Chapter 11
716 Words
Lidia threw the door open almost instantly.
“Perfect timing. I still can’t decide what to wear!” she said with obvious relief.
Her room looked much larger than mine, and filled with so many belongings it seemed Lidia had lived here for years. Clothes of every color and style were scattered around an open suitcase like in a boutique.
“Well, no wonder you can’t pick an outfit. You have enough clothes to last a lifetime. Why so many? You’re supposed to attend classes in uniform anyway.”
“You see… this is my chance to shine. I might never get another,” she admitted shyly.
“There are other ways to stand out. But you know best. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous dresses. Let’s find what suits you.”
“Thank you! And if you want, you can pick something too,” she offered.
I studied her. At first glance she looked like an ordinary girl: round face sprinkled with freckles, round glasses that suited her, and a slim but angular figure without soft curves.
I chose a loose, dropped-waist cream dress for her. After smoothing her short hair, I suddenly saw a model straight from the cover of a magazine from the early twentieth century. Lida could walk into a party from The Great Gatsby and no one would suspect she came from another world.
“You’re a miracle!” Lida gasped at her reflection. “If you want, I’ll give you one of my dresses. Which color do you like, Ari?” she asked.
“Black,” I replied quietly.
“What? Why black?”
“Black absorbs all colors and lets none escape. In black I feel… protected. And it’s the color of mourning. Grieving someone who’s gone forever is easier in black.”
“You’re grieving someone?” Lida asked softly.
“Yes. My friend died yesterday,” I said, the sadness real despite everything.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“No need. We all die eventually. No one escapes it. Best to let go.”
“You’re right. Take this black dress. I think it’ll suit you. Try it on.”
I did. And it fit like it had been made for me, hugging every curve.
“You look beautiful,” Lidia said sincerely.
I stared at my reflection. Strange… Ariel and I really did look alike. In the mirror it was both me and not me — like the best version of myself.
“I think we should go,” I said at last, pulling my gaze away.
“Yes, we shouldn’t be late.”
On the way we talked about upcoming classes. Her brother had graduated last year and told her all about the first-year routine: mostly theory with minimal practice. Only three core subjects, but countless electives attended by students from all years.
Then she prattled on about her cousin, who studied alongside the heirs of the Great Houses.
Eleonor Vars — the heir of Earth — apparently a total tyrant. She didn’t have much magical talent, but being the Supreme Dragon’s daughter made her the queen. Everyone catered to her desires. Everyone feared displeasing her — otherwise they became targets of mockery for her entire entourage. Whenever she got bored, she picked a new “victim.”
Ray Flaming — the heir of Fire — was the most gifted magician of the last century. Rumor said he mastered fire magic at the age of six. Fearless, arrogant… and devastatingly attractive. Girls would claw each other’s eyes out just for a second of his attention.
Noah Aquaris — the heir of the House of Water. And then came a long monologue about how lucky I was to “know” him.
The first-year initiation party was held in a separate building on campus. By the time we arrived, it was already packed. At the entrance stood a handsome boy writing down names in a notebook.
“Hey, beauties! First-years? Which Great House are you from? Names?” he asked eagerly.
“I’m Lidia Abrams, House of Earth,” my companion said cheerfully.
“I’m Ariel. House of Water,” I answered stiffly.
He looked me over with an assessing gaze. Then I caught a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
- Writer
