Chapter 5: Welcome to Destine Academy

Caroline stared out the window in awe. Expecting to see them descend over a bustling airport, she instead watched the dense treetops of the forest below looming nearer, illuminating in bursts as the plane's lights blinked on and off. Within seconds, they touched down onto a narrow runway in a clearing surrounded by an enormous forest of trees.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“Destine Academy, of course. Did I forget to mention we have our own private runway? We keep all contact with the outside world at a minimum.”

Caroline could only shake her head in disbelief as she waited for the plane to roll to a stop. Without another word, she followed her aunt from the aircraft, gripping the handrail as she tried to hurry down the steep steps. Another town car awaited them, a uniformed driver standing at attention by the open rear door.

“Welcome home, Headmistress Destine. A quick turn-around, I see.”

“Thank you, Desmond. You know how highly I value timeliness.”