira replied quickly, grabbing her books and slipping back to her seat.
"Too much fantasy drama again, huh?" whispered a cheerful voice next to her.
Aira glanced at the girl. "I don't know… but I feel like my dreams are too real lately. Way too real," she admitted.
"Hmm… maybe you're finally catching up to real magic," the girl teased, grinning.
The girl's name was Maya, Aira's best friend—always bubbly, always teasing, and the one who somehow managed to keep Aira's chaotic energy in check… sometimes.
As they whispered, a sudden shout came from the hallway. "Look! Section B's got free games today—teacher's absent!"
Section A groaned in unison. "Ugh, why do they always get fun things first?"
Aira, however, glanced down at the sports field outside the window. Some girls from her class were praising a boy from the other section who was playing football effortlessly. His movements were smooth, confident, almost mesmerizing.
Her friends leaned closer. "Wow… how can he play so well? He must be popular!"
Aira just nodded, but a strange feeling prickled in her chest. There was something about him… something she couldn't explain.
And then it happened. He scored a perfect goal, and when he turned, his eyes met hers.
Her heart stuttered. He knew she was looking.
"Ah!" Aira quickly tore her gaze away just as a different subject's teacher walked past the window. She busied herself with her books, but the unease lingered, crawling along her spine like icy fingers. She didn't know why, but something about that boy… something about the way he had looked at her… had unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.