Since the meeting with Professor Nannieya and her friends, they kept asking me to join their little botany club. I tried to politely refuse at first but they kept insisting on me joining them since I was able to summon both Lily spells at the same time and they wanted me to help them somehow, or do the spell again so they can store the flowers. I never really cared for plants in any special way. Wanted to, because it was easier to take care of them and the orphanage didn't really allow us to have any pets. There was one beautiful big stray black dog that lived somewhere near the orphanage. The workers always tried to scare him away and told us not to feed him, but he kept coming back. Esentially, they let us be and sorta keep him around but that was the only exception. To fill the boredom at that place I bought some plants which didn't last long. I don't blame them. It was too depressing in the orphanage common room for people and everyone wanted to get out for as long as possible. Maybe I could do the same here since I don't have much stuff to do between classes anyway. I mostly hang out with girls, read books or just study. I was thinking about it at first and still wasn't sure about joining them though. In the end, I told the professor that I will let it run through my head and give them an answer later. My excuse? Saying that I am still not used to magic and I need time for my studies, to catch up with those, who could practice from childhood, had help from their families.

That Lily spells happened two months ago. I kept avoiding Professor Nannieya, stayed in the back during each class to be able to quickly run away after we get dismissed. She tried to ask me a few more times but after a few weeks, she realized that I needed more time so she stopped pressuring me. She gave me a few soft looks followed by a warm smile from time to time during class, or hinted in her lesson speech how we should cherish our gifts and work on not losing them which made me feel a little bit guilty but I still wasn't sure if I should join them. Would I be even of use to them besides casting one spell and being a flower supplier? The guilt got to me and eventually I had to accept the offer from Professor Nannieya and her club since I been getting letters from the members more and more frequently. They wanted me to attend their meetings in that little coffee shop, which was no problem since Professor Nannieya got a permission slip for me, accompanied me every time to the outside world. Even though it was boring, just sitting there and listening to their stories, watching them show off new plants they managed to grow. Except for the Lily, I had no other achievements. They wanted me to summon the Lily while we were together but Professor Nannieya told me not to, that the spell is energy consuming and that I should wait a few more months until I fully summon another one. So I usually only ate whatever cake they ordered for me and then went back with Professor Nannieya and her sister. They were always nice to me but they probably realized I was just bored and they weren't exactly the age category I would usually hang out with so when I asked if I could stop coming to the meetings and instead just work with the professor, they didn't protest. After school, I usually help Professor Nannieya in the greenhouse. We mostly water plants, trim old stems, pluck dead leaves, and sometimes we plant new ones. The professor also gave me permission to borrow some botany books about medicinal herbs or poisonous and deadly plants, and just take them from her office if I wanted to. I even started cleaning around to make it neat and professor told me not to bother with it but I wanted to be more useful around and help her out. She must have felt a bit guilty even though I tried to reassure her it's not a big deal to sweep the floors because as a reward, she tried to help me to catch up on some spells and practice my powers. She told me to prepare a binder and old newspapers when we were supposed to make our own herbarium. Also gave me hints to study spells beforehand in a book she recommended for being ahead in her class.

The rumors were still circulating around the school. I keep getting weird looks from students but those come mostly from people from my class. Others sorta got bored, forgot about it eventually or found something new to have fun with. In our first-year classes, I sit alone in the back taking notes. I wrote down most notes for Botany class already based on the recommendations from the professor so I kept just doodling into a clean notebook I started bringing with me and listened to the lessons when they were theoretical.

Another day of classes was behind me and I was also done with helping out in the greenhouse so I returned to my dorm room. I took quick warm shower, washed my face and used a sheet mask that Kisha gave me. The girls were doing some beauty day with home made or bought masks, gels and cleansers, turning our living room into a spa. After a few minutes, I was supposed to go wash off the mask so I left. I walked into my room and then I saw a piece of paper glowing on my table. I went to pick it up and read it. It was a notification that our Zoology class tomorrow is canceled and instead, we got Botany class pushed sooner. I quickly peeled off the mask, throwing the used sheet into the trash can and go quickly rinse the rest from my face. When I was done, I went through my bag and took out books for Zoology since I won't need them tomorrow. Girls continued their beauty treatments but I was getting tired after all that work with Professor Nannieya so I excused myself and went to bed. The next day I got ready as usual, didn't put much effort into clothing or make up even though I started dressing up more nice, since the girls were practically crying about my "basic" wardrobe and gave me some of their clothes to boost up the level of my outfits as they called it. It still looked decent and in a range of what I like to wear but you could see a little bit of difference especially with the price of some of those clothes. I put on some tight light brown pants and a skye blue blouse, which was my new favourite, combining it with white slip-on sneakers. I did my morning routine with going to buy and eat breakfast then go to my classes. I was on my way to the greenhouse when I saw my other classmates walking in the direction of the classroom. I stopped walking and watched them disappear behing the corner. Lately, all of our Botany classes were held in there so I shrugged my shoulders and continued to walk in my direction. I started moving when I was forced to stop because after I turned around I noticed a presence in front me and almost bumped into Professor Nannieya. She greeted me and told me that today the class will be moved to the classroom instead of the usual work in the greenhouse. I guess that's why other students were going there. She walked pass me and then patted me on my back. I turned around to join her in walking to the classroom.

