Black Angel

Chapter 1: A Palette of Solitude

The campus hummed with the vibrant energy of university life, an eclectic mix of personalities and dreams. Among the kaleidoscope of students, Victoria moved with an air of individuality that set her apart. Tall and slender, her jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face that bore a striking contrast—white as porcelain, with yellow eyebrows that lent her a curious, almost expressionless countenance.

Entering the final year of her graphic design studies, Victoria adorned herself in a wardrobe dominated by the absence of color. Black became her signature, a reflection of the intricacies within her, a choice that spoke volumes without uttering a word. Her expressive nature seemed to find solace in this minimalist palette, an outward manifestation of the vibrant thoughts swirling within.

While her peers often misconstrued her affinity for solitude as aloofness, Victoria reveled in the company of her own thoughts. She was a paradox, a lively and dynamic presence at the university yet averse to forging close connections. Despite her colorful personality, she preferred the shadows of anonymity, finding joy in the quiet moments of introspection.

As she navigated the bustling corridors of academia, Victoria garnered attention effortlessly. It wasn't just her appearance; it was the aura of mystery that surrounded her. She was known by all, admired from a distance, yet her inner circle remained a blank canvas.

Victoria's journey through university had been a series of missed connections and deliberate distances. The vivid memory of an encounter with an orange-haired classmate lingered. Despite the forced coffee rendezvous, Victoria had chosen silence, letting the echoes of unanswered messages and calls reverberate in the void. It wasn't that she lacked the ability to connect; rather, she found the canvas of her own company more captivating.

She often pondered the complexities of human relationships, the delicate dance of camaraderie and the subtle art of keeping people at arm's length. Opportunities to build close friendships had presented themselves, but Victoria, like an artist meticulously selecting her palette, chose to remain elusive.

Now, as the final year unfolded, a restlessness stirred within her. The monotony of routine weighed heavily, and Victoria felt a yearning for something beyond the confines of her known world. Little did she know that her life was on the brink of a transformation, a revelation that would plunge her into the kaleidoscopic realms of infinite universes. In this moment of introspection, as the vibrant hues of her thoughts collided with the stark black and white of her reality, Victoria sensed the stirring of a journey—one that would redefine her perception of self and unravel the enigma of her cultural heritage.

As Victoria gathered her belongings at the end of the art history class, she felt a tap on her back. Turning around, she saw the short, disheveled mixed-race girl who had been sitting behind her during the lecture. With bright eyes, the girl mentioned a recent computer class and the notebook Victoria supposedly left behind.

"I think I wrote something, but unfortunately, my notebook is not here," Victoria replied with a casual shrug, trying to recall the details of the previous day's computer class.

The short-haired girl dismissed it with a wave, signaling it wasn't a problem. Victoria refocused on the ongoing video lecture, but a persistent ringing in her ears and an overwhelming fatigue began to settle in. Struggling to maintain her composure, she stood rigidly throughout the lesson, battling the sensation of encroaching darkness that threatened to overtake her.

As the class concluded, and Victoria prepared to leave, she felt another hand on her back, but this time it was accompanied by a friendly wave. The face that greeted her was familiar—Adam, the boy from the room who exuded a positive energy. Although they hadn't interacted much, Victoria sensed his genuine and amicable nature.