Chapter 4: The Whispering Mirror

The morning sun gently filtered through the tall windows of Emberfell Mansion. At the grand dining table sat Lyla, Nova, Leo, Zara, and Solen, enjoying their breakfast together. Solen looked at Nova and chuckled, "Nova, again you slept in today. You're just like Zara used to be—do you remember, Zara, how much you used to sleep when we were little?"

Leo laughed. "And Lyla now scolds Nova for being late, but when she was younger, she'd sleep like a rock and always arrive late to class."

Zara added, "Nova looked a bit sad when she came out of lyla's room today. Something's bothering her. I'll go check on her."

But just as she stood up, Nova descended the staircase. Everyone at the table gasped. Nova had cut her hair shoulder-length. She looked radiant.

"You cut your hair?" Leo asked. "Why? You had beautiful long hair."

"Did something happen between you and Lyla?" Solen asked curiously.

"Whatever it is, you look really good," Zara smiled.

"Yes, you do," Lyla agreed warmly.

"Come eat something," Leo urged. "You must be hungry."

Nova quietly sat beside Lyla, and their loyal servant Graindflex served them breakfast. They all enjoyed the morning, chatting and laughing. The day felt special, for tomorrow their home would become quiet too quiet when the little mischief-makers would leave for Thornwick.

That night, Nova and Lyla went to sleep in Nova's room. Just before bed, a gentle knock came at the door.

"Can I come in?" Zara asked, stepping inside. She kissed both girls on their foreheads and whispered, "Tomorrow this house will feel empty. Sleep well, my darlings."

The next morning, Solen came early and woke them up excitedly. "My sweet girls, wake up! Put on your school uniforms and come down quickly. The sky carriage will be here soon."

"Sky carriage? What's that?" Nova asked.

"A magical transport," Solen smiled. "You'll love it. Lyla, go get ready. I've prepared something lovely for you."

When Lyla saw her Thornwick first-year uniform, she couldn't stop admiring it. The girls came down dressed, where Zara and Solen were preparing breakfast, and Leo sat reading the newspaper.

"You both look beautiful," Zara exclaimed. "Grab your books and come eat we have something important to tell you."

They sat at the breakfast table.

Leo looked at them seriously. "Lyla, your father's name is Thorne Emberfell. Nova, he is your godfather. Nova you have a twin sister her name is Mona and lyla she is also your sister. You'll meet her at Thornwick. I can't tell you more. Just finish your breakfast."

Nova blinked in shock. "What?! Dad, you knew? I have a sister? Why didn't you tell me?! Where is she?"

Solen gently placed her hand on Lyla's and Nova's ."Thorne is raising her. She lives with him. He's the Lord of the Hollow Court, master of black magic, and a very cold man."

Just then, the sound of a carriage echoed outside.

"The sky carriage is here," Zara said. "Come on, girls. Bring your bags."

Outside, the glowing sky carriage waited. On the morning of their journey to Thornwick, each first-year student had received a glowing letter. When touched, the letter folded into a paper bird and whispered, "Time to fly your sky carriage awaits."

The silver-white carriages shimmered in the sun, identical in design, hiding the house colors for now. They opened only when the student said their name aloud activating the Skybind charm. Inside, the carriages were warm, cozy, and filled with humming seats and glowing orbs. Celestails giant winged creatures with glowing feathers pulled the carriages across hidden sky paths.

As Lyla and Nova climbed in, Zara hugged them tightly, tears in her eyes. Solen held both their hands. "I know this is a lot to take in. But it's the truth. We love you."

Leo gave each of them a special necklace. "Say the spell: Baskar to open the door."

"Baskar," Lyla said, and the door opened.

The Emberfell mansion stood quiet as the sky carriage took off.

"It's beautiful," Lyla whispered.

Soon, the carriage landed in front of a large house. A girl stepped out she had long black hair, jet-black eyes, fair skin, and a smart, playful smile. She opened the carriage with "Baskar," hugged her family goodbye, and stepped in.

"What's your name?" Lyla asked.

"Ilisha Devarshi."

"I'm Lyla Emberfell, and this is Nova Moonhart."

"Nice to meet you," Ilisha smiled.

Nova remembered something. "I read about your family many years ago, no magical children were born in the Devarshi family. But a prophecy said a magical daughter would be born, and she would break the curse. After her, the family would have many magical children. You're that girl, aren't you?"

Ilisha smiled. "Yes. It's written in the History of Devarshi book."

"I read it in the magical market," Nova beamed.

A beautiful friendship began between the three.

That night at 10:00 PM, their carriage arrived at Thornwick. The castle stood like a dream deep grey stone, glowing runes, ivy shimmering silver in the breeze. Crystal lanterns floated, and the castle seemed alive.