After we arrived, I immediately sat at the first desk that was free in the back row instead of my favourite spot. Professor continued to walk to her desk. I was rummaging through my bag, trying to find my books, bent over and hidden under the desk. I took out the textbook and notebook, then put it on my desk while still hiding under it. I heard a male voice clearing his throat, getting everyone's attention, except mine, since I still couldn't find a pen and was preoccupied with going through my bag, moving things to the side trying to find it. Totally didn't put together that it was Professor Nannieya's class and there was a male voice.

Male voice: You don't need to get ready for today's class and just pack your things. Later! If everyone could pay attention for a moment, I would appreciate it.

Someone poked my back. I turned around to see who it was and what they want. I look at my classmate who was nudging her head slightly to the left. I follow the direction and see Professor Nannieya with Professor Halloda, leaning against the teacher's desk with his arms crossed, looking at me. Still bent down and only my head popping from the side of the desk, I leave my bag alone and slowly straight my back, sitting properly and listen to the teachers. Professor Halloda cleared his throat again and then turned his gaze to the whole class.

Professor Halloda: In case you are wondering, why our class was canceled for today, we will explain everything to you.

Professor Nannieya: Every year, we get together with Professor Halloda from Zoology class and attend a training camp prepared for you, first years. It is mandatory for every student.

Upon hearing that we have to attend the camp as a part of our classes, some students groaned and exclaimed. It was mostly girls who complained about going into the forest and not being able to do all their skincare routines, or the rich kids didn't want to spend time outside their comfy rooms. I wasn't sure that I want to go either but I kept the disappointment to myself. Not that I hated camping, but I planned on meeting up with some professors or even the principal and ask about dropping out from the academy.

Professor Nannieya: Now, now. I know it might seem boring at first, going away for studying, but don't worry. Many special activities and free time will be given to you as well as practical lectures in the wild nature.

Professor Halloda: We will be joined by other teachers from our department and leave tomorrow at 8:00 am. Please pack your things and don't be late. If you are, points for tardiness will be deducted from your final grade for the camp.

Ledon: Nice. A whole week out of this hell hole and also free time.

Me: A WEEK?!

I yelled after hearing Ledon say how long we will be there. I asked my roommates before if there is a way to meet up with the Principal about some personal things and my studies but they didn't know since they never had anything to discuss with him personally. Luckily I joined the Botany club and got closer to Professor Nannieya so I asked her one time when I was helping her out. She explained to me how the principal is mostly busy even though it seems he doesn't have that much things to do and what I needed to do to request a meeting with him. I was supposed to fill out this appointment card and send it to him. Even though everything she told me was clear, I still didn't know what to do really so she helped me get the card, write down the purpose of my visit and then go throw it into the old postal box. Then I was meant to just wait until I get a reply. The first response I got said that I am meant to wait for a further notification because principal left the school to investigate some magical anomaly that occurred in Antarctica or whatever was the name of the place. I waited for him to come back while I rotted in classes. He returned a few days ago and I finally had a chance to get summoned for a meeting but now I have to postpone it for another week. What if he leaves somewhere again?! Everyone looked at me and then they laughed but Professor Halloda shushed them down and we were dismissed from the class. I sighed and then picked my bag, leaving the classroom to go to my dorm and get ready for tomorrow. I hoped I would get a notification about the meeting today since they let us go early from our classes and I had spare time but there was nothing in my dorm room after I returned to it. I guess I will have to wait another week for a talk with the Principal. I set my bag down and took off my cloak, walking with it tossed over my forearms to the cupboard, folding it in the air and then placing it into of the drawers. It was still early and I wasn't hungry so I decided to pack my bag for the camp now, and then have time in the evening to double check if I have everything I need. I left the drawer opened and walked to my bed, crouching and bending down, my head almost lying on the floor. I reached under the bed to grab the bag Lucy gave me for our little trip. I brushed it off on the bottom and then tossed it on my bed. I went back to the cupboard and picked out some clothes for the trip. I only got like two pair of pants, some T-shirts and a hoodie just in case it gets colder in the forest at night. Took a bunch of socks and underwear for each day plus some spares, neatly put them to the side of the bag and then ran out of my room to go pick up at least one pair of shoes in case the ones I wear when we leave get dirty or muddy. I patted everything in the bag and tried to make space for my hair brush and some of the cosmetics I planned to use. I ditched bringing the make up. I only took mascara, nude lipstick and a moisturizing cream. After everything was packed, I zipped the bag, then moved it from my bed and placed it under my desk. The packing didn't take that much time and since I was done pretty quickly, I decided to go kill some time by reading in the dorm common room. I searched for a good book and sat down in a single chair tugged in the corner. Between reading the pages, I took a breather and walked to the cafeteria and bought something to snack on. I waited the whole day if the summoning notification to the principal's office will arrive but it didn't and it was getting pretty late so I decided to go back to my room. I checked my bag to see if I didn't forget anything, added phone charger and headphones which I tugged into the side pocket of the bag and then went to sleep.

