The Demon I Created

ROYAL HIGH

THIRD POV

Ida dressed quickly as her mom honked the car loud enough to wake the dead.

You could tell they were late just by looking at her. Back in her room, Ida shoved the last things she’d need for her first day into her bag.

Headphones to block out people she didn’t like.

A sanitary pad, just in case.

An extra dress for emergencies.

And finally, her lunch.

She rushed downstairs to find her mom already pulling out of the lobby of their four-room luxury apartment.

“Mom! Really, Mom?” Ida said, hands on her hips.

“Get in the car, young lady. I have an appointment at the castle today!” Cassie said, honking again.

“Jeez, Mom, I’m coming!” Ida slid into the passenger seat and buckled up.

“It looks like you forgot I spent last night in the hospital,” Ida muttered.

“And you forgot school starts at 7:30, and it’s already eight,” Cassie replied. “I know you hate being late, Ida. So I’ll do everything to get you there on time. That’s how your dad is. He’s—”

Cassie cut herself off.

They’d only been here a day, but it felt like an eternity without him. Both mother and daughter fell silent.

The drive to school was long and awkward. No one spoke to the other. This was their first time having such an awkward moment.

“I’m sorry I took so long, Mom,” Ida said finally. “I just wanted to make sure everything was ready.”

If she hadn’t taken so long, her mom wouldn’t have complained, and she wouldn’t have mentioned Dad. The thought made Ida feel like this was all her fault.

“Don’t be hard on yourself, dear,” Cassie said. “I was late too. I should’ve woken you up. I’ll pick you up after school, okay? I love you so much, baby.”

“I love you too, Mom. And yes, I’ll look for Kimberly,” Ida said. “I guess it’d be nice to have a friend in this weird town.”

They hugged.

Ida got out of the car and waved goodbye as her mom drove off.

The high walls surrounding the school felt eerily familiar. Comforting, almost.

She tied her hair into a bun and stepped through the entrance. The wind blew toward her like a welcome embrace.

A chill ran down her spine as every eye turned to her.

Some looked at her with disgust. Others with surprise.

Ida ignored them and walked forward. Murmurs filled the yard the moment she appeared.

After circling around for a few minutes, she finally found the administration block. She stepped into the three-story building with a relieved smile. _Finally, no more getting lost._

“Excuse me,” she said to the lady behind the desk.

The woman wore an ironed white shirt and a knee-length pencil skirt. She was beautiful—almost too beautiful. Enchanting, even.

“How may I help you, dear?” she asked warmly.

“Uhm, sorry. I’m new, and I don’t know which class I’m in,” Ida said, smiling.

It was weird how everyone here looked so perfect. Almost inhuman.

“Are you always this beautiful?” Ida blurted out before she could stop herself.

The receptionist froze.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it like that,” Ida rushed to explain. “You’re just so pretty, and everyone here is. I’m baffled.”

“It’s okay, honey,” the woman said with a small smile. “I’m used to it. I heard it a lot after I met my mate.”

She slid a key across the desk. “This is your class and locker key. Have a nice day, Miss.”

Ida took the key, confused.

“What mate?”

She didn’t say it out loud this time. Just thought it.

She followed the directions down the hallway to a massive classroom. Big enough to fit a thousand people.

Students chatted loudly inside. At least here, no one stared at her like she was from another planet.

Ida put in her ear pods and sat by the window. She was an hour late, but no teacher had shown up yet.

“Her Highness, it’s nice to see you at school finally,” a voice said.

Kim.

“I’m Kim,” she said, bowing politely. “Your mom must’ve mentioned me. I know this is weird, but you’re my queen.”

“Uhm… okay, that’s weird,” Ida said, pulling out her headphones. But she smiled. “I’m Ida. It’s nice to meet you. I think we’ll make a great team, Kim.”

“Do you mind if I sit here?” Kim asked, gesturing to the seat beside her.

“Of course not.”

Finally—someone she felt comfortable with, besides Kate back home.

“I haven’t thanked you properly for yesterday,” Ida said. “I’m really grateful, Kim.”

Kim turned to her, staring straight into her eyes like she could see something no one else could.

“The pleasure is all mine, my Queen,” Kim replied. “Please don’t ask me why I call you that. You’ll find out from the right people at the right time. For now, welcome to Royal High School.”

Ida blinked, confused but smiling. “Well, with you here, I think I’ll actually like this school.”

They talked for a while until a teacher finally walked in. The class was dead quite now.

Kim glanced at Ida one last time and whispered,

“This is the beginning of the journey she never knew existed.”