Chapter 18

I was riding to the academy in a car with the principal, my face pressed against the glass as I tried to catch one last glimpse of Mama.

"Mama!" I whined, tears welling up in my eyes as I tried to snuggle myself into her arms before she pulled away.

"Don't worry, sweetheart," she said softly, crouching down to wipe my tears. "It's just a short time, and when you come back, we'll play a lot, okay?"

"Promise?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Promise," she said with a warm smile, kissing my forehead before gently placing me back in the car.

I watched her wave as the car pulled away, my heart aching as the distance grew between us.

The principal started the car, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. "She loves you very much, you know."

I didn't answer, burying my face in my hands. My tears made it hard to be excited about the academy, but I tried to be brave.

After a while, the principal broke the silence. "So, Aleena," she began, her tone curious, "do you know about the elements in magic?"

"Elements?" I mumbled, lifting my head. I tilted it, feigning confusion.

"Yes, the types of magic people can use," she explained. "Like how you used fire magic. Can you use any others?"

I perked up, raising my hands proudly. "Yes!"

Her eyes widened slightly as she asked, "Which ones?"

"Um… First is fire, then water, then air, then earth, then the sparkle sparkle one, and then the black gooey one! So… six in total!" I announced, counting them off on my fingers.

The car screeched to a halt.

"Did you say you can use all six?" she asked, turning to me, her voice a mix of disbelief and shock.

"Hm! Did Aleena not do well?" I asked, tilting my head innocently. (I deserve an award for this performance!)

The principal blinked rapidly before adjusting her glasses. "You… mentioned sparkle. Do you mean light magic?"

"It sparkles!" I chirped, giggling.

She fell silent for a moment before starting the car again. "Well, let's get to the academy. We'll discuss the rest later, okay?"

"Okay!" I replied cheerfully.

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The academy's tall, sprawling building loomed ahead, its grand spires reaching into the sky. The intricate carvings on its stone façade gleamed in the sunlight, and the massive iron gates creaked open as we approached. I pressed my face to the window again, overwhelmed by how big it was.

As I stepped out of the car, my gaze shot upward, trying to take it all in. The building seemed endless. I craned my neck so far back that I lost my balance and tumbled onto the ground with a soft thud. Embarrassed, I quickly scrambled back up, brushing off my dress.

The principal chuckled. "Careful, Aleena. You'll have plenty of time to explore."

I nodded shyly and instinctively reached for her hand as we walked inside. The academy was just as impressive on the inside, with towering marble columns, gleaming floors, and colorful tapestries that seemed to tell ancient stories. The air smelled faintly of parchment and something sweet, like flowers.

After what felt like forever, we reached a smaller, cozier room filled with books and papers. The principal gestured to a chair in front of a large wooden desk. "This is my office," she said warmly. "If you ever need anything, you can come here, and I'll be happy to help."

I stared at the tall chair and hesitated. With great determination, I clambered onto it, struggling for a moment before finally sitting triumphantly. The principal stifled a laugh and sat down across from me.

"Now," she said, leaning forward, "show me the other magics."

I nodded eagerly and conjured a small ball of water in my hands. It shimmered gently before dissipating.

"Great! Next?"

I summoned a swirling miniature tornado, its wind brushing lightly against the papers on her desk.

"Excellent! What about earth magic?"

I closed my eyes, and a clump of soil materialized in my hands. I giggled as I juggled it between my palms.

Her smile grew, but I noticed her leaning closer now, her interest sharpening. "And the sparkle sparkle one?"

I thought for a moment. Why is she so excited about light magic? Is it for healing? Shrugging internally, I conjured a glowing orb of light, its sparkles dancing in the air like fireflies.

"Sparkle sparkle!" I giggled.

The principal's eyes widened, her breath catching. "You're… using light magic." Her voice was soft, almost reverent, as if she were staring at something sacred.

I tilted my head. "Is that bad?"

"No, no," she said quickly, her composure returning. "It's… remarkable."

She then leaned back in her chair, her expression guarded. "Now the last one."

I nodded and conjured a wave of dark magic. It swirled around my hand, invisible to anyone but me.

The principal stared. "Why aren't you making it?"

I blinked at her. "I did. It's right here! Can't you see it?" I waved my hand for emphasis.

She frowned, pulling out her glasses and wiping them. "I… don't see anything."

"It's there!" I insisted. "It moves things!"

Her brow furrowed. "Moves things?"

I pointed at the pen on her desk. Slowly, it lifted into the air and hovered before setting itself down again.

Her jaw dropped, and she leaned back in her chair, her face pale. "Aleena…" she murmured. "You can see it?"

"Yes!" I said brightly.

She slumped back, staring at me like I was some kind of enigma. "What… kind of child are you?" she whispered to herself.

I tilted my head, confused. "Aleena is Aleena!"

But in her eyes, I could see it—a mix of awe and fear.