Waking up the next morning, I somehow got up from my comfy bed, dragging my body around the room because I was still sleepy and tired. I said goodbye to the girls and they wished me luck with the camp lessons, then they went back to sleep since it was still early. I managed to pick up my luggage and go to the designated meeting place.

I yawned, standing in the schoolyard with a few other students. Some of them were sitting on their suitcases but since I only had a duffel bag, I dropped in next my feet and hugged my body that shivered from time to time because I was still sleepy and the mornings started to get colder. Soon after we noticed that the "elite" trio of our class is walking to us, looking all flashy like movie stars. They were wearing expensive clothes, especially Ledon and Mairi, which they topped by also wearing sunglasses. After Ledon and his little squad finally managed to get to the group, suddenly Professor Halloda with two others apparated from a thin air and appeared in front of us. They were all dressed casually in jeans and green or brown shirts combined with comfortable leather shoes. All of them looked relatively young and they seemed to resemble each other with their long blonde hair. Professor Halloda had the longest hair from the three of them and he let them straight, falling down to his shoulders and his back. His eyes were almost the same shade of green as his shirt and he always kept his beard neatly trimmed. The other two had their golden locks tied in ponytails and stood behind Professor Halloda until he introduced them.

Professor Halloda: Before eight and we have everyone here, congratulations. These two are Professor Haldir and Professor Hellion who will be joining my course for Zoology during the camp. Botany professors are already at the camp, getting everything ready.

Professor Haldir: Nice to meet you all. We will all get to know each other better in your second-year Zoology class, which is mine. Luckily, we meet sooner.

Professor Hellion: Me as well, nice to meet you all. I am Professor Hellion and you will be able to attend my classes in your 4th year. For now, you will get a few lectures from me during the camp.

Professor Halloda: Now, if you are ready, please follow us.

Professor Halloda showed us the way with his hand and then walked through the crown with the other two teachers. I picked up my bag and with everyone we followed them to the edge of the school areal. Professor Halloda then stopped and put his arm in the air, signaling us to also stop moving. An ordinary yellow school bus came to the location in front of our small group and its door opened. Professor Halloda took a step to the side, showing us to get inside. Really? A magic school but we are going to a camp by a high school bus? I shrugged my shoulders and then I was going to carry my bag inside and go take a place on the bus. Professor Halloda chuckled and then told everyone just go into the bus and don't mind the luggage. I lifted my brows and wondered if they will load it into the bus for us but everyone else did as he told us and went one by one to the bus. I put down my back next to the suitcases left outside and entered the bus, sitting down in empty double seat. When all places were taken and everyone was seated, the bus moved. Some of us stared through the window and wanted to tell the teachers that they left the luggage there but after we moved, the luggages disappeared. I turned around my body and sat down properly, slouching a little bit in the seat to feel more comfortable in case I fall asleep. We drove through the whole schoolyard and left through the Inyll gate. The dark forest around the alley in front of the gate seemed so long if you looked out of the window, it had no end. But it didn't take even five seconds to leave it and join the cars on the road. Looking back, as soon as we hit the road, the dark tall poplar trees were nowhere to be seen. The school is being protected well. If I left now, I would have no way of getting back without the permission slip or someone guiding me. Not that I would want to go back after I drop out, but if anything bad happens in the future because of my powers, there would be no one to help me in the outside world. I would have to wait for the girls or Reilly to finish her studies. Aveus is my sort of safe haven to keep me from hurting people with my powers, but at the same time, those powers are really nowhere to be seen much, so I don't think I belong here. Hopefully, Principal Idarin will share some knowledge and ideas on this situation.

The drive took another two hours during which I ignored everyone and only watched the moving scenery behind the window while listening to the music with my headphones. The first thing I bought from my part-time job was a phone and headphones. It might seem trivial, but I was very proud back then to achieve something and buy it with my own money since the orphanage didn't have the budget to buy us such things. The song hasn't ended yet but we've already arrived at the camp site through this huge gate made out of wooden bear totems. Deep in the forest, we drove on this bumpy road and I watched the place with my side of the head pressed against the cold glass of the window. Behind the gate there was literally nothing, just trees, but as soon as we went through it, we saw the camp with small wooden houses built randomly throughout the woods. Parking in the middle of the camp, the bus stops and everyone stands up, walking slowly out of the bus. I sat still, listening to the song and waiting until it ends and everyone is out. When the last notes of the piano end the song, I stand up and join the queue in the bus, walking outside. Slowly getting to the front and then jumping from the stairs to the ground. I take a deep breath of the fresh air and close my eyes, looking up at the sky, letting the wind blow around me, watching the tree branches above me dance in the wind. It felt like freedom. Standing in the middle of this area covered in low grass, I heard the motor start again and then the bus leaves. I heard steps of people just walking around and checking out the camp. The leaves were rustling and the soft wind was howling through the trees. Professor Halloda then called upon us to gather on one spot, somewhere further aways because his voice sounded like it came from a good distance. I opened my eyes to see where everyone went and then joined the group to listen to the instructions.

