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“Don’t act so afraid, it’s just a school,” Mom said, almost laughing at my worry.
“Sure, if you are a vampire,” I scoffed. “Seriously. This is the exclusive, amazing, and fancy school that you have waited all of my life to send me to?” I asked, still aghast that I had to leave my family and friends behind.
“Farrah, you haven’t even given it a chance yet. You have no idea how lucky you are to have this experience. Especially…” her words were cut off as she turned away from me.
I opened my mouth to protest, but I quickly clamped it shut again. Attending Shadow Legacy Academy was always in the plan for me. Well, my parent’s plan for me, anyway. As far back as I could remember, my family had always talked about the magic that flowed through the halls of the academy. Coming from a long line of powerful witches, I would listen to the stories and grow excited about my own future. However, as I neared my teenage years, and my own powers never showed, the thought of attending the academy began to diminish until it was nothing more than a dreaded plague I would have to endure.
“Easy for you to say,” I mumbled. “We don’t even know if I will have any magic at all.”
Giving me a stern look, mom grabbed my suitcase and stood next to me. “Farrah, your time at Shadow Legacy Academy will only be what you make of it. Your powers will come; and if they don’t, we will still love you,” she assured me.
I just wish that her words made me feel better. Instead, they only drugged up more painful thoughts that seemed to consume all of my thoughts. While I didn’t seem to have any magic, I had been experiencing terrifying dreams that kept me up at night.
I had been afraid to tell my parents; and yet, I couldn’t fully explain to humans what I was going through. This prompted my human school to set me up with a counselor. My friends had supported me, but even they didn’t know the full extent of what I was going through. It was a secret I had locked away and feared would never go away.
Despite my parents' constant support, I couldn't bring myself to tell them about the nightmares and images that haunted me daily. . How could I explain to them that I was afraid of the darkness, that I couldn't sleep because I was terrified of what I might see in my dreams? I was sure they would think I was crazy. I mean, witches had the power to erase memories and create spells– but I hadn’t proven that I was even a witch yet. So, what I was experiencing couldn’t be cured within the supernatural community. That thought alone terrified me. We were supposed to be powerful witches, and here I was with no magic and now scared of the dark like a little kid.
Now, I was standing in front of my new home and school and I had no idea what lay in store for me.
Shadow Legacy Academy wasn’t just any school. No, this was a school for supernatural creatures who were descendants of powerful beings. Only those from strong and influential supernatural families could attend. We were literally their legacies.
“Farrah, just give it a chance. Maybe you will find the answers you seek,” she said, her wise words only causing more stress. She placed a hand on my shoulder, and I felt myself leaning in to her touch.
“Sure, mom. Hopefully,” I replied.
We made our way up to the large entry porch. Two massive gargoyle statues sat on either side of the stairs and they seemed to watch my every move. But, that couldn’t be the case, they were statues. Not real. Right?
The massive wooden doors opened on their own and I had to stifle a gasp at the sight. Even though I grew up knowing about magic and was born from a Witch, I had very limited knowledge and experience with real magic. In the human world, we were not allowed to practice magic. Only when you were placed under a ward or at a place like Shadow Legacy Academy, could we utilize our magic and powers. My mother had rarely used magic in front of me, so it was all very surreal to me.
Huffing, my mom stepped up to the large wooden doors and pushed her way inside. She had attended this school when she was my age and knew her way around like a pro. Me? I was reluctant to move, but found the courage to walk inside behind her.
I stepped inside the large academy. Ivory columns decorated with swirls of gold and crimson reached to a vaulted ceiling. The building was once an old plantation. It could fit three football fields side-by-side. The floor was made of white marble, and the various staircases and halls were wide enough to allow the students and staff to walk in groups. All of them were painted a rich cream color, and the doors and windows were framed with a rich, dark mahogany. Ornate molding traced around windows and doors. Upon looking closely, I made out dragons, wolves, and large, black crows carved into the woodwork. The ceiling was high, and dozens of chandeliers dangled from it between small buds of lights that hung down like stars.
A group of students walked past me, laptops in their arms. They all looked at me with bored expressions as they passed.They all wore white uniforms with blue trim and gold lace detailing.
“Don’t stare,” mom scolded me, as I watched the students walk by.
I was lost in a trance when her voice took me out of my own thoughts.
“It’s not like you prepared me for this place,” I grumbled back.
I knew it was rude, but I couldn’t help but stare. They all appeared so regal and powerful. I was a stark contrast to them and I knew it.
Loud, laughter made me turn my head just in time to see the headmaster approach us, her long purple robes trailing on the ground. She held out a hand and gave me a warm smile. “Welcome, my dear. My name is Headmaster Patricia. We have been anticipating your arrival,” she said.
“Thank you,” I greeted her.
“I hope your journey to Charleston was pleasant,” she says, her silver eyes staring right at me.
Gulping, I did my best to smile back. “Yes, it only took us a few hours to get here,” I explained.
Leaving my home in Asheville, North Carolina, had been difficult. I had friends and a life, but none of that mattered when your true legacy and heritage was on the line. Now, living right outside of Charleston, South Carolina, I had an entirely new life that I would have to acclimate to.
“We are just so grateful that you accepted Farrah,” my mom cuts in.
It was true; without showing any signs of magic or powers, I shouldn’t really be here right now. Most students who enroll have already experienced their powers and come to the academy to learn how to utilize their skills while living in the human world. Me, however, I’m going to have a long road ahead of me.
Nodding,Headmaster Patriciapursed her lips as she stared at me. “Well, it is true that we have made an exception with Farrah. With the long line of descendants from your family attending the academy, we have high hopes she won’t disappoint,” she said, her eyes narrowing in on me like a hawk.
