Chapter 3: First Day of School
A Reflection in the Mirror
Lyrielle’s mother, Noctura, stepped into her room, shutting the door behind her. She walked to the vanity mirror and stared at her own reflection—
Except it wasn’t hers.
As if sensing her presence, a pale, mysterious figure appeared on the other side of the mirror.
"Noctura," the woman spoke, her voice smooth yet weighty.
Noctura’s frown deepened. "Mordaine."
"What is this energy I sense around you?" Mordaine asked, tilting her head.
Noctura exhaled slowly. "It’s already that strong, isn’t it?"
Mordaine nodded. "Your daughters are awakening faster than expected. You should be cautious—especially with Lyrielle. She is harder to control. It seems the trip is already taking effect."
Noctura’s brows knit together. "Normally, Scarlett should be the difficult one..."
"Lyra will resist her fate, Noctura. You know that light always dispels darkness."
Mordaine’s words sliced through the air, making Noctura sigh as she rubbed her forehead.
"But it’s not yet time. We must follow the course of fate. Even though the burden will be heavy on her, she cannot avoid it. I only wonder..." Noctura’s voice grew softer. "Why did she have to be born with Light?"
Mordaine shook her head with a knowing smile. "She will inevitably fall into darkness, Noctura. But Lyrielle is stubborn. Even she doesn’t fully understand it yet. And she is powerful." Mordaine’s gaze sharpened. "Be careful with both her and Scarlett. The Celestial Order will certainly find out soon."
With that, she vanished.
Noctura stared at the empty mirror for a long moment before turning to her bed, exhaustion washing over her.
She was weak. She could feel it.
And she could no longer delay telling Lyra the truth.
*******
The first day of another semester was always either exciting or boring—
For students with friends and wild vacation stories, it was a day to look forward to.
For students like Lyrielle, it was just another day.
Except for the welcome tests. Those, at least, were interesting.
Scarlett, as usual, waved her off before heading to her own class. Lyrielle walked down the corridor toward hers when she felt it.
Eyes. Watching her.
She kept her expression neutral but noted the change. Normally, she felt like a ghost in school. Despite her unparalleled beauty, people always overlooked her.
Her golden-white hair gleamed like sunlight, her golden eyes were like melted amber, her fair skin, delicate nose, and soft lips could pass for something out of a fantasy novel.
And yet…
No one ever noticed her.
No one ever talked about her.
No one ever seemed to realize she existed.
It was as if they were blinded.
Except for one person.
"Lyra!!"
A short-haired girl burst through the crowd, throwing her arms around Lyrielle in a tight hug.
Lyrielle smiled. "Mira."
Mirabel was a pure soul. From the day she first arrived at school, she had clung to Lyrielle and never let go.
And perhaps… she was the only one who truly saw her.
They withdrew from the hug, and Mira immediately started chattering, her energy bright and lively. It reminded Lyrielle of Scarlett—but purer.
"So, how was Paris?" Lyrielle asked as they walked together.
That was all the encouragement Mira needed.
She launched into an animated monologue, excitedly describing the shopping, the events, the food, the places—
"And last but not least… the guys," Mira finished smugly.
Lyrielle groaned. "I almost thought you’d repented."
"What? Me? Repent?" Mira scoffed. "Never. When I see something good, I go after it. There’s nothing wrong with that, Lyra."
As they neared the senior class section, the stares grew more intense.
Lyrielle’s discomfort deepened.
But luckily, it wasn’t overwhelming, and they soon arrived at her class.
Lyrielle was in the regular class, while Mira was in VIP. It wasn’t necessarily segregation, but rather the wealthy students setting up an invisible barrier between themselves and the rest.
Honestly? It was ridiculous.