Professor Hellion: Based on your rooms, your luggage was brought to the house appointed to you. Please go to your designated houses and prepare for the Botany class which will be held by Professor Naki in one hour. Off you may go.

With that, he snaps his left fingers held in the air, and door keys appear hovering in the air in front each of us. I take the key which had number 373 on it. It was my old room number before I was moved into Ossilor dorm. I look around, trying to find those two girls I used to share a room before. They were already staring at me. Two of them, just normal looking girls and dressed in casual outfits. What I heard about them around the class was that they come from magical backround but not from like a big and rich family so they looked more down to Earth than Ledon or Mairi. They didn't seem really happy about sharing a room with me again but then they nodded their heads and called me over to join them. I made my way through the crowd of classmates who were walking away, trying to find their camp house. We went together to kind of search for the house we were supposed to be in. There were so many and it's going to take some time. At least, that's what we thought. The keys started to glow and pull away from us in one direction. Following the floating key, we arrive in front of one of the houses. We look at the door which was just a plain wood with no decorations, but suddenly a small shield with the number 373 appeared on it when we walked closer. Not fazed at all by it, one of the girls unlocks the door and we enter the house. It seemed so small from the outside. It looked like it's going to be only one room but the interior is really big, with a living room, kitchen, stairs that lead to a second floor and other doors which have separate rooms behind them I presume. For this part, you kind of have to love magic. We run around the house, looking through every corner and every room. Eventually, we find our luggage in the rooms. The girls yelled from one room that they found my luggage in one of them, therefore I left the room I was checking out. We each took the room that had our luggage and I went to get ready for the class. Since it's botany, I dress up in a basic black T-shirt and older jeans I didn't mind getting dirty or torn, prepare the cloak that I tossed over a chair in my room and lay for a bit on the bed, since I have some time left before the class.

I started to drift away in my sleep when suddenly someone was shaking me and it woke me up. I open my eyes and see those two classmates in my room.

Classmate 1: Hi. Sorry to wake you up, but we went to check on you just in case you haven't left for the class yet.

Classmate 2: It is almost time. We should go and search for the location of the class. Will you go with us?

Sort of confused by their behavior and tired from being woken up from the nap, I sit on the bed and rub my hair. Shaking my head I try to get my senses together and get rid of the sleepiness. I slide from the bed and go pick up the cloak but girls told me that we won't need it for the classes here. I grabbed my phone to check the time and we still had about twenty minutes left and I was parched so I walked to the kitchen to get some water. I opened every cabinet until I found a glass and then filled it with the tap water. I leaned against the counter while chugging the water. Looking over the table I noticed three folded sand-color leather aprons, similar to those we use at school in the greenhouse when we work. I guess we will need one of those today. I drank the whole glass, washed it quickly in the sink and then put it on the counter to dry up. I made my way to the kitchen table and grabbed one of the aprons when the girls joined me and we started to talk.

Enko: Sorry how we behaved at the beginning of school. My name is Enko.

Jess: Hi. I am Jessicah but you can call me Jess. Yeah, same. I am so sorry how we treated you.

Me: No problem. I would be terrified too. I kinda am, of my powers.

Enko: Really? I think you are amazing, to have so much power.

Jess: We were scared at first and kind of jealous too, you know. Heh.

Me: Do you want to swap with me then, I will gladly share my power.

They look at me confused at first, but then I start to laugh and they realized it was a joke so they laughed too. We would talk more but since it was time for the class we decided to set aside the rumors about me quickly and then talk more during our free time. I was afraid I would be alone since Reilly or the girls cannot be here. Was totally okay with being alone and just wandering around the camp or staying in the room, but I am glad I got to make new friends from my class. At least someone for now is on my side and I won't be left out when attending classes.

I picked one of the aprons and carried it under my arm while leaving the house but then I remembered I don't have my key so I tossed the apron on the kitchen table while I ran into my room to grab it. I searched my room because I didn't know where I put the key, checking my luggage or my jean pockets but it was nowhere. I decided that I will stick with the girls for now if I am not able to find it but I took one last look under my blanket and pillow, and I found the key there. I quickly grabbed it and ran out of my room, through the kitchen, picking up the apron from the table and then I left the house. The girls were waiting for me so I apologized while I locked the door. They said it's okay and we started walking through the forest. Following the girls, we go through the camp and search for the location of the class. We would be totally lost but then I saw Professor Naki in the forest going around and preparing pots and watering cans. Lucky that I met her through the Botany club and knew what she looks like. I grab the girls by their arms and pull them to the forest in the direction of the Professor.

Jess: Where are we going? Why the forest?

Me: That's Professor Naki. The one that's holding our first class.

Enko: How do you know?

Me: Ehm, I kinda met her through Professor Nannieya in their club, after the KhautaSilvera spell.

Enko: Oh really, that must be cool. You seem like our senior student, helping us out with knowledge and everything even though we are the ones that grew up with magic since we were kids.

Me: Hah, I am not that good really. I still lack things from the studies and my powers are basically useless except those times they come out and make everyone hate me or be jealous.

Jess: Yeah, sorry for that. But we promise to try to be better classmates and friends. If you want. We can help you with stuff we know from our families.

