Red Pov
'Where am I?'
'Who are you people?'
I couldn't believe the words that flew right out of my mouth. They escaped before I could even process them, leaving me in a state of disbelief. Was I going crazy? It certainly felt that way. But to my surprise, my impulsive question seemed to have an effect. The room fell into a momentary silence, and I could see the confusion mirrored on the faces of those around me.
A voice emerged from the midst of the gathering, breaking the stillness. "What do you mean you don't know how you got here, young one?" I turned my gaze toward the source of the inquiry and found myself locking eyes with an elderly woman. Despite her advanced years, she possessed an otherworldly beauty that seemed to defy the passage of time. Her pale, smooth skin and captivating presence hinted at the magic that permeated this realm.
A thought intruded upon my consciousness, a whisper from within. Could she be a wolf? The question caught me off guard, and I dismissed it as my own self-consciousness attempting to make sense of the unfamiliar surroundings.
To sell my act, I had to appear confused and panicked, as though I were in grave danger. "I don't know how I got here," I stammered, injecting a hint of fear into my voice. "All I remember is being chased by wolves. They were terrifying, but I couldn't get a clear look at them."
"My child, are you certain you didn't catch even a glimpse of them?" the elderly woman inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Their eyes were glowing with various colors, and they were enormous," I continued, allowing a tremor to creep into my voice. The dramatic effect added weight to my words, heightening the tension in the room.
I scanned the room, aware of the gaze of the men and women fixated upon me. The students had been ushered away, leaving only the teachers and elderly figures present. Their contemplative expressions conveyed the gravity of the situation.
"I don't know what to do," one of the men muttered, his voice filled with uncertainty. "She shattered the Crystal of Soul, an artifact of immense power. I can't fathom how she survived."
Survived? The realization hit me like a thunderclap. If I had truly broken such a potent artifact, my life should have been forfeit. Panic surged within me as I contemplated the countless experiences I had yet to enjoy-moments of joy, adventure, and connection. I couldn't die now; it felt inconceivable.
Amidst my thoughts, I noticed the elderly figures donning dark wine-colored robes, some concealing their faces beneath hoods, while others revealed their weathered countenances. My uncle, who I had assumed had abandoned me, remained in the room, his attention fixed on the ongoing discussion. The fact that he had stayed by my side despite the circumstances gave me a glimmer of hope.
Seizing the opportunity, I whispered in a voice just loud enough for him to hear, "Hey." But before I could utter another word, his eyes bore into mine with a mixture of anger and warning. It was a familiar look-one that Aunt May often gave me when I crossed a line. It silently conveyed the message, "Don't you dare."
The attention in the room shifted away from me as the discussion among the elders intensified. This was my chance to seek answers from my uncle, to understand the unfolding events. I desperately wanted to reach out to him, to plead for his guidance, but his stern gaze held me in check.
"We cannot linger here forever, endlessly debating," one of the men interjected, breaking the deadlock. "We must proceed to the Chamber of Chances and approach this matter with reason and caution."
"You speak wisely, Elder Marth," another man concurred.
The Chamber of Chances? What was that? My mind raced with apprehension. I couldn't help but fear that it might be a place where my life would hang in the balance.
"Indeed," the elderly woman turned to my uncle, her eyes seeking his support. He stood there, an enigmatic smirk playing upon his lips. How could he find amusement in such a dire situation?
"J, thank goodness you're here," the woman addressed my uncle, her voice infused with relief. "Why don't you take Miss-" Her gaze shifted to me, awaiting my response.
" Red Ma," I replied, offering a slight bow of respect. There was an air of elegance about the woman that demanded my admiration.
"What a unique name, dear," she remarked, her smile radiating warmth. Then, turning her attention back to my uncle, she spoke with a touch of authority. "Why don't you escort Miss Red to the chamber? The elders and I will join you shortly." She gently placed her hand on my uncle's shoulder, her eyes signaling a mix of trust and expectation.
He responded with a dignified nod, his gaze distant and detached. As he approached, it felt as though he was a stranger, his once-familiar face now shrouded in a veil of solemnity. He gestured for me to follow him, his hand extending toward the dimly lit corridor. Uncertainty tinged my heart, but I obeyed his silent command without hesitation, falling into step beside him.
Casting a final glance at the Elders, who had been addressed as such by the woman of otherworldly beauty, I noticed their expressions were a mix of gravity and anticipation. They seemed to be deep in contemplation, their eyes locked in an unspoken exchange. It was evident that the matter at hand carried immense significance.
