Chapter 17

For the next year, my life was blissful—filled with days of learning with Mama, outings with Papa, and… well, handling creatures that could cause large commotions at night. But let's not talk about that part.

It truly felt like a warm and gentle breeze had enveloped my life. I had loving parents, a cozy home, and so much joy that the loneliness I'd felt after losing my friends seemed like a distant shadow.

At the moment, I was sitting in my room, staring at the crown tucked under the desk. Its gleaming surface seemed to hold remnants of memories I both cherished and wished to avoid.

"I don't feel lonely anymore," I murmured, my voice soft as I gazed at the crown. "I hope you all are doing well, too."

The memory of my friends brought a bittersweet ache to my heart. Missing them hurt, but knowing they were safe made it bearable.

Suddenly, Mama's voice rang out, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Aleena! Come out!"

"Yes, Mama!" I called back, hastily getting up.

I hurried out of my room and toward hers, only to stop dead in my tracks when I saw a familiar figure standing there.

"Aleena, do you remember her? She was the principal of the academy," Mama said with a gentle smile.

"Long time no see, little one!" the principal greeted warmly.

My body froze. Seeing her again made me feel fragile, as if I were a delicate piece of glass. A torrent of thoughts rushed through my mind: Why is she here? Did they figure it out? What will she do if she knows? What will I do?

Fear gripped me, and my legs gave out beneath me. I stumbled, then began backing away.

"Aleena, are you okay?" Mama asked, her voice tinged with concern.

I pointed at the principal with a trembling finger and stammered, "Mama… why is she here?"

The principal blinked in confusion, her expression softening.

Mama sighed, giving me an awkward smile. "Aleena, she's just here to talk about enrolling you in the academy."

"Huh?" I blinked, my confusion apparent.

Mama knelt down and picked me up, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. The warmth of her arms helped steady my frantic thoughts.

The principal, noticing my nervousness, spoke gently. "You see, little one, you weren't enrolled earlier because you already understood the basics of magic. Your father suggested we give you a grace period to settle in. Now that time has passed, I'm here to ask if you're ready to join."

So they don't know anything yet? Phew! I sighed internally, feeling the weight on my chest lighten.

"Wait, Aleena can already use magic?" Mama asked, startled.

I let out an awkward giggle. "Hehehe…"

The principal nodded. "It surprised me as well! But when the orb glowed that day, it revealed her remarkable control over magic."

Mama's face lit up with pride as she ruffled my hair. "My little Aleena," she said with a beaming smile.

The principal cleared her throat and continued. "So, let me ask again—would you like to join the academy?"

I hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Would Aleena have to leave Mama?"

The principal shook her head. "Not at all! You'd attend the academy for six hours each day and then come back home."

That sounded fair. Mama and Papa were usually busy for ten hours a day anyway.

"Then I will!" I declared, my voice firm and confident.

"Wonderful! But before we proceed, I'd like to see how well you can use your magic," the principal said with an encouraging smile.

That seemed fair too. Nodding, I conjured a tiny fireball in my hand. The warmth flickered gently, casting a soft glow in the room.

Mama gasped, her eyes wide with surprise. The principal, equally startled, leaned closer. "You can conjure it as well?"

"Um… yes?" I mumbled, tilting my head in confusion.

"Is there a problem?" Mama asked, her voice slightly anxious.

The principal shook her head quickly. "Not at all! Your daughter is incredibly gifted, Miss Xavier. Typically, children under the age of five have their magical abilities lightly sealed because their lack of control often leads to chaos. But Aleena…" She looked at me with a mixture of awe and respect. "She has mastered perfect control over her magic at such a young age. It's extraordinary."

I grinned brightly and announced, "I am Mama's daughter, after all!"

Mama laughed, pulling me close again. "Yes, you are."