Me: Thank you, I would appreciate that. Even though I think I will leave the school.

Enko: What? Why?

Me: Except that I have magic in me there is no other reason for me to be here. I don't belong here if I don't know how to use it.

Enko: Don't be ridiculous. You didn't have anyone to teach you how to channel your source. You will get the hang of it if you stay longer and ask teachers or us for help. Promise!

Me: I will see. Nothing is decided yet. I still don't know if I can just leave casually without any consequences. I need to ask the Principal first. Let's get to this class for now.

The girls are still a little bit angry at me for trying to leave the university but they follow me and we walk to the area where Professor Naki is getting everything ready. They were pouting at me. It was cute and their concern made me a little bit happier to be at this place. After we arrived, the Professor greeted me and then the girls, telling us to pick a place with a flower pot that is already done, sit there on a small circle pillow on the ground and wait for others. Girls did as the professor told us but I volunteered to help her out to finish the preparations for the class. Soon, we were joined by other classmates who found the place and were also seated down, waiting for the Professor to start the class. I finished placing the last of gardening tools and went to join the girls.

Professor Naki: Hello. My name is Professor Naki and I teach Botany in 3rd-year classes. But for today's camp lesson I am here to teach you, first-years. My specialization is deadly and poisonous plants. Even though you were all called here, only a few of you will participate in the lesson. Can someone tell me who and why?

I know the Professor better than others but she hasn't really said anything to me about the camp or the class during the meetings so I had no idea what we will be doing. But then it hit me. She said her specialization is poisonous plants. The only spell in that category we already learned is the Lily spell. I wanted to try answer her question so I hold my arm up and wait until I am called upon. Professor sees me and asks me to answer.

Me: Only those, who summoned Khauta will be participating in today's lesson.

Professor Naki: Great answer. Five points to you, Kaitlin. She is correct. Today we will focus on those who summoned the poison Lily called Khauta. You managed to do it in the classroom with nice and prepared conditions. Now. Each of you has one pot with the seed already planted inside. Those who summoned Silvera or haven't managed to grow one Lily yet will focus on their pots. Those who managed to get Khauta in their previous class will have to take out the seed without killing it, plant it in the ground of the forest, and grow it in its soil. Kaitlin, you have summoned both so you can either join the group with Khauta or you can work on the pot. Which one do you want?

Me: I will try to summon it in the soil.

Professor Naki: Wonderful. Join the class then.

I stood up from the ground and left the little group we formed in the backround. Enko and Jess stayed since both of them summoned Silvera. I give them a soft smile, pick up my pot with the seed and then go to the circle of students who are preparing to summon the Lily in the forest's soil. Setting down the pot, I listen to Professor Naki explain how we should remove the seed without damaging it or killing it. After she explained everything, we started to work on the spell. Professor Naki was walking between students and commenting on their work, helping them if they had any problems. Ledon and his group managed to cast Khauta as the first ones from the group. Professor Naki congratulated them but Ledon destroyed the flower and then left. GanFo and Mairi followed him. Meanwhile, I only managed to replant the seed into the soil and was getting ready for casting. Everyone saw me preparing to execute the spell, so they stopped their work and focused their eyes on me. I was the first person to summon both Lilies so they expected me to do it again and give them a great show to talk about. I focused on the emotions and let them flow through me. Everything got dark in my mind except this little blue spark in the distance which began to shine brighter and brighter. Shadows appeared around me, same as those before during the first casting. Running and chasing this one shadow. Everything was hazy but suddenly I heard someone's scream.

Woman's voice: !

I saw a shadow putting something down and then being pulled back by another darker shadow. After that everything got dark again. Running around in this darkness, I tried to get out even though I didn't know how to do that. I looked around to see any sort of exit but after some time, I felt actually good and warm so I let go and let my body float in the black nothingness. Memories of me growing up in the orphanage started to flow into my mind. They weren't particularly happy besides those times when I played around with the stray dog that the orphanaged adopted basically after we annoyed the hell out of those nuns and they just gave in. I used to feed it with others but for some reason I could feel that the dog liked me the most from all the kids. Or at least that's what I told myself because I wanted someone close to me. Before Reilly came to the picture of course.

Waking up in the bed in our camp house, I look around and see worried Enko with Jess sitting next to me, Professor Nannieya brewing some herbal tonic on the table next to us. When they saw me open my eyes, girls called Professor Nannieya and she brought the tea, telling me to drink it. My body aching all over like I got kicked by a horse, I try to sit up on the bed. Professor Nannieya helps me up and then hands me over the cute white cup with colorful birds drawn on it. I only took a sip from the cup because the tea was hot, steam still coming out of it. It had a nice sweet flavor and flower scent. It tasted so good and warmed me up inside, filling up with energy. Putting down the remaining tea, Professor Nannieya takes the cup and sets it on the table.

Professor Nannieya: This tea should help you regain your energy. How do you feel?

Me: Better. What happened?

Jess: We really don't know. We were practicing our spell when we heard chatter from the Khauta group. When we checked what happened, you were unconscious on the ground.

Me: I see. Must have been hard for me to summon it for the second time. Or the first one was just luck.

