chapter three—the golden card.

—After Elodie's difficult interaction with Roland and her abrupt departure from the Manor, she made her way home through the forest.

Using her Nature Magic to create a barrier of dense branches around her cottage. This hidden sanctuary had been a secret from the village for years, and even Roland was unaware of its exact location. Once Elodie entered her cozy cottage, Alasdair and Trixie had arisen from her grimoire, their forms materializing from the pages as they always did.

"Hmm...I see it seems Young Roland won't be a bachelor any longer," Alasdair, with his cup of tea, mused over the situation about Roland, while Trixie expressed her disappointment at his lack of empathy.

"Alas!" The fairy in leafy green argued.

"What? It's the truth, is it not?" The ghost ferret aired lethargically.

"This is why I'm the more empathetic Keeper here. I thought after all this time, a spark of compassion would be there. Maybe even a grain."

"You don't know me too well then, Trixie. I'm not that type of person to explore 'feelings'. That is your territory." Through out their banter, it was clear that they had a long-standing relationship with Elodie, and were comfortable enough with her to have these playful conversations, even during difficult moments.

Despite their differences, they seemed to be loyal supporters of Elodie, and their presence provided her with some comfort in her sisters' absence.

"Please, stop fighting. It's fine, you two. Really..." Elodie placed her belongings on the bed and walked towards the kitchen near the cupboards.

"Roland is my friend, and he has always been kind to me, even though I am different from everyone else. I was born and raised on Earth, but I still struggle to fit in with the other kids. They treat me like an outsider, as if I don't belong.

However, I have found solace among the villagers, who accept me for who I am. And, my Nature Magic is growing stronger by the day. This power allows me to create a hidden sanctuary in my cottage, while also protecting me from the outside world. I understand this is where I truly belong, and I might come to accept it."

"Well, staying on Earth doesn't stop you from using magic..." Trixie pondered.

"You're right, Trixie." Alasdair added. "Nature Magic is incredible for healing and rejuvenation, and it's a gift from Vanora herself. Which means it's very precious and must not be used in front of humans," he warned and hovered over her.

"Although, it may not be considered the strongest alpha-Arcane type in terms of combat, it's unique and valuable in its own way. You should embrace it and believe in your abilities. With the dedication, you can harness this magic to its full potential and become an even stronger Arcanist.

"That's right," Elodie murmured and held out her hand with wisp of green stardust crackling from her palms. "No one else can perform this power but me..."

"Not your sisters, even the Divine Council themselves! Believe in your Quintessence and it will believe in you, Lady Elodie." Alasdair quoted.

Elodie then lowered her hand and raised an encouraged smile. "Yeah...I guess I understand."

"And it's not too late to show her other Arcane spells. Maybe try Water Magic..." Trixie insisted with a wiggle of her leafy eyebrows.

"Did you forget what happened last time, Trixie?" Alasdair groaned with a tone of annoyance.

"Oh...right..." Elodie tented her fingers and shyly looked away, remembering a time she wanted to learn other beta-Arcane types. She tried to levitate a large body of water, but ended up taking away the whole water supply from the village river and turning it into a dry wasteland. In the end, Alasdair eventually brought the water back by himself.

"You have almost gotten yourself exposed. I would gladly teach you the ways of Arcane Magic but I don't have the exact teachings if I could!"

"Alas is right. And I'm a Keeper who only knows Nature Magic like you. Alas and I don't really know how to teach you other spells."

"I wish someone would..." Elodie turned back but suddenly had a refracting light hit her eyes. Elodie turned away but immediately looked at the light, the source was coming from her desk near her bed. "Huh?"

Alasdair and Trixie followed Elodie towards the source of the light. The light began to dim down as she approached it, it was an object flaring with golden shine. "What is this?"

She held her hand and the shine faded, the object was a large rectangular card, looking to be made of solid gold. "A card? I've never seen this before."

Alasdair and Trixie looked at it and their eyes widened with immediate shock. "Alas, is that—"

Alasdair was flabbergasted. He never thought it would be in Elodie's hands. "But that's...impossible!"

"What? What is it?" Elodie turned to her Keepers, confused. The Golden Card in her hands began to spark and words were mystically engraved on it.

—"Dear Ms. Elodie Charmswell.

Congratulations. You have been humbly summoned to enroll in the Crestwood Academy of Magic.

Your magic prowess is dually needed for our school and you have even been recognized to stand amongst many of our proud students to

become the great spellcasters of tomorrow.

This Golden Card is your key to entering Gaia from Earth. And yes, I am the only one aware of your background as well as your 'status'. As soon as you arrive, meet with me in my office.

I would gladly enjoy your enrollment at Crestwood.

Kind regards

Principal Vox "—

Elodie noticed the signature of the Principal being only just a cat pawprint. Which was strange for a signature. But Elodie gazed down at the Golden Card, her eyes shining with excitement.

It was an invitation to enroll in Crestwood, and the chance to learn more about Arcane Magic seemed like the perfect opportunity for her to grow and explore her powers further. As she read the letter over and over again, the excitement she felt grew even more as she realized that this was all Xakheia's doing. It was a sign as clear as day.

"This Golden Card is my ticket to Gaia! And it seems that Principal Vox is the only one who knows about my background and status," Elodie exclaimed with excitement, her blue eyes shining with wonder.

Trixie and Alasdair looked at each other with a mix of disbelief and excitement. "Crestwood? Your sisters went to that school! Elodie, you must go," Trixie urged, encouraging her to embrace this incredible opportunity.

"Do you know what this means?! I can finally see them again! This proves it! Xakheia, Pandora! They want me back in the homeworld!" She giggled before jumping right into her bed, excited and purely elated. She held the golden card tightly in her hands, finally getting to see Gaia for herself.

Yet Alasdair was the only one who was still unsure of this whole ordeal. Was Xakheia really there? And was Gaia really safe to return to again?

"Lady Xakheia...what are you up to?"

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[ AUTHOR: heyo, hope you've enjoyed so far! Please vote and comment on what you think about it! It would mean so much if you supported this book! Ill try to update, about 5 chapters per month. I don't have much time because of college and other matters. But I hope you liked it. TSYM! ]