Chapter 12
1280 Words
“Go on. Enjoy yourselves. Have fun,” he declared ceremoniously.
The place we entered reminded me of the Imagine Dragon club back in my world —
the same dim lighting, loud music, and a glowing dome above the dance floor.
“I’m glad you came with me,” Lidia said, turning to me. “Look, everyone’s already grouped up. If I were alone, I’d probably feel really insecure.”
“I’m glad too. Though honestly, I still feel insecure even now. Want to dance?” I offered.
And I truly did feel uneasy. Every now and then, I had the impression that the other students were staring at us. Some even pointed in our direction, whispering animatedly among themselves.
By nine, the music faded. Eleanor — the heiress of the Earth House — stepped onto the large stage.
She was stunning. A floor-length emerald dress hugged her figure beautifully.
The hall fell silent, even the music, as Eleanor began her ceremonial speech.
“My friends, first-years, I’m delighted to see you all at the Academy of the Elements as we begin a new academic year. I’m certain this year will be unforgettable for all of us. Connections forged here will stay with us for life — value the bonds and friendships you create. The Choosing of the Supreme Dragon awaits us. The Earth House has faithfully fulfilled its duty these past years, and now we are ready to pass authority to the greatest magician of our era. And that magician could be any of you. Therefore, the motto of this year is: Strive to become the best version of yourself.
“First-years,” she addressed us directly, “do not hesitate to seek help from the senior mentors. Their guidance will help you overcome the challenges ahead. And now, I ask all first-years to step onto the stage!”
The hall erupted into applause, calling us forward.
We all stepped up. There were maybe thirty of us, no more. Eleanor lifted a parchment and began reading names.
“Victoria Evans, House of Fire. Step forward and introduce yourself.”
“I am Victoria from the House of Fire,” she said confidently. “Daughter of State Counselor Elist. Please accept me among you.”
“Welcome, Victoria from the House of Fire. Do you swear to serve the magic of the Elements with faith and truth? Are you prepared to accept all that fate has in store for you?”
“Yes, I swear!” The hall thundered with applause.
“Vincent Mile, the House of Earth,” Eleanor called next.
“I am Vincent from the House of Earth. Son of the commander of the Nairobi battalion.”
“Do you swear to serve the magic of the Elements with faith and truth? Do you accept what fate has prepared for you?”
“Yes, I swear,” Vincent replied.
The hall roared again.
And so it continued until only Lidia and I remained on the stage.
“Lidia Abrams from the House of Earth,” Eleanor called.
Lidia stepped forward nervously.
“I am Lidia from the House of Earth. Daughter of the Empire’s chief architect.”
“Do you swear to serve the magic of the Elements with faith and truth, and accept the fate prepared for you?”
“Yes, I swear,” she answered, more confidently this time.
The hall greeted her with the same enthusiastic applause.
Only Eleanor and I remained.
It suddenly struck me that everyone had introduced themselves with their name and the title of a prominent relative. I was certain Triton held some important position — but which? My father — well, Ariel’s father — according to the journal, had been just an ordinary man. What was I supposed to say?
“Ariel from the House of Water!” Eleanor called.
I obediently stepped forward, just like the others.
“I am Ariel from the House of Water,” I said. Then came an awkward pause.
“And?” Eleanor pressed. “Daughter of whom?”
“Just Ariel from the House of Water,” I answered.
A predatory smile curved her lips.
“Do you swear to serve the magic of the Elements with faith and truth, and accept the fate prepared for you, just Ariel?”
“Yes, I swear,” I answered without suspicion.
This time, the hall did not erupt with applause.
Instead, addressing the hall, Eleanor asked:
“Shall we put it to the test? A vow must not be broken, correct?”
Suddenly, two tall guys appeared behind me.
I didn’t like this. Every instinct in me screamed that I should get off this stage as fast as possible.
“The House of Water is strong,” Eleanor continued, “but every house owes respect to the Supreme Dragon’s House, just Ariel. Magic is beautiful in all its forms, but without respect, it can punish. Our duty as mentors is to sober up and teach those who stray. Do you understand?”
I looked at her. Her eyes glittering, her smile venomous.
“I understand,” I said.
“Do you accept it?” she asked again.
“I accept,” I answered, refusing to look away.
And suddenly, without warning, as if someone poured a bucket over my head, a strange, foul-smelling liquid drenched me from head to toe.
“Disrespect and betrayal usually stink just as badly as you do now,” Eleanor said with a cruel laugh. “Let this be a lesson to everyone. And you, darling, I suggest you wash that off quickly, if it soaks in, you’ll have a hard time getting rid of the smell for a long time.”
She laughed, and the entire hall, hypnotized, echoed her.
Humiliated, soaked, and reeking, I stepped off the stage. Students whispered and snickered as I passed.
Near the exit, Noah stepped forward, offering me a handkerchief.
How dare he even approach me after what he’d done, driving poor Ariel to her death.
I silently accepted the handkerchief, wiped my face, and handed it back.
“Are you okay?” he asked gently.
“I’m perfectly fine. And you should stay far away from me. Pretend you don’t know me, or I’ll make you regret that we ever met.”
I returned him his own words, turned sharply, and headed for the exit.
A fire blazed inside me. I wasn’t upset. I was furious. Flames devoured my thoughts.
The deeper I walked into this world, the more fuel piled onto the fire.
I now had personal scores to settle and I would settle them.
As I neared the exit, I overheard a few guys talking.
“Who’s she?” one asked.
“The pathetic cousin of Noah Aquaris, and apparently Eleanor’s new ‘victim,’” another laughed.
The remark ignited me even more.
“Out of my way,” I said, meeting one of their gazes.
In his eyes I saw neither mockery nor sympathy.
Only cold, arrogant appraisal.
Flames flared in my chest.
“Ari, calm down!” my dragon’s voice echoed.
I stepped out into the cool evening air, inhaling deeply until I eased my breath.
“You really should wash that stuff off, Ari,” the dragon said.
“Yes, I know. It smells disgusting.”
Back in my room, I immediately showered, threw the ruined dress away, and collapsed onto the bed.
“Help me, Ari,” my inner dragon murmured.
“I will. But you’ll have to help me too. I’m afraid I can’t deal with these pathetic people on my own.”
“You’ll manage. You’re not alone. We’ll manage it together.”
- Writer