Professor Nannieya: It is okay. The whole process must have been too much for that level of magic. At least for now. Rest and then get ready.

Ready for what? I was wondering. Is it already time for another class? I wanted to learn more but is it a good idea for me to do spells now? My gaze fell behind the girls and I saw their suitcases ready, waiting in the doorway. I quickly scanned the girls and they were dressed in their normal clothes which looked too expensive to be used for gardening and working with plants. The professor left the room while girls explained to me what happened.

Jess: You lost your consciousness during the first class and have been asleep since. Today is the last day of the camp actually.

Me: Oh, great. So we are going back to the university today.

Enko: Yes. Sorry.

Me: For what?

Enko: Well, we tried to heal you and help you as much as we could, Professors too, but you wouldn't wake up. And since they cannot wait for one student, they continued the lectures. But don't worry, we took notes and we will share them with you.

Me: Thank you, girls.

I drop my upper body back on the bed and stared at the wooden ceiling. I sighed and rested for a few minutes. The girls told me the time we are supposed to leave so I noted that to myself. I was thinking what would happened if I didn't wake up in time. Would they just carry me or transport with magic like they did to our luggage? I chuckled at that thought and then checked the time on my phone. I still had a few more minutes before we were supposed to meet up and leave to get back to the academy so I got up and went to pack my bag, at least those few things that I took out the first day of the camp. It is for the best, I guess. Those flower and animal spells wouldn't be of any use with my powers anyway and I don't have to wait more to go see the Principal.

Done with packing, I meet with the girls who were in the main room or a living room of some sorts just sitting down on the couch and talking. They noticed me after I closed the door on my room so they stood up, taking their suitcases and we leave the camp house. Locking the door behind us, we take a few steps to get off the house wooden pation and then see the keys disappear in golden sparks away from our hands. Looking back on the door, the house number disappeared too. Pushing their suitcases, I follow them with the duffel bag in my hand. The girls offered to help me carry it but I didn't want to bother them so I just lifted the bag, putting it on my shoulder as we continue to walk to the group of our classmates and Professors. They were waiting in the waste space of the camp, the same spot we arrived a week ago. After everyone gathered there and we joined the group, the bus warped in front of us, the door opening by itself. We go inside to take our seats again, without luggage since they told us it will be delivered to our dorm rooms at the academy. Ledon and his group went first, taking the five-seat in the back of the bus. Gan Fo sat at the window seat and he was looking outside not interacting with his two friends. Ledon man-spread his legs in the middle seat, both of the arms on the top of the seats and one of them hugging Mairi while she crossed her legs and leaned against Ledon's arm. I manage to sit down on the seat I had before. During the whole ride here I sat alone, no one sitting next to me on the empty seat, as I listened to music. I planned on doing the same but as soon as I tried to put the headphones in, Jess sat right next to me, smiling. Enko and some other classmate sat in front of us, sitting on their knees and popping from behind the seat.

Enko: Hey, do you mind?

Me: No, no. Sure. It's empty, you can sit there.

Jess: Sweet. This is Greta by the way.

Greta: Hi. Nice to meet you. I heard about you.

Me: Oh.

Greta: No! I mean, I did hear about you in the school and all those rumors but I never really wanted to believe them. And then I kind of got to know Jess and Enko during the free time in the camp and they seemed nice. They introduced you too and I wanted to talk to you.

Me: About what?

Greta: Heh, nothing much really. Just, talk, like friends and classmates. Can we? Be friends, I mean. I come from a non magical family backround too and I wanted to get close to you but with the rumors you know...

Me: Yeah. No problem. I would be happy to be friends with you, and thanks.

Greta: You don't have to thank me. You seem nice actually and not as bad as those rumors said.

Me: I mean, I am pretty bad with magic if you can tell.

