Tale of the Gifted Beings

chapter 12

chapter 12

SUNLIGHT ENTERED through the chinks in the heavy white curtains of my room. The air smelled of lavender, and the old books wafting through the air were an odd yet comforting blend. I sat on my bed, a whirlpool of thoughts swirling in my mind as I continued trying to connect the dots. I was still attempting to comprehend the weird happenings piling up from day one. It was as if yesterday I were just another girl in Perthlochry, living the mundane life of a human. Moments later, I found myself in the midst of a fantasy. A question lingered, snaking its way into my thoughts: how on earth did an ordinary girl like me fit into this whole situation?

I pressed my forehead against the cool windowpane, my reflection wavering in the glass. My eyebrows furrowed as I recalled Augustus, Leo, and Mamori. How could she not think about how not only do they look so similar, but they also share the same surname? She seemed oblivious to these peculiarities, and I couldn't help but feel confused even more. Yes,  they do have some differences, but the similarities are very strange. And that's even more confusing.

Shaking my head, I retreated from the window, the cold glass leaving a temporary imprint on my skin. Also, knowing the last rule of the academy, was the key to all these mysteries hidden behind that door? Was the key to all of my questions hidden inside that room? And why is Noelle so hostile toward me? Have I done something—anything?

As if sensing my turmoil, Ophelia leapt onto my bed. Her emerald eyes, always so full of mystery, met mine, offering silent solace. I found comfort in the rhythmic purring that filled the room as I stroked her glossy fur. Every stroke, every purr, was a moment of tranquility amidst everything.

I then laid back on the bed. The ceiling, adorned with white carvings, seemed to twinkle in agreement with my thoughts. Every object in Miss Alice's home held a story—a whisper, if I remember. I just could not shake the feeling that Mamori knew more than she let on, especially with Leo and Augustus. She had this way about her, though. It's like she saw the invisible strings that tied their fate together. We've shared secrets, laughter, and moments of vulnerability. Yet the growing suspicion that she's withholding something stings my trust.

Because of that, I left my musings as I moved towards the bathroom, the cool marble tiles sending a shudder up through my bare feet. Steam began to cloud the room as I let the warm water cascade over me, washing away the dust of confusion but not the thoughts that lingered. I emerged from the bath, feeling lighter yet laden with questions. Next, I rummaged through my closet. I reached for the white dress hanging on the rosewood armoire, its fabric embracing me as I slipped it on. I gently picked up Ophelia and descended the grand staircase.

"Good morning!" Miss Alice greeted me. I barely even noticed her. Her jet black hair glowed like a halo in the light, and her dark eyes sparkled with warmth.

Augustus stood by her side as well. His long, dark-brown hair, which waved like the ocean, shimmered as he smiled. Augustus and Leo's similarities were undeniable, and Mamori's feigned ignorance was becoming harder to overlook.

I greeted them both and moved towards the dining area, acting as if nothing bothered me as the symphony of smells wafted from the kitchen. The long, mahogany table was already bustling with the rest of the gifted orphans. Their laughter and chatter filled the room, and I couldn't help but look at them from a safe distance. Sebastian moved with an elegance that was almost dance-like, serving the children their breakfast. The clinking of cutlery against china plates, the soft hum of conversation, and the aroma of freshly baked bread created a weird sense of comfort.

As I took my place at the table, Ophelia curling up at my feet, I watched, my gaze softening, as Miss Alice methodically sliced through her loaf of bread as if she were conducting a silent task of her own. Her eyes flickered from one orphan to the next. A smile graced her face, and it felt strange. Or was I just being dramatic? I mean, whatever.