The corridor stretched out before us, seemingly endless in its expanse. The walls, adorned with faded tapestries and framed portraits of regal figures long past, whispered stories of a bygone era. The air was heavy with the weight of history, as if the very essence of time clung to the walls. I couldn't help but wonder at the age of this place, its ancient charm evoking a sense of awe within me.
My uncle abruptly halted, his body pivoting to face me with a mixture of anger and concern etched upon his features. His piercing stare bore into my soul, as if searching for answers that eluded him. The intensity of his gaze was disconcerting, a reminder of his parental authority that I had yet to become accustomed to.
"Are you crazy?" he blurted out, his voice laced with a blend of frustration and worry.
I couldn't help but question my sanity in that moment. The events that had unfolded had defied reason and logic, leaving me grasping for understanding.
"I ask myself that all the time," I replied, a touch of weariness seeping into my voice.
"You would have gotten yourself killed out there. I specifically told you not to move-"
"Oh, don't move? You told me to fucking freeze, and for your information it hurt like hell," I interjected, unable to contain my frustration. The memory of the chase and the pain in my neck lingered, though the adrenaline had dulled my senses to the physical discomfort.
He seemed taken aback by my retort, his anger momentarily subsiding. There was a flicker of regret in his eyes, an acknowledgment of his own culpability in the situation.
"I agree, I made a mistake," I conceded, my voice carrying a hint of contrition.
Kinda.
But there were more pressing matters at hand. I couldn't let his earlier comment slide.
"What did the Elders discuss? I swear I saw you smirking," I inquired, curiosity tinged with a touch of suspicion.
"I can't tell you that, but trust me, it's a very good idea," he replied cryptically, his voice barely above a whisper. With that, he turned away, leading me further down the corridor toward a door that beckoned us.
I followed closely behind him, my eyes wandering as we walked. The side of the school building revealed itself to me, its architecture hinting at a rich history. The windows, or rather the gaps in the walls that allowed a diffused light to filter through, carried the patina of age. It was evident that time had left its mark on this place, and I couldn't help but marvel at the stories etched into its very foundation.
"Now listen to me this time," my uncle instructed, his voice tinged with annoyance, as he came to a stop in front of the door. His eyes bore into mine, as if willing me to comprehend the gravity of his words.
How did Aunt May ever date this man?
"Whatever they say, even if it hurts, don't talk back," he advised. I couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement at his warning. After all, I had struggled to find my voice in confrontations far less significant than those that awaited me in the presence of these powerful beings.
I nodded in agreement, though a sense of trepidation gnawed at me. How would I navigate this unfamiliar territory, where silence seemed to be the key to survival?
Before I could delve deeper into my thoughts, my uncle swung open the door, revealing a grand chamber that sprawled out before us. The room was vast, its ceiling reaching heights that demanded reverence. At the far end, elevated seats beckoned the Elders, their figures shrouded in shadows. To see them clearly, one would have to take a step back, allowing their gaze to ascend and capture the full majesty of their presence.
"Well, Miss Red, we have deemed your case to be rare," one of the Elders began, his voice resonating with authority. As the door closed behind us, my uncle stood to the side, an observer to the proceedings.
"What we don't understand is how you arrived here, and for you to survive and still stand after the Crystal accident, it suggests that you may not be entirely human," another Elder added, their words hanging in the air with a mix of curiosity and concern.
The realization of my true nature had long been a companion within me, and their belated discovery brought a wry smile to my lips. My conscience resonated with their assessment, silently acknowledging the truth that had been hidden in plain sight.
In pretend shock, my eyes widened, feigning surprise as a veil to conceal my inner thoughts. The expressions of the Elders carried a hint of sympathy, as if they understood the weight of the revelation they had just shared.
"After careful deliberation and a series of votes, we have decided to keep you here under close observation," one of the Elders declared, their voice carrying a note of finality.
"What?" I whispered softly to myself, though I knew they heard my incredulous response.
"You heard us. Welcome to Mystic Academy, Miss Red," the same woman who had shown me kindness earlier spoke with genuine joy. I turned to my uncle, who stood there with a smile on his face, his eyes gleaming with pride. In that moment, he offered me a quick wink, a silent reassurance that things would be alright.
Atleast one good thing came out of this chaos.
Hope you enjoyed this Chapter ❤️