The girls look at me and then we start to laugh. We talked throughout the whole way back to the academy. We got closer to each other, sharing our memories, incidents with magic in our lives, well, at least those hilarious ones which made me relate to Greta more than the girls even though my accidents weren't that funny. But girls shared some stories about how their parents made them study hard, to become stronger since their families are not that well know and wanted to make a name for themselves. How they tried to do some potions and it blew up, changing their haircolor or making the statues around their house alive and yap or sing through the whole night that they've had to put a tape on their mouths until they could figure out how to turn the statues back to normal. The drive home went faster than the one to the camp. Thanks to the girls, I had so much fun, at least during the bus drive if not during the camp. Soon after we arrived to this one alley and we entered, it changed and got darker, familiar tall trees decorated it from both sides. I knew we must be close since we could see the Inyll gate in the distance open for us. As we were going to pass through the gate it suddenly closed itself. The breaks hit down and the bus stopped abruptly, making everyone's body jerk to the front and then something hit us from both sides, making the bus shake. Some students fell out from their seats, others were banged up from hitting the seats or the windows. The front of the bus got damaged, a few windows broke, others just cracked. It was chaos and no one really knew what was going on. The Professors tried to calm us down and started casting protection spells from the inside, creating a golden see through shield. Professor Hellion saw something and he told us to back up in the bus if we can. He whispered something to the other Professors and then he jumps out of the bus, that has stopped shaking now and we could catch our breaths while the students were hanging onto the seats or trying to crawl to the back of the bus or hide under somewhere to shield from the shattering glass. I tried to focus and look around to see what was going on. Our Botany Professors stayed inside the bus, casting spells. Plants started to grow around the bus, making a secondary shield around us. Meanwhile, Professor Halloda and Haldir left the bus and joined Professor Hellion in the fight. After it all calmed down and we heard Professor Halloda yell that the air is clear, Professor Nannieya and Naki let down the shield. We get closer to the windows to watch and saw the professors taming this huge disgusting beast. They conjured up ropes and caught it with them. Professor Halloda and Haldir having trouble keeping it captured meanwhile Professor Hellion was trying to subdue it with a spell. One of the ropes broke, making Professor Halloda fall back and drop on the ground. The beast pulled on the remaining rope, tearing it and pulling Professor Haldir with it, launching him into the air. Professor Nannieya joined them on the outside and summoned roots from the ground, catching the Professor. The beast swayed with its' wings, flying up. You could see its four arms, strong muscular legs. It must be at least seven feet tall, adding another four feet to the size with the span of its wings, red glowing eyes in the darkened skye piercing into your soul if you look directly into them. Then the beast gathered up speed and flew directly at the bus but before it could hit us, it suddenly screeched and got turned into a cloud of dust. The grey particles gathered up in the wind and flew up over the Inyll gate, turning into a gargoyle statue. Only a familiar male voice in the distance tried to calm us down and asked everyone if they are okay. It was Principal Idarin. He told the Professors and us to gather up in front of him. We left the bus and get together with the group of professors. Then Professor Minertha and some other guy warped right next to the Principal.

Principal Idarin: Please, remain calm and wait until we can check you up.

Ledon: What is going on? Why cannot we go to the school? Explain it!

Professor Minertha: Because of this incident, you need to be examined and we need to find out the source of any contamination.

Ledon: Something attacked us and WE need to be examined?!

Unknown guy: If you haven't learned about the history of the school and its area then you should really study up more, young magician adept. Also, study manners.

Principal Idarin: Everything will be explained. This is Principal Haydos of the Umbras academy. He is here to remain sure no threat will get inside the school. Please make a line and get examined by Professor Minertha.

One by one, we stood in line in front of Professor Minertha who scanned us with her glowing purple eyes and sprinkled us with some weird silver glittery fairy dust or something. Everyone seemed to pass the examination. So Principal Idarin gathered us again and explained what happened.

Principal Idarin: Most of the time, the beast you saw is not visible at all. It only attacks if it senses some danger that should not set foot into the barrier and get into the school.

Mairi: That is really dangerous. What if some non-magical person got here, or worse, what if it killed us during the attack?

Principal Idarin: The being, Ityx, is a guardian of the school and a part of the gate. It knows how to differentiate between humans and evil entities. It is supposed to only attack if there is something trying to infiltrate the school that is not supposed to be there. You just got back from the one-week camp in the Mildarion forest. Something must have hijacked you on your way back here and tried to pass through the gate. All of you passed the examination and we haven't found the contamination, which must mean that the dark entity must have been defeated or fled. You are allowed to enter the academy grounds now and resume your activities.

People started to talk between themselves about what happened. Ledon and the squad didn't waste any time, groaned and they went inside first. Me and the other classmates were still standing grouped up and talking about the attack. Some were still scared or shaken up but nothing seemed out of the ordinary so we decided to go inside too and get some rest before the classes start again tomorrow. On my way inside, I look up to check the statue of Ityx sitting above the gate. For some reason, it seemed like I could still hear it breathing, its eyes sparkle in a dimmed red light. Looking back down to see where I was walking, I was almost through the gate, but then suddenly I bumped into something invisible. It was holding me back and I couldn't walk any further. The gate started to shake and everyone looked back to see what was going on. The black shadowy barrier of the gate started to asphyxiate me. Slowly getting out of breath, I try to fight and get through it. Then I was thrown out of the gate into the schoolyard, falling and sliding on the grass. Everyone looked in my direction, shocked. Great, what did I break this time? Pushing myself up from the ground with my arms, I stay kneeling on the ground, coughing and trying to catch my breath. Finally, with a little bit of my strength back in my legs, I stand up to see what happened. The gate stayed visible in the school area and also the alley got connected to the outside world, cars driving and honking in the distance. Principal Idarin and Haydos ran up to the gate and tried to close it with a spell. It took a great deal of magic from both of them but they managed to close it. With heavy breaths, they try to calm down the surrounding students and Professors who explaimed and started to talk. Then their gaze falls upon me and their eyes open wide. They yell something at me but I couldn't hear them, they were too far away. I walk up to them but they signal me to stop. I didn't understand why until I could feel the tingling of the electricity and see the blue light around me get more and more visible. Principal Haydos ran up to me but I just continued to walk until I was out of the electric field. It was the barrier. Principal Haydos out of breath caught up with me and grabbed my shoulders with a strong grip. Soon Principal Idarin joined us too.

Principal Haydos: Are you okay, magician?

Principal Idarin: Kaitlin, how are you feeling? Any disturbances around you or in your body?