As they entered, magical creatures greeted them: Glimberwisp lit their way, Snorkbits cleaned the floors, Wixies flew with scrolls, Brimblor warmed cauldrons, Flinka the memory owl hooted shyly, Drizzbits splashed in fountains, and old Thimbletox welcomed them with grumbling warmth.

Inside the Grand Hall, stars twinkled on the enchanted ceiling. Four long tables waited Verdentide, Lunaris, Solburn, and Mystveil. Students whispered and giggled as first-years entered.

Principal William, old and wise with a white beard, stood to welcome them. He called names for House Sorting.

"Lyla Emberfell."

She walked to the Mirror of Essence. It murmured, "So much confusion. You are brave, bold, magical, curious, clever... Solburn or Mystveil?" After a pause, it declared: "Solburn!"

Applause echoed as she joined the Solburn table.

"Nova Moonhart."

The mirror quickly chose. "Solburn!"

She joined Lyla happily.

"Livra Windgrove."

"Solburn!"

She sat beside Lyla and Nova, becoming fast friends.

"Ilisha Devarshi."

The mirror hesitated. "You fit every house... Calm, graceful, focused. Lunaris!"

Principal William smiled. "A rare one indeed."

She joined celestia and aurelia sat down beside Aurelia and Celestia, who were already chatting softly. Ilisha had a bold personality, often the first to speak her mind, while Aurelia carried a quiet elegance and grace. Celestia, with her curious questions and sharp wit, added a spark to every conversation. The three formed a unique trio — strong, stylish, and confident in their own ways — and their bond only deepened as they laughed together over inside jokes and secrets.

"Adien Thornvale."

"Earth-balanced, wise. Verdentide!"

He sat beside Keal , his cheerful energy instantly brightening the space. With a friendly grin, Kel introduced his best friend, Lavya, to Adien. Lavya, new to the scene, had a calm and observant nature, unlike Kel's loud confidence. She greeted Adien with a polite nod, her intelligent eyes scanning the hall with curiosity. Lavya was known for her sharp mind and quiet strength — a perfect balance to Kel's playful boldness.

Just as the introductions ended, Lucian arrived and slid into the seat beside Adien on the other side, flashing a relaxed smile. Lucian had a quiet, thoughtful presence — someone who didn't speak much but whose words always mattered. His deep loyalty to Adien was clear in the way he instantly joined the group without hesitation. With Lucian sitting on one side and Kel on the other, Adien now found himself between two very different yet trustworthy friends.

"Mona Emberfell."

Lyla and Nova watched breathlessly. The mirror whispered: "Mystveil!"

She joined Rive. Lyla smiled. "That's my twin sister."

Livra leaned closer. "Nova, she's your twin? But her last name is Emberfell. Yours is Moonhart."

"Lyla's dad raised her as his own," Nova explained quietly.

Meanwhile, Rive befriended Rudra Mossglen and Kiaan Thornbell, Kael's best friend.

As the hall quieted, Principal William rose from his grand chair and smiled gently at the new faces before him. "First-years," he began, his voice warm yet commanding, "before your journey begins, allow me to introduce the ones who will guide you through the wonders of magic." One by one, the professors stood as their names were called, their presence as striking as their magical auras.

Professor Elion Vexthorn, tall and mysterious, would teach Spellcraft the very art of weaving spells and unlocking arcane energy.

Mistress Vanya Brewnist, known for her precise methods and violet robes, would guide them through the bubbling world of Potionology.

For the past and legends that shaped their magical world, there stood Professor Grindlewax Brewnist, keeper of ancient tomes and the master of Magical History.

With silver hair flowing like a breeze, Professor Faelora Duskpetal, a gentle soul, would teach them about Enchanted Creatures and the secrets of taming mythical beings.

Standing with a broad stance and a sword at his hip, Master Garrik Stormbane was the fierce yet fair teacher of Fightlogy defense against both spell and blade.

Lady Zephyra Flamehart, radiant and calm like a sunset flame, would train them in Elementaria the control of elemental forces.

Nature's own sage, Virendra Mossgrove, wise and serene, would be their guide through the mysteries of Mystica Nature.

Mechanical marvels and magical machines would be the domain of Professor Elric Gearweld, who taught Arcanum Tech with sparks in his eyes and tools at his belt.

And finally, cloaked in twilight, stood Mistress Nymera Noctwing, the enigmatic guardian of Shadow Lore, who spoke in riddles and taught of darkness not as evil but as a path to balance.

With each introduction, the hall seemed to shimmer a little more, and every student felt the thrill of knowing that they were about to learn from the greatest magical minds of Thornwick.

William nodded. "Show the students to their dorms. There are four towers for four Houses. A guidebook awaits you with rules and your full

class schedule. May your first day at Thornwick be magical."

And so, their journey into the world of magic, mystery, and destiny had truly begun