Lupenvale

The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels over cobblestone gave way to the soft crunch of gravel as the path turned darker and wilder.

Elara pressed her forehead to the rain-slicked window, watching the gnarled trees blur past. Her reflection in the stained glass was pale, her silver eyes catching the sunlight that pierced the dense canopy.

She clutched her satchel tightly, the only anchor to the life of the castle which she had left behind. A deep unease coiled in her stomach now that the unseen destiny was approaching closer and closer.

Unable to sit back straight, she set her satchel aside and shifted seats, approaching the one near the horseman. Pulling a curtain aside, she peeked her head through the hollow frame. "How long is the journey?"

The driver, a chubby old man with a weathered face, cleared his throat. "First time to the Lupenvale Academy?"

Elara nodded. "Yes. Have you been there before?"