Me: No. Not really.

Principal Haydos looks at Principal Idarin with a concerned look. The same one as everyone else around has on their faces right now. My classmates, professors, even random students who were hanging around the areal looked at me.

Principal Haydos: Maybe the effect of the barrier is lagging and will come later?

Principal Idarin: Can we do something about it?

Principal Haydos: I don't think so. No one from Aveus has stepped into the barrier and had no consequences later.

Me: Oh, the barrier? We heard in our classes about its power.

Principal Haydos: Stupid child, why did you go into it then, knowing the impact of it? Magicians cannot touch or walk through the barrier without their bodies being burned by its power after touching it or even sometimes from the inside out and evaporated immediately if you stay in it for too long!

Me: I don't know what does it mean, but I already did it once.

Principal Idarin: You tried to go through it even though we teach you not to do it?!

Principal Haydos: You really need to get your students in check, Idarin!

Me: No, no. That's not what I meant. On the first day when I got accepted into the school, I walked through the gate but I was in this field of electricity and blueish light around me. Someone called upon me and I walked to them, it was on this side and then they told me that I got accepted into the Aveus Academy. Nothing really happened to me after that though.

Principal Idarin: You- you can walk through the barrier?

Principal Haydos: There is only one way to test it out.

They let go of me and they ask me to walk to the Umbras side of the academy on the other side of the barrier. Principal Idarin was a little bit skeptical about it and didn't want me to risk it, but I knew that nothing is going to happen to me, so I turned around and walked into the barrier, reaching the other side, then coming back to them. They both look at each other and then Principal Idarin tells Professor Minertha to summon the whole school council and meet up in his office. Then he turned to me and asked me to go with him into his office, joined by Principal Haydos. We walk through the group of students scattered around the area, watching us as we pass them. Through the whole school, people stopped and stared at me walking behind both Principals, whispering something between themselves. Great, new rumors about me doing something coming right up tomorrow. Principal Haydos yells at them with a stern face, telling them to continue on their way to the classes or go back to the dorm. They slightly bow their heads at the Principal and then they go their ways. We go up to the Principal Idarin's office. In front of the office are the Professors from the student council already waiting. There were Professors Minertha, Coldos, and Irasil, but also other three teachers I didn't recognize. They greeted the Principals and then we entered the office. Principal Idarin sat in his seat and Principal Haydos stood in the corner of the office near the window, with his arms crossed in front of his chest and leaning against the wall.

Principal Idarin: Thank you for joining us on such short notice. Some of you already might know magician adept, Kaitlin Holland. We had some intriguing meetings before and we meet again.

Professor Coldos: Another fight with a demigod student since the Umbras council is also present? Good for you child that you have so much battle power but not in this school.

Principal Idarin held up his open hand in the air, stopping Professor Coldos from speaking, and then he continued, little worry in his voice. His expression was sadder than usual and a bit concerned too.

Principal Idarin: I have to admit, you are an unusual student Ms. Holland. We would love to get to the root of this mistake that happened on our side.

Professor Coldos: We did something? This seems to be out of the ordinary to be presented in front of the whole council, Principal Idarin, since I have no recollection of the magical Holland family. As I presumed, this, Ms. Holland, must not be from a prominent family, why are any problems with her discussed with the whole council presented?

Principal Hayden, who was standing and looking out of the window like he is not interested in the conversation, joins it and explains everything. He is younger than Principal Idarin and looks scarier than him with his trimmed beard and his deep brown eyes, he reminds me more a mafia boss than a school principal. His body is big and muscular, hidden under a dark gray suit, his expression looks angry.

Principal Haydos: Since her admission, she was put into Aveus Academy for magicians, even though she must possess god blood when she is able to walk through the barrier without evaporating. Young Ms. Holland was mistaken by the Inyll gate and us as a magician descendant even though we can tell now that she clearly must be a demigod. So, yes, Coldos, we made a mistake and it is going to be presented in front of the whole school council.

Professor Coldos gulped his guilt and his words in shock, and stared at me. I was standing in front of them, a nervous wreck not knowing what's going to happen to me. All I wanted to talk to Principal Idarin about was me leaving the magician course at Aveus, getting back into the outside world and maybe to get some magical potion to get rid of my powers so that I don't cause troubles. Got my wish of meeting and talking to him but I didn't like the way this conversation was taking its' direction. Mostly the words he said after a long discussion.

We apologize to you, Ms. Holland. Please, let us investigate this further, meanwhile, you will be redirected and admitted as a new student at Umbras Academy.

Mention later. Her mom getting grabbed by Kalai guards/ sentinels

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A/N - content notes

• Ityx - stone creature sitting above the Inyll gate, guarding the school

• Inyll - name of the gate Kaitlin saw in the 1st chapter, it serves as a sorting system for students when they are admitted to the academy. Based on their blood the gate let's them pass either to Aveus or Umbras side.

• Aveus program = Aveus academy - part of the academy for magicians

Aveus (pronounced in latin, Ah - ve - us)

• Umbras program = Umbras academy - part of the academy for demigods

Umbras (pronounced in latin, Um - bras)